Manukau Libraries Pasefika

PHOTOS AND STORIES OF CORONATION

2008-08-01T08:52:00.005+12:00

View these beautiful photos and read the articles from the NZ Herald and from Television NZ

These images are from Guardian newspaper in the UK.

For more news on the Tongan Coronation click here King George Tupou V

CORONATION ROBES REVEALED

2008-07-29T15:10:00.006+12:00

Story by Michael Field
Fairfax Media
Monday, 21 July 2008

Lavish robes to be used in Friday's coronation of Tonga's King George Tupou V have been revealed in new postage stamps designed by a Wellington illustrator.

Tonga is spending T$5 million (NZ$3 million) on the coronation of the aging bachelor, including NZ$570,000, for tailored robes from Gieves & Hawkes at 1 Savile Row in London's Mayfair.

By tradition such robes are trimmed with ermine which comes from winter stoats and is used as a symbol of purity or virginity.

Wellington designer Denise Durkin has produced designs for three stamps to be released on Friday.

The main stamp features the king in coronation robes but it is not clear whether they are the ones to be used on Friday, or his father's.

In another coronation move the king has created two new princess "who are to be addressed as Their Serene Highnesses as a mark of esteem", the Royal Palace says in a statement.

One of the new princess is Sitiveni 'Alaivahamama'o Polule'uligana Tanusia ma'a Tonga who has been appointed to the title of Tungi. At the coronation he has been appointed Lord Bearer of the Crown. The other new prince, Tu'ipelehake, has been named "Lord Protector of the Royal Regalia".

Read more on the story at Stuff.co.nz

TONGA PREPARES FOR CORONATION

2008-07-29T13:44:00.004+12:00

The coronation of the King of Tonga, George Tupou V from 30 July to 3 August,will be an occasion the locals will remember for years to come with a series of extravagant events involving world acclaimed celebrities and personalities.

There are three coronation balls, a military parade, an unpredented traditional dance event, a giant fireworks display, open air concert and a marquee rugby match featuring the some of the best players in the world.

For rugby fans, the rugby match on 31 July will feature a Tonga XV versus a World XV made up of big name players from England, Scotland, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

Jonah Lomu is among the stars name for the World XV which will also include Jonny Wilkinson, George Gregan, Stephen Larkham, Toutai Kefu, Matthew Burke, Lesley Vainikolo, Rupeni Caucaunibuca, AJ Venter,former All Blacks Carl Hoeft, Chresten Davis, Mark Mayerhofler, Tony Brown, Ron Cribb, former Manu Samoa Brian Lima, Trevor Leota and current Samoan internationals Semo Sititi and Mo Schwalger.

And if that wasn't enough - there will be a half time touch game will featuring Vaaiga Tuigamala, Michael Jones, Willie Ofahenguae, Mike Umaga, Matthew Ridge, Marc Ellis and Waisale Serevi.

The Event
Coronation Ceremony at the Centenary Church - this ceremony reflects the Christian nature of the Kingdom of Tonga whereby the Coronation Ceremony will be held at the Centenary Church in Nuku'alofa on Friday 1st of August 2008.

The Taumafa Kava or the Traditional Installation Ceremony of Kings will be held on Wednesday 30th July 2008. This Ceremony is steeped in Tongan culture since the inception of the Kingdom of Tonga. Royal Charity Concert - His Majesty has designated for all proceeds from any commercialisation of the Coronation to be donated to a Charity established specifically to address health research for diabetes in particular and other life style diseases in general.

If you would like more information go to Tongan King Coronation.

BULA FROM FIJI!

2007-12-17T14:57:00.000+13:00

Bula! - One of the most common greetings in the Fijian language means "health" or "life". This is a shortened form of the greeting Ni sa bula, used as a greeting to a number of people.

In Fiji, you hear and see this greeting, Bula, most often. It is as common as "Hello". There are others that are simple and handy to know. Ni sa Moce (c is pronounced "th") means "sleep" but is used to say goodnight or goodbye. Ni sa yadra (pronounce an "n sound before the "dr") is "Good Morning".

And of course, one of the most useful phrases in any language, "Thank You", is Vinaka or Vinaka vaka-levu, which means "Thank you very much".

As in other parts of the South Pacific Islands, the Fiji Islands developed many languages, some similar and some very different. Missionaries in the 1840's chose the language of one island off the southeast of the main island of Viti Levu, to be the official language of Fiji.

This island, Bau, was home to Cakobau, the chief that eventually became the "King" of Fiji. Missionaries were interested in documenting a language and in standardizing all of Fiji on one official language to make their job of translating and teaching in Fiji a bit easier.

Culture
Fiji was first settled about three and a half thousand years ago. The original inhabitants are now called "Lapita people" after a distinctive type of fine pottery they produced, remnants of which have been found in practically all the islands of the Pacific, east of New Guinea, though not in eastern Polynesia. Linguistic evidence suggests that they came from northern or central Vanuatu, or possibly the eastern Solomons.

Before long they had moved further on, colonising Rotuma to the north, and Tonga and Samoa to the east. From there, vast distances were crossed to complete the settlement of the Pacific to Hawaii in the north, Rapanui (Easter Island) in the east and Aotearoa (New Zealand) in the south.

Unlike the islands of Polynesia which showed a continuous steadily evolving culture from initial occupation, Fiji appears to have undergone at least two periods of rapid culture change in prehistorical times.

This may have been due to the arrival of fresh waves of immigrants, presumably from the west. Prehistorians have noted that a massive 12th century volcanic eruption in southern Vanuatu coincides with the disappearance there of a certain pottery style, and its sudden emergence in Fiji.

It is hardly surprising then, that the Fijian culture is an intricate network and that generalisations are fraught with danger. Although the legendary king of Bau, Naulivou, and his successors had control over a large area of eastern Fiji, at no time before colonialisation was Fiji a political unity. Nevertheless, Fiji does exhibit certain traits that sets it apart from its neighbours, and it is this that defines a distinctive Fijian culture.

Bose Levu Vakaturaga (Great Council of Chiefs)

The Bose Levu Vakaturaga (BLV) is the highest assembly of the traditional chiefs of Fiji, with a small number of specially qualified commoners, who meet at least once a year to discuss matters of concern to the Fijian people. In earlier days this Council had the power to pass laws and regulations binding Fijians but this was removed towards the end of the colonial era when separate Fijian regulations were abolished. Despite this, the Council's advice is always sought on matters affecting the Fijian people, and it continues to be held in high esteem by all communities in Fiji.

The BLV appoints the President of the Republic of Fiji Islands. Currently, the BLV consists of 55 members. Three each are nominated from the 14 provinces, 3 from the island of Rotuma and 6 nominated by the Minister for Fijian Affairs in consultation with the President of Fiji. The current Prime Minister, President and Vice-President are also automatic members while former Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka is a life-member of the Council.

Fijian Administration

Fiji is divided into 14 provinces, which are themselves composed of smaller administrative units, the basic one of which is the village (koro). At the head of a village is the turaga-ni-koro, elected or appointed by the villagers. Several koro form a district (tikina) and several tikina make up a province or yasana.

Each province is governed by a council with an executive head (Roko Tui) whose appointment has to be approved by the Fijian Affairs Board, which must also approve all rates and by-laws applied, by the provincial council. The Fijian Affairs Board is regarded as the guardian of the Fijian administrative system and many other aspects of Fijian custom.

Meke (Dance)
Visitors are often welcomed at resorts and hotels with a ‘meke’, a dance performance that enacts local stories and legends. While performances for tourists may seem staged, the meke is an ongoing tradition. The arrangement of the group and every subtle movement has significance. Important guests and onlookers are honoured with the best seating positions.

In the past, Fijian meke were accompanied by chanting by a chorus or by ‘spiritually possessed seers’, and usually rhythmic clapping, the thumping and stamping of bamboo clacking sticks, the beating of slit drums and dancing. They were held purely for entertainment, for welcoming visitors, or on important religious and social occasions; births, deaths, marriages, and property exchanges between villages.Men, women and children participated in meke. Men performed club and spear dances and the women performed fan dances.

Yaqona Drinking

Yaqona, otherwise known as kava, is an infusion prepared from the root of Piper methysticum, a type of pepper plant. It is extremeny important in Fijian culture - in the time of the 'old religion' it was used ceremonially by chiefs and priests only. Today, yaqona is part of daily life, not only in villages but across the different races and in urban areas. 'Having a grog' is used for welcoming and bonding with visitors, for storytelling sessions or merely for passing time.

There are certain protocols to be followed at a kava ceremony and in some remote villages, it is still a semireligious experience. Sit cross-legged, facing the chief and the tanoa, or large wooden bowl. Women usually sit behind the men and won't get offered the first drink unless they are the guest of honour. Never walk across the circle of participants, turn your back to the tanoa or step over the cord that leads from the tanoa to a white cowry (it represents a link with the spirits).The drink is prepared in the tanoa.

The dried and powdered root, wrapped in a piece of cloth, is mixed with water and the resulting concoction looks (and tastes) like muddy water. You will then be offered a drink from a bilo (half a coconut shell). Clap once, accept the bilo and say 'bula' (meaning 'cheers', or literally, 'life'), before drinking it all in one go. Clap three times in gratification and try not to grimace. The drink will be shared until the tanoa is empty. You are not obligated to drink every bilo offered to you, but it is polite to drink at least the first.

Bark Cloth and Traditional Textiles

Masi, also known as tapa, is bark cloth with black and rust-coloured printed designs. Masi played an important role in Fijian culture and its motifs had symbolic meaning and to a certain extent still do.

It is used for special occasions - in 1996 the Tui Cakau wore masi ceremonial attire at his installation as paramount chief of the Cakaudrove region. Fijian masi is now mostly made for tourists and is used for postcards, wall hangings and other decorative items. Textile designers are now incorporating traditional masi motifs in their fabrics.

Mat and Basket Weaving

Most Fijian homes use woven pandanus-leaf mats for floor coverings, dining mats and as finer sleeping mats. They are much in demand as wedding presents and for baptisms, funerals and presentations to chiefs. Most village girls learn the craft, traditionally it was the hereditary role of the women of certain tribes.

The pandanus leaves are cut and laid outdoors to cure, then stripped of the spiny edges and boiled and dried. The traditional method for blackening the leaves for contrasting patterns is to bury them in mud for days and then boil them with special leaves. The dried pandanus leaves, made flexible by scraping with shells, are split into strips of about 1 to 2cm.

Photos citation:

Fijian flag: www1.whdh.com/.../389x205/061101_fiji_flag.jpg Kava ceremony www.matangi-island-fiji-resort.com/images/fij,

Meke dance www.fijian-kava.com 395 x 286 - 52k Masi www.matangi-island-fiji-resort.com/images/fij...

PASIFIKA ARTS AWARD 2007

2007-11-28T12:53:00.000+13:00

The Arts Pasifika Awards 2007, held earlier this month, honoured and recognised New Zealand Pacific artists from a range of artistic backgrounds - from opera to theatre, film, dance, visual art and literature.

The annual awards encourage and celebrate excellence in Pacific arts in New Zealand. And the winners were:

Justine Simei–Barton Senior Pacific Artists’ Award ($7000) recognises the contribution of a senior Pacific artist in maintaining or developing his or her artform in New Zealand.Justine Simei-Barton is the owner and director of New Zealand’s first Pacific independent professional film company, Tala Pasifika Productions Ltd. Through her work as a film-maker, producer, director, writer for film, television and theatre, and tutor Justine is a mentor for young emerging indigenous theatre practitioners.

Dr.‘Okusitino Mahina Pacific Heritage Arts Award ($5000) recognises an individual artist or cultural group who has made a major contribution to maintaining, reviving or promoting a Pacific heritage artform in New Zealand.A lecturer in social anthropology at the University of Auckland, Dr Okusitino Mahina, is part of the Tongan Heritage Association and has contributed to numerous Tongan heritage arts projects and publications. His work has been instrumental in reviving many traditional Tongan arts such as poetry, dance, singing and oral tradition.

Nina Nawalowalo Pacific Innovation and Excellence Award ($5000) recognises an established Pacific artist or group who has demonstrated innovation and excellence in their artform.Nina Nawalowalo founded the acclaimed Pacific Island theatre company The Conch, whose award winning production Vula - most recently performed at the Sydney Opera House in 2007 - will tour in 2008 to the Barbican Centre in London.

Sani Muliaumaseali'i Iosefa Enari Memorial Award ($3000) recognises the contribution of the late Iosefa Enari to the arts and in particular his pioneering role in Pacific opera. This study/travel award supports the development of Pacific opera singers.

Sani Muliaumaseali'i, who grew up in Auckland, is now based in London where he teaches vocal technique. He recently made his Wagnerian debut as Froh in Das Rheingold at the Longsborough Opera Festival and is currently preparing the title role of Siegfried, also for Longborough Opera in 2009.

WakaUra Cultural Dance Company Ltd Emerging Pacific Artists’ Award ($3000) recognises an emerging Pacific artist or group showing promise in their chosen artform. The WakaUra Cultural Dance Company has represented New Zealand’s diverse Pacific cultures in a range of settings, from performances at high-profile rugby games to being part of a Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade delegation to French Polynesia.

Sale Pepe Salamander Gallery Award for Emerging Pacific Visual Artists ($3000) recognises an emerging Pacific artist showing promise in the field of visual arts. Currently studying towards a Bachelor in Visual Arts at Auckland University of Technology, Sale Pepe has had his work exhibited in galleries in New Zealand and Sydney.

For more coverage of the awards. Check out the this article in the Spasifik Magazine

THE COOK ISLANDS - the best kept secret of the Pacific

2007-10-29T16:21:00.000+13:00

The Cook Islands consist of 15 islands scattered over some 2 million square kilometres of the Pacific Ocean and with a total population of approximately 18,000. They lie in the centre of the Polynesian Triangle, flanked to the west by The Kingdom of Tonga and Samoa and to the east by Tahiti and the islands of French Polynesia. The Cook’s are split into two groups. The Southern Group includes the mountainous main island of Rarotonga, the scenic beauty of Aitutaki and the raised coral atolls of Mangaia, Atiu, Mauke and Mitiaro. The makatea (uplifted coral reef) on these islands hides deep caves and supports extensive native forest and scrubland. The Northern Group islands are recognised for their turquoise lagoons fringed by white sand beaches and coconut palms.

The Cook Island Maori are related to New Zealand Maori and the Maohi of the Society Islands in French Polynesia. Historians believe the first Cook Islanders migrated from the Society Islands around 500AD. By 1901 all the islands had been annexed by New Zealand and eventually became self-governing in August of 1965. Strong links remain between the two countries, and all Cook Islanders hold New Zealand citizenship.

Cook Islanders are renowned as incredibly friendly people, who have succeeded in keeping a strong sense of their heritage and culture alive. As a nation they have a talent and love for music and song, and are famous throughout the Pacific for their distinctive dancing and drumming. Christian music is extremely popular, originally derived from Western missionary hymns. Traditional songs and hymns are referred to as himene metua (hymn of parent/ancestor). Traditional dance is the most prominent art form of the Cook Islands, each island having its own unique dances that are taught from childhood and accompanied by dynamic drumming. Traditional arts and crafts are still strong, from the finely woven mats, fans, baskets and rito hats, to the beautifully colourful tivaevae. Woodcarving is also prevalent, with strong reference to traditional culture and religion such as the god Tangaroa.

Pictures cited:

Vaka: www.dkimages.com/discover/previews/741/110242.jpg

Cook Island Dancers

www.cook-island-travel.com/images/cook-island

Beach

community.iexplore.com/photos/journal_photos/..

Pasifika library wins prestigious award

2007-10-29T16:17:00.000+13:00

The Pasifika library and information recruitment project was presented the 2007 Nielsen Book Data Research Award at the Library and Information Association of New Zealand Aotearoa Annual Conference on 11 September.

The Award is made to support a proposed research project related to information management, which encompasses the fields of publishing, library and information management, electronic libraries, and bibliographic and full-text databases. Spencer Lilley (Research Project Leader) received the Award on behalf of the research team and the Pasifika Information Management Network for their forthcoming research project on how to recruit and retain more Pacific Peoples into the Library and Information professions.

In receiving the award, Spencer highlighted the fact there was currently a “very small number of Pacific people employed in the library and information professions and that this needed to change as the Pacific population is growing at an accelerated rate. It is expected that this growth will result in an increased demand for specialist services targeted at Pacific peoples, and libraries and information agencies need to be ready for this.

The project also focuses on how libraries and other information agencies encourage Pacific peoples to use their services and resources and will use case studies of successful partnerships between Pacific communities and the library and information professions to highlight the best practices.In presenting the Award, Martine Poiree of National Manager of Nielsen BookData Ltd, praised the project as being very timely due to the growing importance of the contribution made by Pacific people to New Zealand’s social, economic and cultural future.

It's all happening @ Mangere Town Centre Library.......

2007-10-05T16:10:00.000+13:00

Performance by the:

HEPISIPA TONGAN YOUTH GROUP

Showing Tongan Dance in Traditional Costume

Friday 12th October 2007

10.30am

@ Mangere Town Centre Library

All WELCOME to join in the fun!!!!

l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l

WINNERS @ MANUKAU LIBRARIES

2007-09-14T12:56:00.000+12:00

As part of Pasefika Week in Libraries in August, we ran a Book Review competition for Primary School children. Below are some of the entries we received.

CONGRATULATIONS to all those you who entered.

TONGA by Carol Jones
Reviewed by Katherene ~ 13yrs old
Pakuranga Library

Dear Readers,
Malo e lelei.
The book I chose was called Tonga and it was written by Carol Jones.
It was a great and knowledgeable book which taught me many new facts such as; Tonga is made up of 171 islands although 45 are currently inhabited. Tonga exports many fruits and veges, the legend on how Maui fished up Tonga, Captain Cook visited Tonga in 1777 and heaps more other info.

I also read that Tonga had many Kings and Queens in the past.

Tonga currently has approximately 110,000 people inhabiting the islands where they speak a mixture of Tongan and English.

These are some of the information I captured from this book and I aslo picked up some Tongan words.

'alu'a for now.

TONGA

Reviewed by Inoka ~ 12 yrs old

My book is about Tonga. Tonga people were good navigators and they travelled one island to another with their boats or canoes. The capital city of Tonga is on the island of Tongatapu. Tonga island is close to the equator, because of that, the climate is generally subtropical.

ANIMALS: big mammals such as whales can be seen during the cool months of June, July and August. In Tonga there are coconut trees. They are very important resource for Tongans. Art, culture, singing and dancing - they teach singing and dancing at primary and secondary school levels of school. On that group of children sing at daily assemblies and take part in competitions. Tonga dance is taught in the same way, except that it is often enforced when there is a school dancing festival.

About games, sports and hobbies. Sports are played at primary and secondary school. Each secondary school provides teams to play (for boys) rugby, cricket, soccer, tennis and hockey. For girls; netball, tennis, hockey and handball.

COOK ISLANDS by Taria Kingstone
Reviewed by Nirat ~13 yrs old
Botany Library

Did you know that the Cook Islands are part of the Polynesian heritage? If you did you would know that they were told the story of great hero, Maui Potiki. And if you didn't let me tell you some things about Cook Islands I read from a book by Taria Kingstone.

Who loves food? Well... if you do you should know that Cook Islanders love food. They eat a variety of food including fruits and vegetables plus a variety of seafood. Economy on the Cook Islands form of tourism and agriculture.

Weaving is one thing that makes the Cook Islands the Cook Islands. A wide variety of things are made including baskets, fans, hats, trays, wallets, purses, tablemats, fishing traps, and sometimes garments. That is just some of the information on the Cook Islands. If you want to know more read Cook Islands by Taria Kingstone.

I LE AMATAGA by Bettina Ikenasio-Thorpe

Reviewed by Sorona ~ 12 yrs old
Otara Library

This book that I have read has been very enthusiastic and inspiring. I le Amagata is a Samoan book translated into English. My ethnic background is Samoa!!! Books that I enjoy have different kinds of language that tell me how similar words are to my language!!!

This book is about how God first created the world with his creative imagination!!! Each and everyday God would create something new and when he had finished he was happy but his work wasn't finished! He had created light for day and dark for night, he also created the big sky and God separated the heavens and the earth. He created land and ocean. He had filled the land with all kinds of plants, trees, and beautiful flowers. Then on the fourth day God had created the moon and stars to shine in the night and the sun to shine during the day!

God was happy but his work was not yet done!! God had also created all kinds of creatures from tiny crabs in the ocean to big mammoths on land but still his work was not done.

He also created the first man and woman. He named the man Adam and the woman Eve! And God was very pleased because his work was now done! God looked back at his work and was very happy with what he saw. And so, on the 7th day, God rested.

This book is really inspiring! I would certainly recommended it. Thank you God for creating the wonderful world we live in.

OUT OF THE DEEP - and other stories from New Zealand and the Pacific
Reviewed by Abhishek ~ 9yrs old
Botany Library

This book called Out of the Deep has 16 stories and out of them I have chosen The One that Got Away by Kingi McKinnon.
It is set in Maori New Zealand. The situation is clearly described. I think the place is set on a farm by a river.

The main character is Kipa Hikuroa. His nickname is Smokey. Others are paddy (Smokey's Dad) and the Koro (old man, grandfather).
The way the author described them, makes you believe they are real people because they have possible names. I like the Koro because he is wise and advices Smokey.

Smokey and his Dad were trying to catch an eel into an eel trap. This is a common situation in Maori and Pacific culture. His Granddad informs them about a big eel, which lives in the river.

Smokey didn't like his nickname, but his koro told him that there was nothing bad about it. But if you want to know whether they catch the eel or not, you have to read the book!

PACIFIC ISLANDS by Nicolas Brasch
Reviewed by Christina ~12 yrs old
Pakuranga Library

Have you heard what the Pacific Islands are like? Well... I can tell you it is gorgeous. How I do I know, well I found a book called Pacific Islands which had a lot of information about the Pacific Islands. Nicolas Brasch wrote this book .

Did you know that the Pacific Island is divided into three different groups? They are Melanesian, Polynesian and also Micronesian. In this book you can find out many things such as the mass of the Pacific Islands joined together is 1,300,000 square kilometres.
There are different countries Samoa, Cook Islands, Tonga, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Tuvalu, Kiribati and also Nauru. You can also find out about the disaster that have happened in the different places.

Did you want to know one of the disasters... well there was the cyclone in Solomon Islands in 1986 the effects were devastating. There are many more interesting ones that you might want to read. As it my seem the Australian culture is linked to the Pacific Island cultures.
So overall I think that people should read this book because this book is wonderful to read about the Pacific Islands

Tonga's 'Ikale Tahi Team soars pass the U.S Eagles.....

2007-09-13T19:45:00.000+12:00

The 'Ikale Tahi a.k.a 'The Sea Eagles' claimed their first win in their first round at the Rugby World Cup 2007, with a convincing score 25 -15 over the United States in Montpellier on Wednesday 12th September.

The flamboyant team exploded from the kickoff, scoring their first try after only 2 minutes, and they finished off with two spectacular tries in the final quarter.

Read more on the game by clicking the link below:

http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2007/09/12/957596-tonga-tops-us-25-15-in-rugby-world-cup

Don't miss their next match against Samoa this Sunday 16th September!

All the best to both teams.

TONGA! TONGA! ...READ ALL ABOUT IT!

2007-09-06T15:52:00.000+12:00

The Art of Tonga
By Keith St. Cartmail

This is a spectacular overview of Tongan culture with a focus on art and society. It features the sculpture, body adornment, canoes, clubs, containers, tools, textiles and other art of Tonga of both ancient and modern

Langi Tau'olunga & Hiva Kakala Dance & Love Songs in Tongan & English

By Kik Velt

A collection of currently popular 'tau'olunga' dance songs from Tonga. Provides the musical scores, a brief history of the songs and some English translations.

Faiva Tau'olinga Tau'ohunga Dances 3 DVD Set
By Kik Velt

A three dvd set in English and Tongan showing the best tau'olunga dances by the most experienced dancers in Tonga. Featured are famous traditional songs with annotated lyrics. Produced to accompany the book of music and lyrics "Langi Tau'olunga and Hiva Kakala: Tau'olunga Dance E and Love Songs".

Whether it's Tongan CULTURE, LANGUAGE or Tonga as a TRAVEL destination Manukau Libraries will have it.

South Pacific Games 2007 Kick off in Samoa

2007-08-24T11:43:00.000+12:00

The History of the South Pacific Games

The South Pacific Games initiative was borne out of the South Pacific Conference in Rabaul, Papua New Guine in 1959. Dr A H Sahu Khan of Fiji was a strong advocate for the games. In 1962, the South Pacific Commission founded the South Pacific Games. The main objective is to create bonds of kindred friendship and brotherhood amongst people of the countries of the Pacific region through sporting exchange without any distinctions as to race, religion, or politics. The South Pacific Games was to ensure the efficient promotion and development of sports amongst the South Pacific nations and their people.

The First South Pacific Games

The first South Pacific Games was held in Suva, Fiji in 1963. Many of the competing island nations used either the British or French flags and anthems with the exception of Samoa. The official opening on Thursday 29th August 1963 at Buckhurst Park, was attended by 8,000 people. The Fiji Governor, Sir Kenneth Maddocks, declared the Games open and with a fanfare of trumpets and the unfurling of the Games flag, a Royal New Zealand Air Force Sunderland flew past.

The 770 competitors and officials from 12 countries marched into the arena, country by country. The largest group was the Fiji contingent with 187 athletes and officials. They stood side by side with the 12 member Gilbert and Ellice Island team. The Fiji Times editorial in describing the open day referred to it as "probably the greatest single gathering of Pacific Island peoples in one place at one time."

Today

Every four years the Pacific comes together in friendship to celebrate the South Pacific Games, a multi-sport event that is by its very design of and for the Pacific. The Games maintain a high standing within the Regional sporting calendar and a growing reputation for sporting excellence.
The variable and extensive sports program has been developed over forty years. The 11th South Pacific Games held in Suva, Fiji saw for the first time the introduction of a full program of 32 sports. That program included sports that are synonymous with the Pacific, thus widely supported within the region as well as sports that have a limited participation and generally not well established.

The event commands some 4,000 participants, 32 sporting events and 22 Pacific Island nations and Territories. Despite all the changes, the perpetual spirit of cultural friendship through sports remains the essence of the games.
Samoa now takes on the challenge of showing the rest of the world it can host the best South Pacific Games ever!

For all the latest news, medal tallies and updates about the games

visit:

http://www.samoa2007.ws/

The New King Of Tonga

2007-08-14T16:05:00.001+12:00

His Majesty King Siaosi(George) Tupou V, was sworn in as the new King of Tonga on 11 September 2006, which also made him the 23rd Tu'i Kanokupolu(the overlords of Tongatapu). He is the eldest son of the late King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV and her Majesty Queen Halaevalu Mata'aho 'Ahome'e.

King Tupou V was born on 4 May 1948. He attended Primary school in Switzerland and Secondary school at King's College in Auckland, New Zealand. He studied at Oxford University and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in England.

He was appointed as Crown Prince in 1966 and was known as Tupouto'a. As crowned prince, he held great influence in Tongan politics and was Minister for Foreign Affairs from 1979 to 1998.
His Majesty owns some of Tonga's biggest businesses, including the Island's only power company, a brewerey and a Mobile Phone Company.

The Coronation, planned to be held this year following the official mourning period for his father, is now scheduled for 1 August 2008. His Majesty has decided to give his attention to the reconstruction of the destroyed capital from the 2006 riot before he is crowned.

Hooked on Tonga

2007-08-06T15:36:00.000+12:00

Ever wondered where and what your fellow Tongans are up to now? Wonder no more! Planet Tonga http://www.planet-tonga.com/ the largest online community for the Tongan people. Network and discuss topics affecting Tonga today!

Stay in the know with breaking Tongan news stories! Check out Matangi Tonga ONLINE

http://www.matangitonga.to/article/global_index.shtml

PASEFIKA WEEK @ MANUKAU LIBRARIES

2007-07-27T14:39:00.000+12:00

Pasefika culture will be embraced at all Manukau Libraries in early August.

This annual celebration of all things Pasefika includes cultural performance workshops, children’s storytimes and a book review prize-draw.

Competition:
Review any Pasefika book from Manukau Libraries' collection and be in to win a fantastic prize from your local library.

Performance & Workshop by Vision Dance Ltd:

Tupu Youth Library and at Te Matariki Clendon Library
http://www.vision-dance.co.nz/

For dates and times please go to our events calendar or contact your branch of Manukau Libraries.

http://www.manukau-libraries.govt.nz/

SAMOAN AUTHOR WINS FULBRIGHT - CREATIVE NZ PACIFIC WRITERS' RESIDENCEY AWARD

2007-07-17T15:37:00.000+12:00

SARONA AIONO-IOSEFA author of a number of fiction and nonfiction books for children, has won the Fulbright-Creative New Zealand Pacific Writer-in-Residence.

The award was created by Creative New Zealand in partnership with Fulbright New Zealand to enable writers to work on projects exploring Pacific identity, culture or history.

Aiono-Iosefa will go to the Centre for Pacific Studies at the University of Hawaii to focus on writing full-time for three months. In addition to being a writer, she is a communications adviser at the Christchurch City Council.

Aiono-Iosefa first started writing for her children, so that they could read stories about Samoan culture. According to an interview with the media, the mother of four said, while raising her children in Aotearoa/New Zealand, "There were no books involving Samoan culture that my children could see themselves in." The residency in Hawai'i will give her uninterrupted time to write and the opportunity to meet other Pacific writers.

During her residency, Aiono-Iosefa plans to finish a teenage novella entitled O Se Mea e Tatau, about the arrival of religion in Samoa.

SAMOAN HEAD OF STATE APPOINTED

2007-06-21T16:21:00.000+12:00

Tuiatua Tupua Tamasese Efi has been appointed as the new Head of State of Samoa.
Tuiatua is the son of the late Tupua Tamasese Meaole and Noue Irene Gustava Ta'isi Nelson

He was born on March 1st 1938 at Moto'otua in Samoa. His Highness was educated in Marist Brothers School, Mulivai, Apia, St Patricks College, Silverstream, Welllington and Victoria University.

Tuiatua first began his career in politics in 1966 becoming an MP. Tuiatua was Minister of Works from 1970 to 1972.
He was elected Prime Minister for two consecutive terms from 1976 to 1981. In 1982 as MP for Anoama'a East he became the Leader of Opposition. He continued as an MP for Anoama'a East until 2004 when he became a Member of the Council of Deputies.

In Academia Tuiatua was Adjunct Professor for Awanuiorangi in New Zealand and later an Associate Member of the Matahauariki Institute, Waikato University. In 2005 he became an Assessor for Samoan Language and Culture at the National University of Samoa. He was a PhD examiner of Samoan and Pacific History for Australian National University Canberra. Tuiatua is a former Resident Scholar of Macmillan Brown Centre for Pacific Studies, University of Canterbury, NZ. He is also a former Resident Scholar of Pacific Studies Centre of the Australian National University.

Internationally His Higness is a former Commissioner of the South Pacific Commission in Geneva and the Oceania Representative for the Pontifical Interreligious Commission. He is the author of various academic journals and publications, and of three books.

Tuiatua is married to Her Highness Masiofo Filifilia Imo, the daughter of a Church Minister Mauinu'uese Tofaeono of Moata'a village. She taught at Samoa College and later on became the Assistant Director of Education at the Deparment of Education in Samoa. She also worked as Instructional Designer in the Distance Education section of the University of the South Pacific.

His Highness Tuiatua and Her Highness Masiofo Filifilia are well known for their passion for the Samoan culture and history.

Tuiatua’s term in office is for five years and can be extended by parliament, according to Samoa’s constitution.

Useful Websites About Samoa

2007-06-13T13:26:00.000+12:00

Samoan Government: Learn how the Government System of Samoa works.

www.govt.ws

Are you planning a trip to Samoa? Why not get a head start and read up on it.

Or if you're not - you don't need to catch a plane to see what Samoa is like - click on these links and visit Samoa from the comfort of your own home.

Samoa A-Z: The Small Guide to a Tropical Paradise
http://www.samoaatoz.com/index.html

Samoa Tourism Authority

http://www.visitsamoa.ws/

A life well lived. Read more about the life of Susuga Malietoa Tanumafili II and where to now for Samoa?

Malietoa Tanumafili II by Michael Field
http://www.michaelfield.org/samoa14.htm

SAMOA - The Treasured Island of the South Pacific

2007-06-01T09:48:00.000+12:00

History

Samoans are believed to have migrated from the West, (the East Indies, the Malay Peninsula or the Philippines). The oldest known site of human occupation in Samoa is Mulifanua on Upolu dating back to about 1000 BC (about 3000 years ago).

By far the most important agents of change in Samoa were the Western missionaries. The missionary influence on Samoan life was so strong they are now a devoutly religious people with much time devoted to church activities.

Western Samoa became a German colony in 1899 (the United States colonised the eastern islands and is now known as American Samoa). After the outbreak of World War I, New Zealand took from 1914 to the day of day of independence in January 1962.

When it gained Independence, Western Samoa earned the distinction of being the first independent sovereign state in the South Pacific. The prefix "Western" was dropped in July 1997 and the country renamed itself the Independent State of Samoa.

Samoa's Independence Day is celebrated every year on 1st June.

Pasefika Books At Manukau Libraries

2007-05-31T14:27:00.000+12:00

Fiji: An Encyclopaedic Atlas
C Walsh

The book provides many areas of common and uncommon interests and would help anyone who wish to know about religious ideas, the status and contribution of ethinc groups, or vital issues related to development such as Fiji's physical geography, the location and extent of infrastructure, agriculture and other resources; politics and matters of governance, population change, health, housing, education; the status of women and factors which create poverty and see things about Fiji in new and different ways.

Skin Stories (DVD)
Omori & Altieri

Skin Stories explores the transformative power of an art inscribed on the body - as a way to honour the past, explore ones inner self, and to preserve a culture for the future.
Skin Stories is an anthology of stories and stunning images gathered from the hot spots of the Pacific tattoo: from the steaming landscape of Rotorua to the vibrant gathering of the first international tattoo convention in Apia, Samoa, from the terraced, lush taro fields of Maui to the golden beaches of O'ahu and California.

Manihiki: Our Paradise
Renee Hollis

The photography book Manihiki Island Our Paradise is a celebration of culture and tradition. It contains over 300 photographs of its beautiful people, the stunning lagoon, black pearls farming, seafood, fishing, religion, craft and much more.
Manihiki Island Our Paradise has made history by being the first photography book produced on the island of Manihiki (in the Cook Isands).

Request and search for these titles at
www.manukau-libraries.govt.nz