Malo e lelei, Talofa lava and Warm Pacific greetings,

After many weeks of dedicated rehearsals and impressive commitment our students wowed the crowds at the 48th ASB Polyfest competition last week. This was a special year as this is the first time in Liston's history that two cultural groups were entered; A Samoan and Tongan group. I would like to thank our Principal Mr. Stephen Dooley for allowing our Pasifika students the opportunity to showcase their talents and cultures on the stage. Both groups performed well with heart and showed pride in for their culture. We are so proud of them. 

The Tongan group performed their two items which are Ma’ulu’ulu and the Mako on the Tongan stage. They walked away with first placing in the Mako beating out 6 other boys schools in the same category.

This success belongs to the 27 Tongan students. Their decision to join, openness to learning, faka'apa'apa (respect), loto tō (humility), tauhi vaha'a (keeping relationships), & mamahi'i me'a (commitment) worked together for their success.

Their success also would not have been possible without their parents who supported our young men, from feeding to creating their costumes and for being present from day one. A very special thank you goes out to the Tongan Tutor Niko Vaka’uta for teaching our young men about our culture through music and dance. Niko is an Old Boy who graduated from Liston in 2013, it has been an honor watching him in his element, sharing his knowledge with the boys. 

Fa'afetai Lava / Malo Aupito,

LIMI MANU

Pacific Coordinator

Tongan Group photos can be viewed here.  

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