Update from Samoa Deputy PM Misa Telefoni: Tourism, Media, Disaster Relief, Trade & Labour; David Tua; Adeaze; Yandall Sisters
Posted: November 7, 2009 Filed under: Analysis, Breaking News, Business, Community, Current, Earthquake Tsunami Samoa/AmSampa 09, NZPacific, South Pacific Region, Tourism | Tags: adeaze, aleipata., american samoa tsunami, Apia, Australia, Australia PACER PLUS, David Tua, dick hubbard, disaster, earthquake, Emergencies And Disasters, fulton hogan, habitat for humanity, hubbard foods, industry and labour, international labour org, KVA consulting, Laauli Michael Jones, minister of finance, minister of trade, ministry of commerce, national university of samoa, Niuatoputapu, nz pacific community, nz pacific news, NZPacific, pattie duininck, Politics, poutasi, Red Cross, rhema south pacific, Saleapaga, samoa association of manufacturers and exporters, scribe, simon crean, small business entreprise centre, sofrana unlines, tonga tsunami, Tourism, tourism minister samoa, Tuigamala Vaaiga Tuigamala, weather, Yandall Sisters 2 CommentsMisa Telefoni is the Deputy Prime Minister of Samoa, Minister of Commerce and Labour; Minister of Tourism.
STRENGTH IN ADVERSITY
Moving On
It has barely been a month since 29th September but the resilience of our Samoan people has been a beacon of light, a real anchor and the foundation of our recovery. We have buried our dead, mourned our losses, and are well on the way to complete rehabilitation. The psychological scars will linger, some memories will refuse to fade completely, but ultimately the emotional healing will be complete. It is now time TO MOVE ON.
Socialism in Action
Government’s decision to assist with $18 thousand dollar’s worth of building materials, regardless of the cost or contents of the dwelling damaged is commendable. The owner of an old shack or “fa’ase’e” gets a better home worth at least $18,000. Those who could originally afford the $100,000 to $200,000 residence still get $18,000.
The decision to relocate and the process involved is best left to the individuals. Socialism in action is commendable, social engineering is culturally unacceptable in Samoa.
Tourism Sector Starts Rebuilding
Our advisers, KVA Consult, are yet to finalise their final recommendations. For those uninsured beach fales, with Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC) guaranteed loans, an agreement with SBEC on how to proceed is being considered. At the nationwide meeting we called on Tuesday 13th October there was already a strong view that we needed to move on. There were at least 300 people at the meeting – a record number since I became Tourism Minister.
Government’s move to offer $18 thousand dollars’ worth of assistance to homeowners is definitely one option for the uninsured small beach fale operators.
Strong Media Support Appreciated
Last weekend I was in Australia in Brisbane for the PACER PLUS discussions. Australia’s Minister of Trade, the Honourable Simon Crean, was kind enough to let me announce our “VISIT SAMOA” campaign during his Press Conference, and the media response was overwhelming. We led the Sky News all night Saturday on the 24th October, and into Sunday morning. We made the national news Sunday on Channels 7, 9 and 10. We were on national radio. By Monday the 26th, we were in the print media.
In Aotearoa we made TV One News on Tuesday the 27th October. The full interview was on TVNZ online, and we are grateful to TV3 for running it here with CEO Matatamalii’s Samoan commentary. There has been a positive response from radio and the print media.
With the capable assistance of our Australian and New Zealand managers, Papalii Lorenzo McFarland and Fasitau Ula, we achieved over $1 million’s worth of publicity before we had aired our first commercial or put in our first print advertisement.
Cabinet approved a $500,000 marketing blitz for our main markets and we launched it in style. The media’s response was heart warming and we have invited them back to witness the determination of our people to rebuild our tourism industry.
David Tua’s Back
Cameron did not know what hit him. The referee should have stopped the fight earlier. The ugly side of boxing is serious physical and mental damage is always possible. I represented government in Las Vegas when David lost the World title to Lennox Lewis on points. He would have won that night if he was in the great form that he is in right now!
I only have two pieces of advice for David: keep doing what you’re doing and collect some promotional fees from Burger King.
We are proud of David, and congratulate him for the deserved victory and for all the dedication, sacrifice and hard work he put into this great comeback victory. Welcome back David Tua!
Decent Work Youth Employment
We need to do a progress report on the implementation of the historic Decent Work Agreement we signed earlier this year. This was a landmark event, involving our workers, employers, government and the International Labour Organisation (ILO). Tomorrow morning, Monday 2nd November at 9.30am at Sanalele Complex, we are holding a tripartite workshop with the emphasis on youth employment opportunities.
The Temporary Work Placement Programme will also be launched. This is an excellent scheme offering 6 – 8 week holiday work for youth. Government’s role must always focus on educational opportunities, trades training, the provision of job opportunities and a stable macroeconomic environment to enable our private sector to thrive.
We thank the Chamber, Samoa Association of Manufacturers and Exporters, National University of Samoa, Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour and MYSC. We especially thank the International Labour Organisation’s Ofelia Eugenio and Elisapeta Eteuati (who are our ILO country field officers) for facilitating this important workshop.
Tsunami Relief
We all received tsunami relief with a difference last night during the Scribe inspired concert. They have raised over WS$1million and counting – thanks to all the artists including Adeaze and my Purcell cousins the Yandall sisters. The Yandall sisters do an awesome version of my mother’s composition Farewell Samoa. My own personal favourites are South Seas Island Dream and It is Only a Memory, but the national favourite is Can’t you see I’m Sorry.
Fulton Hogan
It is good to have you back in Samoa Fulton Hogan. They have agreed to completely resurface and reseal the Lalomanu and the new Saleapaga roads. They were brought back to Samoa by Sua Mene from Christchurch (Commonwealth medalist and Bernice Mene’s dad) and our thanks go out to Stephen Wright and all the team at Fulton Hogan. This is a tremendous contribution to the tsunami reconstruction effort.
On Wednesday the 28th October, last week we received the first 4 containers courtesy of Sofrana Unilines. There was water, building materials, gas stoves and cooking equipment, and a whole container donated from former Auckland Mayor Dick Hubbard of Hubbard’s Foods. The children of Falealili, Aleipata, and Lepa will enjoy Aotearoa’s best breakfast cereals, among the special treats.
Best Portion of a Good Man’s Life
We are back to Wordsworth! To paraphrase President John F. Kennedy, a great man slain in a previous tragedy – a tsunami of bullets Never in the history of mankind has so much been owed to so many by so few. Samoa’s appreciation goes out to all our development partners, friends, and all who have expressed alofa in our time of adversity.
The Churches have made the greatest contribution ever in our nation’s history. And it is still coming in – later this month Papaliitele Tihati and Auimatagi Cha Thompson fly in to distribute their assistance. Rhema South Pacific (Kelly Duininck Ministries) have over $300,000 in cash and provisions. Our special thanks to Reverend Pattie Duininck and the team at Rhema (South Pacific) Bible Training Center.
It is “that best portion of a good man’s life. His little, nameless, unremembered acts Of kindness and of love”. Many local lawyers will remember Adam Bell, who worked with me in the late 1980s when I was Attorney-General. He sent $1000 AUD for the Government of Samoa Tsunami Victims. Former Manu Samoa Filipo Purcell Saena donated $5000 AUD from Samoa’s Victoria Community in Melbourne to Red Cross. He played for Manu with another Purcell – now M.P Solamalemalo Purcell Keneti Sio. The Allen family in Auckland, Pat and Cathy, sent $1000 NZD for Red Cross, and $1000 NZD for an Auckland fundraiser.
We thank the volunteers, the fundraisers – Laauli Michael Jones, Tuigamala Vaaiga Tuigamala, David Tua, just to name a few. The tireless efforts of Teleiai Edwin Puni from that great village Samatau.
You are too many to name, but you have seen our peoples’ gratitude in their smiling faces. You have helped the nation’s healing with your great kindness.
Lest we forget – we thank all our partners in development – governments, international agencies, the NGOs such as Red Cross, and of course our own Disaster Management Office.
Ua malie toa, ua malo tau.
Ua faamao fai o le faiva.
Faafetai, Faafetai, Faafetai tele lava.
Samoa Tourism Exchange
Last Friday 3oth October, we held a very successful Tourism Conference. Reverend Pattie Duininck gave us a great spiritual foundation with an inspired invocation. Henry Hunkin’s beautiful voice and Gwendolyn Tuaitanu’ s great dancing of the taualuga. The tourism industry gave us their usual great support: Pulepule Steve Young (President), Nynette Sass (CEO) and many Samoa Hotel Association members who attended.
We were all particularly impressed with inspirational speeches by Tuatagaloa Joe Annandale of Sinalei Reef Resort, Koroseta Legalo Faofao Beach Fales in Saleapaga, and Sili Apelu of Taufua Beach Fales in Lalomanu.
We thank Tony Everitt of South Pacific Tourism Organisation who played a leading role as commentator and facilitator. Our overseas speakers included Chris Flynn of Pacific Asia Travel Association, Paul Yeo CEO of Travel Agents Association of New Zealand, and Donna Meredith of Keystone Corporate Positioning.
Media relations involve both the message (and its timing / positioning) and the messenger. Successful publicity campaigns require a lot of hard work and determination.
But at the end of the day – it comes down to us Samoa. From the string band at Faleolo Airport, to the smiling faces at hotel receptions. Our visitors need our warm alofa and must enjoy “The Time of Their Lives” during their holidays in Paradise.
Dedication
This column began by recognizing and paying tribute to, the resilience of our Samoan people.
We are a loving people – full of alofa.
But never in our wildest dreams did we expect such a response. This flood of goodwill and generosity.
Jesus said it is much more blessed to give them to receive – but He also gave us the parable of the Good Samaritan.
What else can we say – as a nation, as a people?
To you all, each and every one of you. Every government, person, company and organization.
We say –
Thank you.
We pray God blesses you all, always.
Have a happy and blessed November Samoa – another year has almost come and gone, and Christmas promises new hope, love and happiness and prosperity.
God Bless you all
Misa Telefoni
Live Studio Interview at NiuFM (NZ) with Pacific Heart Throb “Fiji”: and Nate and Jandals
Posted: November 2, 2009 Filed under: Breaking News, Community, Current, Lighter Moments, NZPacific, South Pacific Region | Tags: alofa concert, arise tu i luga, David Tua, George "Fiji" Veikoso, jandals, lole usoalii, manukau, nate, niufm, pacificmedia network, Rick Tuiasau, samoa tsunami appeal, Sol Mauigoa, Sosefina, telstraclear pacific events centre, tofiga of laughing with samoans Leave a commentTune into 103.4FM.
The crowd had emptied out at the end of the night at Alofa Benefit Concert, leaving the stars to catch up without the screaming. From left to right: Rick Tuiasau, Tofiga of Laughing with Samoans, Samoan songstress Lole Usoalii who sang Arise Tu I Luga, Boxing champ David Tua, Sol Mauigoa, and the one and only "Fiji" aka George Veikoso. Photo credit: Rick Tuiasau
The Alofa Benefit Concert was held at Manukau’s TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre last Friday 30th October. Thank you to TelstraClear Events Centres for providing the venue free of charge, and all the technical support and multimedia that came with it. Awesome.
Fa’afetai. Fa’afetai lava.
Review: Alofa Benefit Concert A Night To Remember; David Tua, Sosefina “Fiji”, Nate & Jandals
Posted: October 31, 2009 Filed under: Analysis, Breaking News, Community, Current, Earthquake Tsunami Samoa/AmSampa 09, Lighter Moments, NZPacific, South Pacific Region | Tags: # Houses Down, 4dg, alofa benefit concert, annie crummer, arise tu i luga, David Tua, facebook, funky munkys, George "Fiji" Veikoso, Gift Wrap Musik, gourmet pepper, grace ikenasio, I Love The Islands Concert, Judge Ida Malosi, len brown, lil saints, lole, manukau, mayor, Most Bangin' Entertainment, niufm, Pacific Media Network, prestige, radio 531pi, request, robina tua, ruta sao, Saleapaga, samoa tsunami appeal 2009, samoans, Sosefina, tama waipara, Telstra Clear Pacific Events Centre, Venia Management, vince harder, world hip hop champs, young seb 2 CommentsAlofa Benefit Concert last night, Manukau TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre, Auckland, New Zealand. 7.00pm til 11.30ish.
For Samoans, the night before a family buries their loved ones, everyone is invited to a family service.( at least that’s been my upbringing) It’s a shortened version of an Irish wake, or the Maori poroporoake the night before a burial. At a typical Samoan family service, there’s different versions depending on the deceased, and what was special to them.But the basics hold the same: everyone’s invited, special songs are sung by the family and close friends and connections, lots of laughter and humour amidst the tears and grief. It helps strengthen and comfort the family before facing the hardest day of all. The day of burial. That comes, all too soon, the following morning.
That’s what last night’s Alofa Benefit Concert felt like. A real family gathering. Manukau’s own Samoan fale, the TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre, was the perfect setting. Lots of laughter, tears shed, and for the most part, entertainment that is distinctly Samoan, and distinctly Pacific.
Tribute from Taufua Family of Lalomanu
One of the most sobering items, hymns acknowledging their faith in God, was by a 50-strong contingent of the Taufua family from Lalomanu, a famous tourist operation, where guests and many of their family perished. The losses experienced by the Taufua family are mirrored throughout the South Coast of Samoa. For example, in the village of Saleapaga which is next to Lalomanu, Ruta Sao lost four of her children aged five months, two years old, four year old and a five year old. Her babies are among the 11 Samoans buried at Tafaigata, Samoa’s national burial plot for the tsunami victims.
Jason Taufua spoke movingly on behalf of the families of Samoa, which he said they are there to represent. He said one of the best tributes we can make to those who have died is to move forward with our lives and to live with dignity.
Lole’s Signature Song and David Tua
NiuFM hosts Nate and Jandals (103.4FM in NZ) hosted the night. Those boys, aka filmmakers and comedians on Facebooks, are going places. Step aside Flight of the Conchords is all I can say. They connected with the crowd and all that we laugh and cry about in Samoa. Well done to them.
Samoan songstress Lole Usoalii, now based in Apia and Los Angeles, opened and closed the concert with a rendition that evoked every patriotic twinge we’ve have ever felt for Samoa. Her closing number, Arise Tu I Luga, which was originally written as a tribute to Samoan soldiers killed in Iraq, is the same song played as David Tua walked into the knock-out match against Shane Cameron. David Tua and his wife Robina were also there last night. They stayed for the entire concert.
Some of the lyrics(translations are always tricky but here goes) from Lole’s signature song: Arise Tu I Luga
Samoa, my beloved country, I will always remember our hard-worn life. Be strong…Don’t be afraid of death, God will protect us, Jesus will shelter his sheep.This is a story of my warrior people. This is a story of all Polynesia…
Other Living Legends…Annie Crummer…”Fiji”…Ardijah
Legendary performances from a voice that echoes the strength of Patty LaBelle, our very own Annie Crummer( I Nga Ngaro, See What
Nate and Jandals with 4DG at NiuFM studio
Love Can Do); George “Fiji” Veikoso; 3 Houses Down; Ardijah; Grace Ikenasio; Funky Munkys; Lil Saints. There are many more acts worth noting: 4DG, Devolo, World HipHop Champs Request, Tama Waipara (who also sang backup vocals for Annie Crummer), Young Seb, Anonymouz, Flep and Vince Harder.
And which artist brought the house down? A few legends last night. But the one who charmed the audience to screaming fever pitch sounds(with many now sounding hoarse this morning): George “Fiji” Vaikoso. Polynesia’s very own Tom Jones. He sang “Sosefina”, a Samoan love song sung by gentle giant of a Fijian who takes your breath away with his voice.
He flew into Auckland this week from Hawaii with the support of local businesses. If I had known I was going to writing this I would have gotten the details of those businesses earlier. Girls, and women old enough to be my peers, were racing up to the stage at the first sight of “Fiji”. That prompted bodyguards to line the front of the stage to keep an overexcited crowd from jumping onto the stage. Even this writer was tempted to break the line to touch Fiji’s feet. But I digress.
People who made brief appearances on stage: Samoan boxer David Tua, Manukau Mayor Len Brown, Judge Ida Malosi on behalf of the Samoa Tsunami Appeal 2009 and Tom Etuata, CEO Pacific Media Network(NiufM and 5431pi radio stations).
So thank you to all that made Alofa Benefit Concert possible. Multimedia donated their services on the night. So too did Manukau TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre, and the artists on the night. Without world class quality sounds and technicians, there’s no way the Concert would have been such a success. Tight security with all bags checked. No alcohol sold at all. Though it was clear no one needed it to boogie and bring the house down. Just goes to show ya….
Final Moments
So there you have it. Heart of Polynesia is Manukau, right here in New Zealand. The largest gathering place of Polynesia, and Samoans, in all the world. TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre. Our very own Samoan fale. It was the perfect setting for the Alofa Benefit Concert.
Fundraising: $15,000 in dollar sales was raised from the ticket sales. In addition, although the figure wasn’t known at the end of the night, addition money was collected from donation buckets and food stall holders who donated a portion of their earnings to the Samoa Tsunami Appeal 2009.
People might say last night’s concert didn’t earn as much as the I Love The Islands Concert series( $250,000), an equally great troupe of performance. But I have to say, every cent matters, big or small. Also, last night’s Alofa Concert served as a unique family service to laugh, shed and tear and be together. You can’t put a dollar value on that. Our hearts, after the past month’s events, needed last night’s laughs and joys. I couldn’t fault production values at all. Maybe it went too long, almost five hours later, it was hard to stay energised after 10.30 since we’d been there since 5ish.
Otherwise, the only thing I could fault about it is this: wish it had been promoted much earlier than a week out from the event. There wasn’t any publicity about it until this week which is a shame. Although I first found out about it two or three weeks ago from reading Lole’s page on MySpace and she’s overseas, I could find no trace of a promo in New Zealand on radio, TV or print or Facebook…until this week. There were also other fundraisers on the same night in Auckland with other Samoan organisations. Maybe if they had known earlier, they would have cancelled theirs and joined the rest of us at Telstra.
Committee members from the Samoa Tsunami Appeal 2009 were there on the night. As they say in the trailers, this show was brought to you by NiuFM and Radio 531pi, Telstra Clear Pacific Events Centre, Gourmet Pepper, Most Bangin’ Entertainment, Venia Management and Gift Wrap Musik.
The Song That Intro’d David Tua At His Knockout Match Against Cameron
Posted: October 19, 2009 Filed under: Breaking News, Community, Current, Honour & Tribute, Lighter Moments, NZPacific, sports | Tags: arise tu i luga, best female pacific artist 2008, boxing, David Tua, lole usoalii, music, new zealand boxing, pacific music awards, pacific musician, pacific news, samoan, Shane Cameron, songstress, sports, the song that intro'd tua at the knock out match 2 CommentsLole won best female artist at Pacific Music Awards in New Zealand last year. She is a musical force to be reckoned with. Her voice has a power and a presence that packs a punch leaving listeners dazzled by her ability to capture the essence of pivotal moments in Samoa’s past and present history. Our editor interviewed Lole at those awards, as the editor for NiuFM at the time, and asked her about the inspiration behind this song which she first recorded in 2007.
She said she wrote this track in honour of the Samoan soldiers who had died in Iraq. In proportion to its population, American Samoa had suffered the heaviest casualty of any country, she had said.
MySpace Music shows that she’ll be heading to New Zealand this month to perform a tsunami benefit concert at TelstraCentre, Manukau on the 30th October 2009 at 7pm. Tickets are $25.
I haven’t heard anything about it until I read MySpace Music so glad to read she’s on her way to New Zealand. Go see her.
Breaking News: Samoan Boxer David Tua Knock Out Win
Posted: October 3, 2009 Filed under: Breaking News, Community, Current, NZPacific, sports | Tags: David Tua, david tua boxer, david tua wins against shane cameron, rubina tua, samoan boxer wins by knockout, sports 5 CommentsHe’s the comeback kid alright! That’s our Samoan boxer David Tua. He knocked out Shane Cameron in a massive knock out in Round 1 and then a final K-O in Round 2 tonight at Hamilton’s Mystery Creek. Game Over on knock out before I could say…burger.
Some great news for a people who really needed something to smile about, however, small in the scheme of things right now. Not that this isn’t a small thing at all. But you know what I mean.
Tua had that lethal left hook and he used it to great effect. We’ve always said there was a lot of Samoan pride at stake here.
I gave up my spot to watch the boxing match in Hamilton after this week’s tragedies. Actually I chopped and changed my mind right up to Saturday. In the end I settled on text updates from the whanau. Tua’s win is some much needed good news, and a distraction for now, for a people who need as many reasons to smile as possible.
So, guess which camp will be celebrating this weekend? No guesses here.
Well done David. Well done to Tua’s wife Robina and family as well who have stuck by him and supported during some tough years. We pray this is a sign of better things to come.
Well, I just wish right now that my texts would be responded to, by those ringside who are still jumping up and down with jubilation. That’ll be right. They must have forgotten they’re supposed to be covering the event, not in it. It’s likely my wonderful colleagues have thrown away their media accreditation passes and celebrating as though they had not a care in the world. Boy, life’s tough covering a boxing match!
Time To Chant Support For David Tua
Posted: September 29, 2009 Filed under: NZPacific, sports | Tags: David Tua, Shane Cameron Leave a commentOkay everybody it’s time to cheer for David Tua ahead of this weekend’s boxing match against Shane Cameron. Bring It On.
Like most, if not all of you, my prayers for success will be with David Tua. Not that I dislike Cameron at all. In any other setting, he’s probably a nice enough guy. He just happens to be going against one of the sons of Samoa living here in Aotearoa. On this occasion, national pride is at stake here so I’d be stupid to back anyone but Tua. I’m not necessarily a fan of boxing for leisure activity…except for these big matches, nothing like it I’m afraid.
Boxer David Tua with wife Robina at Pacific Music Awards 2009
There’s also a lot at stake here.
Things like Samoan and Pacific pride. It becomes more and more real as D-day draws near.
So between now and Saturday, I’m cheering out loud for a Samoan boy from South Side who’s gone through a lot in the last few years.
That aside, it would be easy to forget that he came from humble beginnings . The boxing ring is where it all began for Tua.
He has worked hard for it. That’s evident from the shape he’s now in.
I’m hoping with all hope that the boxing ring continues to be the place where he goes on to better years ahead.
Go Tuaman!
(Oh and while I’m at it…just because I am cheering for Tua boxing on Saturday…this does not mean I want any particular young men in my life, let’s see, aged between 16 and 19, to think that I’m okay with them entering the boxing ring one day. Aaah, no way.)
Back to Tua. Go for it Saturday.
Archives to March 2010 - PEW 
World-Famous, Royalty & Celebs Line Up for Maori Hongi From Tiger Woods, Tua, Elle, Tom Cruise to Prince William
Posted: December 20, 2009 | Author: PacificEyeWitness.com | Filed under: Analysis, Breaking News, Business, Community, Current, education, Honour & Tribute, NZPacific, Opinion & Commentary, South Pacific Region, US & Foreign Affairs | Tags: 73499499, 73578769, 74656082, adults only, airport, Anne, APEC, appointed, army, Arrival, Arts Culture and Entertainment, Athletics Australia Telstra A-series National Championships, attending, auckland, Auckland District Health, Auckland International Airport, Auckland Starship, Austalian, Belgium Hongi, belgium royal famly, Bestof, Bestof2007, Bill Clinton, boxing, Burnham, Business, camp, Caucasian Appearance, Celebrities, ceremony, Childres, Christchurch, class, clothing, Clover Park Middle School, club, Club Soccer, color image, Community, competition, Competitive Sport, corps, Crown Prince, custom, Dalai Lama, David Beckham, David Tua, day, Defense Minister, dick hubbard, Diplomacy, Earl Of Wessex, Elle MacPherson Hongi, EOS1DMkII-253407, fighting, film, Film Set, flying, Former, friendship, general, Geographical Locations, George Purvis, Gerrard Albert, giving, Glenys Turu, golf, golf tournament, Governing Board, government, government building, greeting, group, Haane Manahi, handshake, Headshot, Heavyweight, Highness, Highness Tuiatua Tupua Tamasese Efi, Hilton, hold, Hollywood - California, home, Hongi, hongis, honor, horizontal, hospital, Human Interest, Human Nose, Hyundai, indicating, Isaac Davis, Jerry Mateparae, John Retimama, Juan Carlos I, July05, Kapa Haka, kaumatua, Kerry Predergast, Kuia Mereiwa Broughton, Kukupa Tirikatene, Lieutenant, Lincoln Savage, looking, Los Angeles Galaxy, Manukau City Super Special Stage, maori, Mark Burton, marketing, military, Military Uniform, model, Motorized Sport, Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, navy, new zealand, New Zealand Corps, nose, Numa Otuvai, nurse, off road, official, Ohinemutu, only men, otara, outdoors, Palmerston, Palmerston location, Palmerston North, Paraparaumu Beach Golf, party, People, Performance, Petter Solberg, photography, Pipitea Marae, playing, Political Rally, Politics, President Of The USA, Press Conference, prince, Prince Andrew, Prince Charles, Prince Philippe of Belgium, Prince William, princess, Princess Anne, profile, Propecia, Queen Sofia of Spain, Rangitihi Tahuparae, receiving, Rehua Maori, religion, Richard Plantagenet - Duke of York, riger, Rose Tahuparae, rotorua, Royal Person, royalty, rubbing, rubbing noses, samoa, scene, senior adult, sensation, Series, share, side view, Sir Howard Morrison, Sir Hugh Kawharu, soccer, Social Grace, spain, sport, standing, star, Start, success, superhero, Symon Knuckey, Tamahou Ripia, Te Arana Wihongi, Te Mataarae, Te Papiouru Marae, Te Roopu Kapahaka O Waitaira, tgg0611, tiger, Tiger Woods, Tiger Woods Hongis, Tom Cruise, topics, Topix, Traditional Culture, Trentham Military Camp, Tuiatua Tupua Tamasese Efi, two, Two People, usa, Vector Arena, vertical, visit, Waist Up, warriors, Wednesday 15, welcome, wellington, Wellington Airport, Wellington Hongi, woods, york | Leave a commentAfter supermodel Tyra Banks visited New Zealand, and received a traditional Maori hongi, we went in search of other celebs and world-famous people, as well as homegrown varieties, who have also received a hongi in front of the media’s lenses.
Here’s what we found from the past and the present:
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In happier days? NEW ZEALAND, 8th January 2002: Golfing sensation Tiger Woods hongis (traditional Maori greeting) with Kuia Mereiwa Broughton during an official Maori welcome (Powhiri) at Wellington airport, after Woods flew into New Zealand to play in the Telstra Hyundai New Zealand Open Golf Tournament at the Paraparaumu Beach Golf club. (Photo by Ross Land/Getty Images).
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(same event) Tiger Woods rubs noses with Glenys Turu as he arrives at Wellington airport for the New Zealand Open Golf tournament. (Photo by The Dominion/Getty Images)
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WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND – NOVEMBER 29, 2007: David Beckham of the LA Galaxy receives a Hongi (Maori Greeting) from a member of a Maori welcoming Kapa Haka group as he arrives at Wellington airport in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Marty Melville/Getty Images).
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WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND – NOVEMBER 29, 2007: An interesting photo this one. David Beckham of the LA Galaxy gives Mayor of Wellington Kerry Predergast a Hongi (Maori greeting) as he arrives at Wellington Airport in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Marty Melville/Getty Images)
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AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – NOVEMBER 16, 2000: World heavyweight boxing contender David Tua is welcomed home with a Hongi by Kylie Kemp from Clover Park Middle School in Otara, on his arrival at Auckland International Airport, Thursday night. (Photo by Ross Land/Getty Images)
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HAMILTON, NEW ZEALAND – SEPTEMBER 03, 2009: Sugar Ray Leonard exchanges a Hongi, the traditional Maori greeting, with John Haunui after being welcomed to SKYCITY on September 3, 2009 in Hamilton, New Zealand. (Photo by Sandra Mu/Getty Images).
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Sugar Ray Leonard exchanges a Hongi, the traditional Maori greeting, with Pahu Muru of Turangawaiwai.
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APRIL 15, 2004: World rally champion Petter Solberg (Norway) Hongis (traditional Maori greeting) with a warrior, Wednesday 15, at the ceremonial start to the Propecia 2004 Rally Of New Zealand, at the Manukau City Super Special Stage. The event is a round of the World Rally championship. (Photo by Ross Land/Getty Images).
We Can Only Imagine What These Warriors Are Thinking
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AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – SEPTEMBER 29,: Austalian super model Elle MacPherson Hongi’s (traditional Maori welcome) with Lincoln Savage from the Te Mataarae o Rehua Maori culture group from Rotorua upon her arrival at Auckland International Airport.MacPherson is in New Zealand for several days on a promotional visit. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images).
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Mission Impossible?
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NEW ZEALAND – JANUARY 11, 2003: Hollywood super star Tom Cruise performs a hongi (traditional Maori welcome) with Wahine (Maori woman) Alice Pomare, during a Powhiri prior to a press conference for the ‘Last Samurai’ movie. Cruise flew into New Zealand last Monday and will begin filming on location in various parts of the Taranaki province in the North Island of New Zealand.FOTROPRESS. (Photo by Ross Land/Getty Images)
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AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – JUNE 17: The Dalai Lama (R) is welcomed with a Hongi (a Maori greeting with a press of the nose) by Auckland Mayor Dick Hubbard at the Vector Arena on June 17, 2007 in Auckland, New Zealand. His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet, spiritual leader to millions of Buddhists around the world, is in New Zealand on a three day visit to give public talks and public teachings. (Photo by Sandra Mu/Getty Images).
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WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND – MAY 27, 2002: The Dalai Lama at the Pipitea Marae in Wellington Hongi’s (Traditional Maori Welcome by touching of noses) Symon Knuckey of the Te Roopu Kapahaka O Waitaira as friends look on. The Dalai Lama arrived in Wellington, today, Monday and is on a brief tour of New Zealand. (Photo by Robert Patterson/Getty Images).
Like Mother, Like Son Beautiful
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NEW ZEALAND – JULY 05, 2005: His Royal Highness Prince William is greeted by Auckland District Health Board member John Retimama with a Hongi (pressing of noses) on the Princes’ official visit to Auckland Starship children’s hospital, Tuesday. (Photo by Ross Land/Getty Images).
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Princess Diana (1961 – 1997) receives a traditional Maori nose-rubbing greeting, or Hongi, during a visit to the Te Poho-o-Rawiri Marae in Gisborne, New Zealand, 24th April 1983. The princess is wearing a blue silk suit by Catherine Walker. (Photo by Jayne Fincher/Princess Diana Archive/Getty Images).
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NEW ZEALAND – MARCH 07, 2005: His Royal Highness Prince Charles hongis (traditional maori welcome) with Lieutenant Tamahou Ripia on the Royal New Zealand Navy on his arrival at Government House, Wellington, New Zealand, Monday, March 07, 2005. Prince Charles is making a five day visit to New Zealand. (Photo by Ross Setford/Getty Images)
Royalty Every Which Way
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ROTORUA, NEW ZEALAND – MARCH 17, 2007: Prince Andrew, Duke of York (R) hongis with Sir Howard Morrison (L) as he attends a ceremony to honour the gallantry of Lance Sergeant Haane Manahi, at Te Papiouru Marae, Ohinemutu on the third day of his seven day visit to New Zealand, on March 17, 2007 in Rotorua, New Zealand. Manahi was not awarded a Victoria Cross for his actions at Takrouna Ridge in North Africa in 1943 during World War II, despite recommendations that his gallantry warranted the highest award for valour. This year, the government, working with Te Arawa, the Manahi VC Committee, and Buckingham Palace, announced that it would hold a special ceremony to recognise Lance Sergeant Manahi?s deeds, and The Queen expressed her admiration for his bravery The presence of the Duke at the ceremony reflects her wish to be personally associated with the initiatives to recognise his gallantry. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)
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WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND – MARCH 16, 2007: Prince Andrew, Duke of York receives a Hongi (Maori greeting) from WO 1st class George Purvis during a visit to the Trentham Military Camp on the second day of his seven day visit to New Zealand, on March 16, 2007 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Marty Melville/Getty Images).
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ROTORUA, NEW ZEALAND – MARCH 17, 2007: Prince Andrew, Duke of York (R) hongis with a local Kaumatua as he attends a ceremony to honour the gallantry of Lance Sergeant Haane Manahi, at Te Papiouru Marae, Ohinemutu on the third day of his seven day visit to New Zealand, on March 17, 2007 in Rotorua, New Zealand. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images).
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PALMERSTON NORTH, NEW ZEALAND – SEPTEMBER 29, 2005: Prince Andrew, Duke of York (R), gets a Maori greeting (Hongi) from the Minister of Defence Hon. Mark Burton during a Powhiri (welcome) and reviewing the parade at Linton Army base September 29, 2005 in Palmerston North, New Zealand. The Duke of York is in Palmerston North as part of a 5 day visit to New Zealand. (Photo by Marty Melville/Getty Images)
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Prince Andrew, Duke of York, gets a Maori greeting (Hongi) from Major General Jerry Mateparae of the armed forces during a Powhiri (welcome) and reviewing of the parade at Linton Army base September 29, 2005 in Palmerston North, New Zealand. (Photo by Marty Melville/Getty Images)
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WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND – NOVEMBER 04, 2009: HRH, The Earl of Wessex, Prince Edward is given a Hongi (Maori greeting) by Tawai Frost during a welcome at Sacred Heart College on November 4, 2009 Wellington, New Zealand. HRH, The Earl of Wessex Prince Edward is in New Zealand to discuss the future direction of The Duke of Edinburgh Award program. (Photo by Marty Melville/Getty Images).
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CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND – NOVEMBER 17, 2008: HRH Princess Anne, Princess Royal receives a Hongi (Maori Greeting) from Sgt. Isaac Davis during a visit to the Royal New Zealand Corps of Signals and Royal New Zealand Nursing Corps at Burnham Military Camp in Christchurch, New Zealand. (Photo by Martin Hunter/Getty Images)
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WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND – DECEMBER 03, 2009: (L-R) His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi, Samoa’s recently appointed Head of State receives a Hongi (Maori greeting) from Rangitihi Tahuparae during a Maori welcome ceremony at Government House on December 3, 2008 in Wellington, New Zealand. Tuiatua, who became Samoan Head of State in June, is on a week long visit to New Zealand. (Photo by Marty Melville/Getty Images).
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Her Highness Masiofo Filifilia Tamasese receives a Hongi (Maori Greeting) from Sergeant Aaron Taikato during a Maori welcome ceremony at Government House on December 3, 2008 in Wellington, New Zealand. Tamasese’s husband His Highness Tuiatua Tupua Tamasese Efi, who became Samoan Head of State in June, is on a week long visit to New Zealand. (Photo by Marty Melville/Getty Images)
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WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND – JUNE 23, 2009: HRH King Juan Carlos of Spain (L) shares a traditional Maori greeting of a hongi with Maori elder Gerrard Albert (R) during a visit to New Zealand on June 23, 2009 in Wellington, New Zealand.
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HRH Queen Sofia of Spain (L) shares a traditional Maori greeting of a hongi with Maori elder Rose Tahuparae (R) during a visit to New Zealand on June 23, 2009 in Wellington, New Zealand. The Royal couple are undertaking two days of official engagements in New Zealand before heading to Australia on Wednesday. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images).
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HRH Queen Sofia of Spain (L) shares a traditional Maori greeting of a hongi with Maori elder Gerrard Albert (R).
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HRH King Juan Carlos (R) shares a traditional Maori greeting of a hongi with Kukupa Tirikatene (L) at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa during a visit to New Zealand on June 23, 2009 in Wellington, New Zealand.
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AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – NOVEMBER 23, 2002: HRH Princess Mathilde Hongi’s (Traditional Maori welcome by touching of noses) with a member of the Maori welcome party during the welcoming ceremony held at the Hilton Hotel, Saturday. Prince Philippe, Crown Prince of Belgium and Princess Mathilde are on a four day visit to New Zealand. (Photo by Dean Purcell/Getty Images).
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HRH Prince Philippe, Crown Prince of Belgium Hongi’s (Traditional Maori welcome by touching of noses) with Sir Hugh Kawharu during the welcoming ceremony.
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HRH Prince Philippe, Crown Prince of Belgium Hongi’s (Traditional Maori welcome by touching of noses) with Maori welcome party member Te Arana Wihongi during the welcoming ceremony.
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We know Clinton isn’t royalty. But what the heck. AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – SEPTEMBER 11, 1999: The President of the United States, Bill Clinton hongi’s with Georgina Te Heuheu after his arrival in New Zealand for the APEC conference, Saturday. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images).
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OFFICIALLY Pavarotti may not be royalty but his voice certainly was and is. AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – NOVEMBER 17, 1999: Luciano Pavarotti and preformer Ricky Northcroft hongi during a welcoming celemony for Pavarotti at the Sheraton Hotel, Wednesday. (Photo by Sav Schulman/Getty Images)