Young Tongan excellence celebrated at annual awards night

“Being Tongan and being acknowledged by the Tongan Community Trust hits in a different way because our own people have that māfana that only Tongans will understand.”

Those are the words of a thriving young Tongan ‘Alakihihifo Vailala (Haveluloto/Fo’ui/Kolomotu’a,Koulo/’Eua - Tonga) who was recognised for her contributions to her community.

Tongan Youth Trust NZ held their annual Tongan Youth Excellence Awards (TYEA) to honour innovative to’utupu Tonga (Tongan youth) and their brilliance at Lesieli Tonga Hall in Tāmaki Makaurau.

Performing Arts and Fine Arts awardees of the Tongan Youth Trusts Excellence Awards (from L-R Halaifonua Finau, Vea Mafile'o, John-Paul Foliaki, Uhila Nai, unkown family members, Simi Veatupu, Hulita Koloi, unknown. Photo/Pasifika Futures Facebook

Vailala says recognition nights of this kind are important for positive representation among Tongan young people.

“Too often we see our young brown youth being portrayed in the media as these villains in our society but uplifting them in a way where their community can see, even worldwide, it gives me hope for the future.”

Awards for the evening included Education, Business, Music, Sports, Community/Youth Leadership, and Performing/Fine arts.

Hair and makeup artist Sione Vailoa Mahe spoke to PMN Tonga about his entrepreneurial journey and taking home a Business award.

"I felt so grateful, so humbled ... because I'm not the type to receive any awards but seeing my work on stage was amazing to see and I was so proud of myself."

For nearly three decades the TYEA have been celebrating youth successes and this year saw esteemed guests in attendance such as shot putting icon Dame Valerie Adams, Paralympian Lisa Adams, and guest judge for the awards Lawyer Soana Moala.

Legendary Tongan sporting family legacy also returned to the awards with PMN CEO Don Mann junior whose father, Don Mann senior, awarded the first TYE sports award in 1996.

Don Mann (far left) with the recipients of the Business Awards. Photo/Pasifika Futures Facebook

Vailala says having powerhouse Tongans present inspires excellence within the rising stars.

“It does empower our young people in a world where our brown youth get put down too often.

“Them being uplifted and praised among such distinguished guests and even in front of their own family for a lot of recipients was heart warming and made them feel a sense of mana.”

Lisa Adams (Sports Award), Titila Helu (Education Award) and her younger brother, and Dame Valerie Adams. Photo/Pasifika Futures Facebook