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TONGAN
YOUTH AWARDS – TOU’UTUPU TONGA TRUST (NZ) |
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By Malia Tua’i Manuleleua |
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The 2004 annual Tongan
Youth Awards at Centra Hotel, Mangere was divided into six categories
comprising of Art, Business, Sport, Education, Music and Youth
leadership. The event was distinct from other award ceremonies because
there was no one winner. All who had been nominated received awards.
Mr Ikilifi Pope of the Tongan Youth Trust said that “everyone was a
winner” and it was important to encourage and promote all youth at all
levels of achievement in their respective areas of expertise.”
The highlight of the night for many was the keynote speech by New
Zealand Idol Ben Lummis who is part Tongan. Ben Lummis was the first NZ
idol voted earlier this year by television audiences as the winner of
the competition. Ben received a warm applause for his words of wisdom
for youth “to never give up and to keep pursuing their dreams and
ambitions.”
In the music category, well known Tongan musician and performer Bill
Sevesi presented NZ Idol finalist, Sela Mahe with an award in
recognition of her performance this year in the popular show. Sela, 17
was one of the youngest finalists in the competition. Lavinia Kaufusi
of the Kaufusi sisters band and Charlie Pome’e of the Otara based,
Three Houses Down band also received awards.
The Mann family received acknowledgement for their achievements in
Sports and work in the community and were presented an award by Sir
Barry Curtis.
Special commemoration was made to the late Kepueli Vaomotou (artist),
Will Kailahi (Musician) and Warren Mann (Sports). Popular R n B group,
Immigrantz sang a tribute to the three in memory of their achievements
in their respective fields.
In the education category, awards were presented to Sosaia Koloamatangi
for achieving Dux of St Paul’s College and Edna Sundin at Penrose High
school. At the tertiary level awards went to Tokilupe Taumoepeau (MBChb),
Albert Vaka (BSc. BA Law, Admission to the Bar/Solicitor) and Mosese
Alatini (BA Hons, Political Studies, MA 1st class Hons majoring in
Political Studies).
In the youth leader/role model category awards presented by Lita
Foliaki went to Tupou Tu’akoi, Lueni Taufa, Osiaiasi Kupu |
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Keynote speaker and one of the winners of the Arts Awards –
Tongan Ben Lummis, New Zealand Idol with Sela Mahe, New Zealand
Idol finalist. |
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Education category included Sosaia Koloamatangi, Edna Sundin,
and tertiary level included Tokilupe Taumoepeau, Albert Vaka,
and Mosese Alatini. |
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Arts category awards included Ben Lummis, Robert Pome’e of Three
houses down and Mangere actor, Fiona Ofamo’oni, as well as
Lavinia Kaufusi. |
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and Fusi Motuliki.
In the Art category awards presented by Stan Wolfgramme went to Ben
Lummis, Robert Pome’e of Three houses down and Mangere actor, Fiona
Ofamo’oni.
In the business category awards went to Gary Afeaki of Papatoetoe
Internet Café and Kepueli Palahame of Mt Roskill Barber shop.
In the sports category awards presented by Tony Mann, Vauable
Sportswoman of the year went to: Mesa Laumanu for Hammer throwing, Sela
Tahaafe for Outrigging. Valuable Sportsman of the year went to Taniela
Moa and Tevita Mailau for rugby and Sebastian Filipo for all rounder.
Outstanding sportswoman of the year went to Poinsitia Paasi of the
Blackferns and Elizabeth Manu and Amenda Payne for the Under 21
National Netball team. Outstanding Sportsman of the year went to Sam
Tuitupou (All Black), Roy Kinikinilau (NZ 7s), Sione Lauaki (Pacific
Islanders team) and Saimone Taumoepeau (All Black)
Guests were entertained by Three Houses Down, Lavinia Kaufusi and
Simulata Mosimani Pope who performed the tauolunga. The event organised
by the Tou’utupu Tonga Trust and sponsored by Ministry of Pacific
Island Affairs, Manukau City Council, AuckPac PHO, ACC, OSH and others.
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Copyright Event Polynesia Ltd. 2004
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