New Zealand to take Tongan student to World War I commemorations in France ^Featured

  She will join a New Zealand delegation comprising winners from Niue, Samoa and Cook Islands in France to attend a number of First World War commemorative events.  

Miss Vea’s winning essay spoke about what the sacrifices made by Tongan and Allied troops in the First World War and what it meant to her.  Aimed at preserving the World War I legacy in Tonga, the competition has increased understanding among youth of the Pacific contribution to the war effort and to their sense of identity today.

New Zealand High Commissioner Sarah Walsh announced the winners of the essay competition on ANZAC Day.  Stephaney Lakai of Vava’u won second place, and Sailosi Bloomfield and Malia Ekuasi received prizes for their highly commended entries.

“The competition has demonstrated the writing talents of Tonga’s young people and provided an opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of the important contribution made during World War I by Tongan soldiers and other Pacific Islanders,” said New Zealand High Commissioner Sarah Walsh.

Pacific troops served with Māori in the Pioneer Battalion in France from 1916. Through the essay competition, New Zealand is recognising the contribution that Pacific countries, particularly Tonga, Cook Islands, Niue and Samoa, made to the war effort.

Around 500 Pacific Islanders served in New Zealand military forces during World War I.  In 1916 the New Zealand forces were deployed to the Western Front, including France where the Battle of the Somme took place. Pacific Islanders, including over 90 Tongans, fought side by side with New Zealand soldiers on the Western Front and that legacy underpins New Zealand’s enduring relationship with Tonga and other Pacific countries.

New Zealand High Commission, Tonga