The Solomon Islands High Commission to New Zealand was invited by the Solomon Islands Society of Waikato Association (SISWA) to attend the 42nd Independence Anniversary celebration in Hamilton on Saturday 14th July 2020.
Mr. John Mark Kemakeza, Second Secretary of the High Commission attended the eventful celebrations along with a student Representative from Wellington Victoria University, Mr. Daniel Aotorea and a senior Solomon Islands Citizen living in Wellington Mr. Jamie Molea.
President of SISWA, Mrs. Leonora Houma on behalf of the Solomon Islanders living in Waikato thanked the High Commission for attending and supporting the celebrations in Hamilton.
In her remarks during the celebration, Mrs. Houma echoed the importance of working closely with the High Commission and the Waikato community was really delighted to have a representative from the SIHC in Wellington visiting and celebrating the SI 42nd National Day with them and described it as “very special” to the SI Waikato Community.
Mr. Kemakeza In his reply speech stated that the 42nd National Day celebrations in Hamilton marks the first of the many more collaborations to come, as the Solomon Islands High Commission aims to strengthen contacts with NZ Solomon Islands Communities – or the Diaspora who are the Solomon Islands “Informal Ambassadors”.
Around 100 SI Nationals which include, students, families, friends and wantoks living in Hamilton, Auckland and Tauranga attended the celebrations. Some of our RSE workers in Tauranga also attended and performed the well-known “Taga-Ai” custom dance as part of the entertainment program.
The Celebrations ended with various custom dance performances by the SI Waikato University Students, Youths, families, and community living in Hamilton. The Highlight of the entertainment performances was the all-time famous “Gongala Dance” which involved each and every one who attended to dance away and enjoy the celebrations in the Solomon Islands way.