WelCom May 2024
Sacred Heart College Napier and St John’s College Hastings celebrated a melting pot of culture through performance and food at Fiafia: A Night of Cultural Celebrations, on 22 March. More than 500 people attended the event held at St John’s College.
Students, with the support of their teachers and whānau, spent the previous month perfecting traditional cultural items from Aotearoa, the Pacific Islands, Philippines, India and Japan.
Sacred Heart College principal Maria Neville-Foster and St John’s College principal George Rogers said it was a wonderful evening that showcased the coming together of communities.
Mr Rogers said it built on the success of last year when both schools came together to celebrate Fiafia. ‘Last year we were offsite and so to experience Fiafia here at St John’s with Sacred Heart College for the first time is a real privilege. It’s great to have so many people come together to enjoy a combination of many hours of work our students have put in.’
Former students Sharese Penitito (Sacred Heart) and Paul Mauga (St John’s) MC’d the evening. Paul’s brother Patrick Mauga, a Year 13 at St John’s, was given the Samoan honour of Manaia, while Sacred Heart’s Deputy Head Girl Teuila Apineru was recognised as Taupou.
‘Taupou is a representation of who we are as Samoan people,’ said Teuila. ‘The task of the Taupou and the Manaia is to perform the Taualuga at the end, which culminates in the most important aspects of our cultural showcase. I was honoured to have that role in our performance.’
St John’s College Cultural Leader Oliver Tuanaki said he is proud of his Tongan heritage and relishes in the opportunity to share his culture.
The college’s Pasifika Mentor Viliami Lata said it is an awesome opportunity for both communities to mix, mingle, and create relationships.
Sacred Heart teacher Edina McFarland said the evening was about unity and inclusivity. ‘It makes the students feel their culture is valued, and they can be true to who they are.’
