University of Auckland Debating Society

Valentino Tew is a fourth year law student and our President for 2025! He’s been in debating since year 8 and has not closed his mouth since. Achievements-wise, Valentino is an Officers Cup Semi-finalist and winner of the North Island Novice Debating Championships (Thropy). Like most of Gen-Z he spends too much of his time on YouTube, playing Valorant and making Spotify study playlists instead of studying.

Joe Howells

Vice-President

Joe is the Vice President of the Debating Society and a second-year LLB/Global Studies student. He has been passionate about debating since Year 8, though he’s been honing his skills in the art of argument long before that! As VP, he is dedicated to ensuring everyone has a fantastic experience, while also making sure the behind-the-scenes administration of the society’s events runs smoothly.

Melissa Connolly

Treasurer

Melissa is a sixth year Law and Global Studies student. She got a taste of debating in year 11 and hasn’t been able to shake the addiction since. Despite her attempts to escape debating, Melissa has won Joynt Scroll, NZWGM and Thropy. She is looking forward to leading DebSoc to another year of great successes!

Eve French

Women and Minorities’ Officer

Eve is a Part II Law student with a passion for connecting with others and getting involved in. Eve is always up for a chat and eager to make everyone feel welcome. Whether it’s club nights, tournaments, or socials, Eve is ready to bring the energy, help build a strong community, and make sure everyone has a fantastic time. She can’t wait to meet new faces and contribute to another fun and successful year ahead!

James Boland

Senior Development Officer

James is a fourth year law and arts student. James is responsible for coordinating the development of all our experienced debaters and adjudicators! James loves debating and is excited for another year of success.

Judy Fong

Novice Development Officer

Judy is a fourth year Law student and our Novice Development Officer. She has been involved in debating throughout high school and university but has found the most personal fulfilment and success adjudicating high school debates for pay. Outside of this, she enjoys reading, watching movies, and walking her dog.

Harper Smith

External Tournaments Officer

Harper is the External Officer for Auckland Debsoc in 2025. They’re currently studying a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery and are on placement in Waikato. Harper describes themselves as chill, humble, and a giver—though friends might go a step further, calling them hot, a genius, and slay as. Outside of med school and debating, Harper enjoys sports and has a well-documented love for Coke Zero.

Virginia Quartermain

Internal Tournaments Officer

Virginia Quartermain is the Debating Society’s Internal Tournaments Officer for 2025. She is currently studying Law and Arts and is passionate about creating spaces where members can sharpen their skills, connect with others, and enjoy some friendly competition. This year, Virginia is looking forward to organising fun and engaging internal tournaments that bring the society together. She’s excited to see our community grows throughout the year.

Robert Hoskins

Internal Events Officer

Robert is a fourth-year Economics and Mathematics student who will be organising the Debating Society’s public debates and events in 2025. If there’s someone you’d love to hear from, he’s the person to talk to! Robert loves coffee, thrives on last-minute plans, and is excited to meet everyone and help make this year’s events engaging and memorable.

Jax Warren Kazor

First Year Representative

Jax is a second year Law and Arts Student, and the First Year Representative for 2025. He was introduced to debating by this year’s Social Officer back in 2020, and enjoyed casual debating throughout High School. After entering University last year, Jax is now regularly engaging in competitive debating! He looks forward to representing the future of the club, our First-Year Students.

Zan Warren-Kazor

Social Events Officer

Zan Warren-Kazor is in charge of social events for the Debating Society this year and is absolutely stoked to help bring the fun. They’re in their second year of Law, Economics, and Politics, and always bring great energy to everything they do. Zan’s known for not getting enough sleep and for their habit of picking Aff in impromptu debates — every time.