Wellington Samoan speech contest

Porirua College students impress at this year’s Wellington Samoa secondary schools speech competition

Tauvaga Tautalaga Samoa, sponsored by Pasifika Futures, saw the region’s most talented young speakers compete with the theme “Ma’au i lou ofaga. Maua’a lou faasinomaga” which translates to ‘Keeping your identity alive to thrive’ at Mungavin Community Hall in Cannons Creek, Porirua on 23 June.

The three categories of speeches were 3 minutes for juniors, 5 minutes for intermediate and 6 minutes for senior students, and showcased some of the most gifted young orators.

Aliimuamua Nofoitumua Lalau, President F.A.G.A.S.A Wellington Branch says these annual speech contests contribute a lot to reviving the Samoan language and help young people to develop oral skills and confidence in pronunciation of Samoan vocabulary, speaking and understanding of a Samoan speech.

“The speech contest is very important to F.A.G.A.S.A as a channel to allow students to speak and deliver their speech in Samoan. We value the contribution of young Samoan New Zealanders in learning the language and having the confidence to deliver and speak in front of a very tough audience.”

Porirua College students with proud teachers Aliimuamua Nofoitumua Lalau and Lupe Anamani

Porirua College dominated the senior category by winning first and second places in Year 9, Year 10 and Year 11. Marcus Tumaa’i of St Patrick’s College, Wellington broke the winning streak by impressing the audience and judges with his viewpoint on the theme and ran away with first prize for Year 12. Year 13 winner was awarded to Faustina Dhillon of Aotea College and she was the crowd’s favourite.

Angie Enoka, Pasifika Futures Communications Manager and one of the judges for the competition says she is always excited to be part of the competition, witnessing young eloquent speakers and their take on the topic. “The caliber of speakers is improving each year which is impressive and it’s always good to see the parents’ and teachers’ support, and of course the Samoan community getting behind the event.”

The speech competition was organised by F.A.G.A.S.A. Incorporated, an organisation that strongly advocates support for the use of the Samoan language, and learning Samoan in NZ schools.

Judges include Rev. Oliva Tia’i EFKS Lower Hutt, Tauvao Fuiavailili Nalesoni deputy national secretary for FAGASA Inc, Le’autuli’ilagi Taotua M.F. Sauvao President of S.A.A.S.I.A Wellington Branch and Angie Enoka, Pasifika Futures.

The winners will travel to Christchurch in August to compete in the national contest.

2017 Results

Year 6

1^st        Tialei Iakopo Simiti             Holy Family Primary School

2^nd        Samuelu Talila’i                    Corinna School

Year 7

1^st        Faith Tauti’aga                     Evans Bay Intermediate

2^nd       Alikhaan ‘Aiono                   Postgate School

Year 8

1^st        Kianu Fiamatai                     Evans Bay Intermediate

2^nd       Aretaseta Malaga                 Postgate School

3^rd       June Samuel                         Corinna School

Year 9

1^st        Tofā Futi                                Porirua College

2^nd       Merenaite Colson                Porirua College

Year 10

1^st        Api Tau Sio                            Porirua College

2^nd       Sose Harold                          Mana College

Year 11

1^st        Harry Young                         Porirua College

2^nd       Pualaga Tuai’aufa’i             Porirua College

3^rd       Lapana Tagataese                Porirua College

Year 12

1^st        Marcus Tuma’ai                   St Patrick’s College (Wellington)

2^nd       Samuelu Ioapo                    Naenae College

3^rd       Toefiliga Evaga                    Aotea College

Year 13

1^st        Faustina Dhillon                  Aotea College

2^nd       Maraea Ah Tune                  Mana College

3^rd       Aukilani Nofoa’iga                Mana College