Pupils from seven schools gave performances celebrating pupils' Pasifika heritage to about 150 family members at the Waitaki Community Recreation Centre last week.
On a night that celebrated the success of Pacific Islander pupils, guest speaker Leali'ie'e Tufulasi Taleni told the children that when he turned 18 years old he decided to go to teachers' college, because he wanted to motivate his family and his village.
''What I think about that motivates me is where I come from ... a very small ... a very humble place,'' he said.
''Try and find a way to motivate yourself.''
Awards for achievement were presented on the night to Daniel Halaholo and Jacob Tuisani, of Waitaki Boys' High School; Naomi Saulala and Pelitisi Lutui, of Waitaki Girls' High School; Tivinia Misiloi and Mose Vahai, of St Kevin's College; Tema Tevao and Sinamoni Sikei, of Oamaru Intermediate School; Michael Misiloi and Siva Katoa, of St Joseph's School; Meite Siale and Junior Matangiola, of Pembroke School; Junior Tafia and Levi Levi, of Fenwick School; Selai Kaufusi and Sione Kula, of Oamaru North School; and Meli Kolinisau and Vainikolo Palanite, of Literacy North Otago. Little Wonders Childcare Centre recognised the contribution of all their children to Tongan Language Week 2015.
