Pasifika cultural night ‘really good’

Members of the Otago Tongan Students’ Association perform a sōkē (stick dance) at Te Runga Faiva...
Members of the Otago Tongan Students’ Association perform a sōkē (stick dance) at Te Runga Faiva Pasifika performance for mental health at the University of Otago Teachers College Auditorium on Saturday. PHOTO: LINDA ROBERTSON
Pasifika students have collaborated to raise awareness of mental health in a successful night of cultural performances.

The event was organised by the Otago Tongan Students’ Association (OTSA) and the Otago Kiribati Islands Students’ Association.

Tongan, Kiribati, Niuean, Melanesian, Samoan, Tuvaluan and Māori students all performed in support of the event.

OTSA president Kalisi Makoni was overjoyed with how the night went.

"It was really, really good. We had a great turnout," Ms Makoni said.

"You know when you can just feel the mana in your heart — it was just very heartwarming," she said.

Pasifika pupils from King’s and Queen’s High Schools were guest performers.

"They brought the vibe — they were so hyped I even forgot they were high schoolers," Ms Makoni said.

"It was good to see their parents and some of their teachers who came as well," she said.

"To see that support there was really good, but also us building that relationship with the high schoolers because some day in the future they’ll come to uni and take over.

"I think that’s the most exciting thing we’re looking forward to."

All the event’s proceeds would be given to the Otago Mental Health Support Trust.

ani.ngawhika@odt.co.nz

 

 

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