Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
Keeping the art of ancient and traditional Tongan dance alive is a key focus for the Pukepuke O Tonga cultural group based in Auckland. Through the chanting and tapping of tradition, the Meʻetuʻupaki – (an ancient dance performed by males), is being revived through the younger generation.
The dance group has inspired a group of more than 30 Tongan children, (some as young as two years old) who are committed to continuing the rich tradition honouring their heritage, performing traditional dances at the Auckland Museum.
Lead tutor Sesilia Pusaki alongside her siblings have carried on the tradition of their late father.
“Pukepuke O Tonga – Means to uphold or hold onto Tonga and the whole vision behind. It’s all about our preservation of our Tongan culture, our heritage and our way of life here in Aotearoa, with our families within our communities in the spaces that we work in.”
The children gather every Friday evening at the Oranga Community Centre for an hour after school to learn the traditions of Tongan song and dance.
Sesilia says, “for us it was having a continual programme where our kids can meet up every week, get together and learn Faiva faka Tonga (Tongan Dance) and just spend time together with other kids.”
Many of the members who are New Zealand born Tongan, believe it is important to pass on the knowledge to their children to uphold the values of their traditions and embrace their culture. Pukepuke O Tonga cultural group gives them the platform to do this.
Father of six John Mann says, “Especially our generation that were born here, New Zealand born Tongans. If we don’t then we will lose that and I didn’t want to lose that. The motto of our Tongan crest is ‘Ko e ʻOtua mo Tonga ko hoku Tofiʻa – [God and Tonga are my inheritance]’– You know it’s our inheritance and if I don’t leave that for my kids then they will lose that identity. It’s important for me to leave them something.”
Moving forward, the Pukepuke O Tonga group are carrying on with teaching the traditional dances from the Kingdom of Tonga. Sesilia says, “ we’re just trying to continue what we’re doing for many more years. Still sharing what we can in our community and whatever spaces that we work in.”
Spectator Eleni Namomo Koloi agrees; “I think it gives us hope that they will continue our love for Tonga. Our traditions just basically love being Tongan. It is so nice to see that it will be continued by the next generation and the generation to come.”
