Special spirit of Polynesia celebrated at Macleans College Fiafia Night
Posted on October 25, 2023
The Macleans College annual Fiafia Night held recently was a platform for students to celebrate their culture and diversity.
During the evening the Pasifika parents and students shared their culture through dance, music and a pre-performance shared kai.
The evening was hosted by Mulan Chan See (Snell House) and Sarah Hurford (Kupe) who kept the flow of the evening fun and vibrant while ensuring the audience was entertained. Everyone who attended was fully immersed in the special spirit of Polynesia.
The night began with the Macleans College Kapa Haka group which are small but mighty and full of mana. Under the tutelage of former Macleans College student Sean Wilkie (Mansfield House 2014 - 2018) and Lana McFarlane the group have gone from strength to strength. A well-deserved mihi to Jordan Kingham (Snell) who has been instrumental in the development of the group. It was evident that all students were proud of how far they have come.
There were multiple other dances which showcased Tongan, Samoan and Niuean culture under the guidance of Ms Kim who supervised practices and worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Many of the strong wahine danced gracefully and in sync which was a testament to their hard work and dedication. Malo ‘aupito to leaders such as Faithfulness Saumani (Kupe), Sulieti Fangupo (Hillary) and Madison Alanotama (Te Kanawa) for teaching dances to the wider group.
It was a privilege to have the Macleans College Choir led by Mrs McNabb in attendance. They performed three items: Mini, Minoi (arr. Christopher Marshall), Te Aroha Nui by Sue Mepham, and Malie Tagifa (arr. Steven Rapana) which had the audience mesmerised.
The last performance of the evening was by the Saumani sisters, Faithfulness and Gladness (Kupe), who were supported by their family and students who got up to siva with them. The two sisters wore a traditional Samoan tuiga outfit that is considered a privilege and associated with high status in the villages of Samoa. This performance received a three-minute standing ovation, and the crowd went wild in support.
A huge fa’afetai tele lava to all students, parents and teachers involved in this event and to those who attended - the evening involved the whole village.
E so’o le fau i le fau.
Fa’afetai tele lava.
