Rare footage of a humpback whale ‘heat run’ mating ritual was captured on by Tony Wu, an underwater photographer, off the islands of Vava’u in the Kingdom of Tonga. Click here to read the story on the UK Telegraph.
Tonga is worlds apart from worlds of stress. Pacific Blue (Virgin Blue) has great sale fares and discounted holiday deals to Tonga here.
* Packages on sale until 20 September 2010 for travel 12 October – 8 December 2010, 11 January – 6 April 2011 & 3 May – 23 June 2011. Conditions apply.
Pasikala Nuku’alofa’s Ride for Health will be held on Saturday 4 September and will kick off at 7am at Pangai Lahi in Nuku’alofa.
The fun ride starts and finishes at Pangai Lahi field (next to Westpac) in Nuku’alofa. The course is 9km and is for all ages. All participants will receive a free t-shirt!
Pasikala Nuku’alofa encourages people to ride a bicycle and reduce traffic on the road, less pollution and users do not have to pay for fuel. It also encourages increased physical activity and better health; advocates and facilitates education programs on bicycle safety, and provides education on bicycle maintenance to individuals and businesses. Finally, Pasikala Nuku’alofa aims to provide as many Tongans as possible with access to cheaper, better quality bicycles.
For more information on Pasikala Nuku’alofa, email: pasikala.nukualofa1@gmail.com or call 7731750 or 24 494.
Tonga Communication Corporations (TCC) launches their new mobile-broadband-enabled GSM network on Thursday, September 26.
TCC signed on Altobridge, a leading provider of telecommunication solution company based in Ireland to provide TCC with its industry-leading wireless network solution to improve Tonga’s macro-GSM coverage, together with the Altobridge award-winning remote communications solution that will help connect Tonga’s unconnected.
TCC Managing Director, Timote Katoanga, said, “Today marks a new beginning in the provision of advanced mobile communications services throughout our nation and we are delighted that Altobridge’s efforts have enabled us to go live earlier than expected. Providing reliable, high-speed data access and coverage, coupled with cost-effective connectivity, particularly for remote parts of our network throughout our island nation, is critical to our strategy.”
The Ministry of Tourism are happy with this move from TCC and said, ‘ today the market for mobile broadband is rapidly growing and mobile users need mobile high speed data connectivity. International business travelers, tourists, locals and other high end mobile users will find this new network very essential.’
A new and exciting book titled ‘Humpback Whales of the South West Pacific’ has been written by Glenn Edney, owner of Happy Ha’apai Divers. It is packed with over 90 good quality colour photographs, shot almost exclusively in the Ha’apai waters in the Kingdom of Tonga.
The book is divided into three sections – Natural History, Behaviour, The Whales and US. It is easy to read and very informative with photographs illustrating many aspects of the whale’s lives. In the final section of the book, Edney explores how connecting with these magnificent beings can help us examine our own behavior and perhaps improve our relationship with the natural world.
Cost: Only TOP$60 (postage not included).
Email: haapaiglenn@gmail.com
Call: (676) 69639
ISBN: 978-0-473-17244-2
The South West Pacific is a vast expanse of ocean with a scattering of tiny islands surrounded by tropical reefs. Long before humans ventured to this remote region humpback whales were migrating from their Antarctic feeding grounds to these warm, sheltered waters to mate and give birth to their young.
“Humpback Whales of the South West Pacific” provides an overview of their natural history as well as aspects of their behaviour and social interactions. It outlines the impact that humans have had on the whales, both historically and present day. In the final section, the author explores how connecting with these magnificent beings can help us examine our own behaviour and perhaps improve our relationship with the natural world.
Glenn Edney is a professional diver, photographer and marine naturalist. He has been observing and interacting with marine life for 25 years. He had his first humpback whale encounters in the Kingdom of Tonga in 1993 and has been operating a whale watching and diving business in the Ha’apai Islands of Tonga since 2005. During that time he has developed a strong focus on the educational potential of bringing people into close contact with wildlife and the importance of facilitating the connection to other species. He is also the author of “Poor Knights Wonderland” a guide to the Poor Knights Islands and marine reserve and has contributed to several other books and magazines. When not playing with whales in Tonga he lives with his partner and daughter in Northland, New Zealand.
Happy Ha’apai Divers are based on the north western tip of Foa Island (in the Ha’apai group) surrounded by some of the most beautiful beaches in Ha’apai.
Happy Ha’apai Divers are a member of the PADI Dive Resort Association and offer the following activities:
For all these activities, visit their website:
www.tonga-dive.com for full information. Or join them on Facebook. Or phone +676 69639.
Please click here to read the August edition of Tonga’s Official Tourism Community Newsletter in PDF format.
International travel writer Cleo Paskal visited Tonga in July and wrote about Ene’io Botanical Gardens in Vava’u in this weekend’s Toronto Star!! Read “Garden at the end of the world – One man’s passion for nature creates a sight to behold in Tonga” here.
The O Tahiti Nui Freedom traditional outrigger canoe left Tahiti July 27 to retrace, in the reverse direction, the route of settlement into Polynesia from China which began over 6,000 years ago.
The adventure is expected to take many months and is to stop over in Niue, Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu, Santa Cruz Islands, Solomon, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Philippines and Hong Kong and Shanghai, China. If all goes to plan, the crew hopes that they will arrive in Shanghai before the closing of the World Expo in October 31, 2010.
‘O Tahiti Nui Freedom’ is scheduled to make a stop in the Kingdom of Tonga. When in the Kingdom, they will call at Vava’u, Tonga’s northern island group during the weekend for two days before continuing on their journey. A program to welcome them into the Kingdom of Tonga is being put together by the Ministry of Education, Women Affairs and Culture as well as the Governor’s Office in Vava’u and other related government Ministries.
The O Tahiti Nui Freedom left with four crew from Tahiti and have invited people from the Pacific to join in the journey. So far they have people from Fiji, Vanuatu and Solomon Islands interested in joining this historical journey.
The 50′ “O Tahiti Nui Freedom” outrigger canoe is inspired by drawings of traditional Tahitian canoes made by Admiral Paris in 1820. They re-constructed it with modern safety requirement and all the needed equipment for security purposes. A support boat will be following the journey for security reasons.
Tonga will be part of a Pacific Blue Group ‘ISLANDS’ promotional campaign in the Australian market starting in August 2010 until June 2011. Tonga is amongst 12 island countries involved in this campaign which will be covered by an extensive and intensive media campaign across radio, online, social media, TV, newspapers, trade magazines and lift-outs, live2air inflight entertainment, Vmail subscribers, ticker messages on Yahoo7.com.au and Virgin Blue landing page. The campaign will target Perth, Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.
The campaign will target couples aged between 20-50 years old with high disposable income with no children or the children have left home in the holiday/vacations market segment primarily, as well as the family market. The Holiday/Vacation market segment from Australia has dropped slightly in 2009 compared to 2008 and preliminary figures for the first quarter of 2010 shows the trend is continuing.
This promotional campaign comes on the back of a declining air visitors market from Australia in the first quarter of 2010 by 14% from 2,011 in 2009 to 1726 in 2010. Pacific Blue has two direct flights to Tonga a week from Sydney with 720 seats weekly. Total air visitors to Tonga from Australia in 2009 were 11,598 compared to 11,498 in 2008. Air Visitors arrivals from Australia (as in our other main source markets) is dominated by the Visiting Friends and Relatives market segment making up 48% in 2009 compared to 37% of the holiday/vacation market segment in the same year.
The Director of Tourism, Sakopo Lolohea said the joint campaign with Pacific Blue is a major initiative as well as an important part of our recovery program in Australia. In addition the campaign will cover two low travel periods – September – November 2010 and February to April 2011. This is always part of our goal to promote our low seasons and the campaign will target this period as well.
The joint campaign is not the only campaign in Australia, we are continuing to target the backpackers market segment as well as special interest/soft adventure market segment in addition to the VFR market segment, said Sakopo Lolohea.
Apart from the Pacific Blue/Tonga initiative we are also reviving the Tonga/Fiji combination in view of the Air Pacific new management to give us more options and additional products in the Australia market.
The Kingdom of Tonga will showcase what fishing in the Tonga waters is like at the Melbourne Fishing & Boating Show.
Jeff LeStrange of Hakula Lodge in Vava’u and Sam Tatafu of Deep Blue Diving will attend the Fishing & Boating show in Melbourne from the 3 – 5 September, 2010.
The Fishing & Boating show is a fisherman’s paradise with all the latest in fishing tackle, lures, marine electronics, fishing accessories and many more will be displayed.
Visitors can discover the best travel destinations, fishing and camping spots, fishing charters and get great ideas for their next fishing trip.
Visitors to the Melbourne Fishing & Boat Show will have a chance to win a trip for two on Pacific Blue to Hakula Lodge and Lucky’s Beach House in Vava’u. Chathams Pacific, Tonga’s domestic airline will fly the winners from Tongatapu to Vava’u and back.
For those in Australia, WIN for yourself a $8,000 fishing trip for two on Pacific Blue and try your hand at catching one of the South Pacific’s greatest game fish like the Giant Marlin. There is nothing quite like the fishing in the Tonga waters.
Hakula Lodge is also giving away some special packages. Click here to see what Hakula’s package includes.
3 days till the Auckland Flight Centre Travel Show! Tourism Tonga is giving
away an all expenses paid trip for 2 to Tongatapu, Vava’u and Ha’apai in the Kingdom of Tonga.
Package includes:
Make sure you tell everyone you know who lives in Auckland!!
The Tonga National Day celebrated on 2 August at the World Expo Shanghai, China was in many respects a day of celebration for not only Tonga but for the Pacific Pavilion as Tonga’s Guest of Honour HRH Princess Salote Mafile’o Pilolevu Tuita charmed visitors and participants urging all to visit the region and its islands.
National Day
The 2010 World Expo Shanghai with more than 190 countries displaying national treasures and promoting tourism and trade with international organizations invites each country to mark a national day. On Day 94 of the 2010 World Expo, exits and entrances carried the Kingdom of Tonga’s flag for its national day on 2 August, 2010.
Flag raising ceremony
As temperatures soared in Shanghai to 38C, crowds stood eager to glimpse the arrival of Tonga’s Princess Pilolevu Tuita greeted by the Vice Mayor of Shanghai, Tang Dengjie. Tonga’s specially selected dance troupe lined the red carpet with Tonga’s delegation as the nation’s flag flew high at the flag raising ceremony at the East Plaza of the Expo Centre and the national anthems played by the Shanghai Military Brass Band.
After the official welcome at the Welcome Hall, gifts were exchanged and HRH Princess Pilolevu Tuita signed the Honour Book saying that she had been practicing writing her name in Chinese much to the delight of the Chinese delegation.
Green Hall, Expo Centre
The Tongan and Chinese delegations were led into the Green Hall where national days are celebrated and broadcast to the world.
Vice Mayor of Shanghai delivered the welcome address on behalf of the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo noting the strengthening of ties since Tonga and China established diplomatic relations in 1998.
In her address, HRH Princess Pilolevu Tuita explained that “Tonga’s National Day also coincides with His Majesty’s Birthday” and wished His Majesty many happy returns.
Furthermore, she reiterated the Vice Mayor’s comment that Tonga was the first country to greet each new day and invited all to visit and “experience a glimpse of our culture and heritage.”
Tonga? Malie
Following the addresses is the opportunity to showcase national dances for 30 minutes.
Tonga’s 20 strong dancers and singers shone on the red stage.
A feature of this performance was the introduction and translation of dances into Chinese by Tongan student Simata e La’a Palu.
“It’s good she explained who made the song and meaning so the audience know and enjoy. Malie,” said Liu Fei, Deputy Commissioner General of the Chinese Government who has worked in the Pacific region for more than 25 years and admits that many Chinese had not heard of Tonga prior to this.
“Tonga is in the world arena now because Expo is the focus for economics, politics, societies, arts and more. I am proud of Tonga and believe Tonga will benefit from this Expo,” she adds.
After rousing performances, the translator called on the crowd to show their appreciation by chanting, Malie.
The solo tau’olunga by Miss Tau’olunga 2010, Mele’ana Taulahi saw the audience engage even more with the fakapale (putting money on the dancer).
VIP delegation visit China’s Pavilion
After an official luncheon at the Orchid Hall, Expo Centre, HRH Princess Pilolevu Tuita and Tonga’s VIP delegation were treated to a tour of China’s Pavilion.
On a normal day, the queue to enter the host countyr’s pavilion can last up to 4 hours before admission.
The delegation which included Tonga’s Ambassador to China, HE Mahe Tupouniua, Commissioner General Sakopo Lolohea and Secretary for Ministry of Communication and Information, Paula Ma’u, were joined by HE Xu Shiguo, Ambassador from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a hi-tech special cinematic film chronicling China’s evolution.
The cinema fits 700 people per showing and each session is packed.
Pacific Pavilion
At about 2pm, the fast tempo of Pacific drums could be heard 100 metres away as HRH Princess Pilolevu emerged from her vehicle for the tour of the Pacific Pavilion which houses Tonga’s booth and 13 of its neighbouring countries.
Visitors were milling outside the ocean blue coloured pavilion awaiting its opening after the tour.
At the entrance, Pacific Pavilion Director, Bernadette Rounds Ganilau, welcomed HRH Princess Pilolevu Tuita to the Pacific Pavilion. The people of the Pacific Ocean danced as Tonga’s Guest of Honour proceeded to Tonga’s booth.
A tapa had been laid out for the entrance to Tonga’s booth – a replica of the Ha’amonga and two whale structures hanging from the ceiling. Tongans from all parts of the world toured the booth where Leonati and Liliani Fakatava displayed art and demonstrated mat weaving skills whilst Chinese volunteers assisted.
Following items by Tonga’s dance troupe, HRH Princess Pilolevu won the hearts of those at the pavilion with her graciousness and interest as she visited all the booths with Tonga’s Commissioner General, Sakopo Lolohea and Expo Team Leader Anthony Cocker.
“As soon as she walked in we could feel her presence and warmth. It’s hard to describe but it was very emotional,” exclaimed Nick Issachar of Vanuatu.
“She is such a lovely princess and she took the time to meet all of us,” said Tioni from Tahiti.
Same pavilion, same ocean
At a press conference, HRH Princess Pilolevu Tuita told the crowd, which included both media and Pacific islanders keen to meet Tonga’s Guest of Honour, that they should visit the Pacific and not just Tonga.
She explained that there was much the Pacific had to offer and there were diverse attractions in just one region because just as the islands share the same pavilion, they “share the same ocean.”
The Guest of Honour extended her visit and graciously availed photo opportunities with staff and guests.
Malie Tonga
At the thank you reception at Chao Traditional Restaurant, Commissioner General Sakopo Lolohea, said he was humbled that HRH Princess Pilolevu Tuita was Guest of Honour for Tonga’s National Day at World Expo Shanghai, China.
He also thanked Tonga’s Ambassador for his instrumental role in facilitating arrangements for this expo which began May 1 and ends October 31.
Commissioner General thanked all staff and the volunteers who had become truly enamoured with Tonga, dressing in Tongan outfits and responding to Tongan names ‘Akosita, Meleane, Susana and ‘Eliki.
As guests departed, the deep thud of the Tongan drum echoed from the outdoor Oceania Stage and as the crowd cheered Malie, our Chinese friends smiled and said, “Malie Tonga.”
For more information contact:
Monalisa V. Palu
Official Media Representative (Tonga) Shanghai World Expo 2010
mona@professionalprtonga.com
HRH Princess Pilolevu Tuita with guests during the flag raising ceremony
Exchanging of gifts during Tonga’s National Day celebration
HRH Princess Pilolevu signing the guest book at
the World Expo in Shanghai, China
HRH Princess Pilolevu with Officials during Tonga’s
National Day celebration
HRH Princess Pilolevu meeting representatives from UAE
HRH Princess Pilolevu addressing the ceremony
Visitors enjoying Tonga’s National Day
Entertainment during Tonga’s National Day
HRH Princess Pilolevu with officials enjoying Tonga’s
performance during their National day celebration
The people of the Pacific Ocean danced as Tonga’s
Guest of Honour proceeded to Tonga’s booth
Pacific Pavilion Director, Bernadette Rounds Ganilau
welcomed HRH Princess Pilolevu to the Pacific Pavilion
HRH Princess Pilolevu visiting Tonga’s booth
Visiting the Pacific Pavilion
Commissioner General and Director of Tourism,
Sakopo Lolohea, Secretary for Ministry of Communication &
Information, Paula Ma’u, HRH Princess Pilolevu and
Tonga’s Ambassador to China, HE Mahe Tupouniua
HRH Princess Pilolevu with the Tongan delegation
The Kingdom of Tonga celebrated their National Day on Monday 2 August at the World Expo in Shanghai, China.
HRH Princess Pilolevu Tuita was the Guest of Honor at Tonga’s National Day celebration. Visitors to the Pacific Pavilion enjoyed Tonga’s traditional dances and performances during the celebration.
Click here to read HRH Princess Pilolevu’s address during Tonga’s National Day celebration.
Click here to read the Vice Mayor of Shanghai, Tang Dengjie’s speech.
Photos from http://en.expo2010.cn
HRH Princess Salote Pilolevu Tuita addresses the ceremony
Shanghai Vice Mayor Tang Dengjie addresses the ceremony
Performances during Tonga’s National Day
HRH Princess Pilolevu Tuita and Officials visiting the China Pavilion
HRH Princess Pilolevu Tuita and Officials visiting Tonga’s Booth
His Majesty King George Tupou V celebrated his birthday and coronation anniversary on Monday 2 August. See photos from the celebration here
Tonga’s dance troupe wowed visitors at the Pacific Pavilion with their first performance a few hours after their arrival into Shanghai on 30 July for the 2010 Shanghai World Expo.
Not to be deterred by the interrupted flights and delays en route to the World Expo, dancers, Sione Kula and Bob ‘Ali, with Niulala Helu gave China Central Television (CCTV) a sneak peak of the Tongan dances with an impromptu tau’olunga performed by Tongan student Simata e La’a Palu (also translator for Tonga) for their program to be aired on Tonga’s National Day.
According to the CCTV reporters, they are especially interested in the dances, the kava ceremony and the Tongan tapa (ngatu).
Tonga’s arts and crafts have proven to be a huge drawcard for visitors.
“The live demonstrations by Leonati and Liliani Fakatava as well as the Tongan display of artifacts and crafts are a great attraction for visitors,” says Tonga?s World Expo Team Leader Anthony Cocker from the Tonga Visitors Bureau.
“We have been here since the expo opened on May 1 and although we miss Tonga we are proud to be representatives. Tonga Day will be the big day and we are ready for the increased attention on our island kingdom from then until the end of this great expo,” says Leonati Fakatava selected from Vava’u Handicraft Association to demonstrate and display at the World Expo Shanghai.
On Saturday 31 July, fellow participants from the Pacific joined the applause as Tonga’s dance troupe performed at the Pacific Pavilion stage.
“That was so moving. I could feel the pride,” enthused Nick Issachar from Vanuatu.
The dance troupe performed 3 shows that day organized by Entertainment Manager, Master Lai Veikoso.
“The crowd participation was wonderful. It is good to have the translations done for the audience,” said Tongan Helen Po’uliva’ati, Capacity and Communication Manager for South Pacific Tourism Organisation based in Fiji referring to the friendly rapport established by the translator and the audience.
By the end of the performances, the Pacific Pavilion heard loud chants of “Malie” by the predominantly Chinese audience.
Tonga Day will be celebrated at the 2010 World Expo Shanghai, China on 2 August 2010. All exits and entrances will carry the Kingdom of Tonga flag with the media fully focused on Tonga for the day.
For more information contact:
Monalisa V. Palu
Official Media Representative (Tonga) Shanghai World Expo 2010
mona@professionalprtonga.com
Visitors at the Pacific Pavilion
Sandra (TVB rep), Master Lai Veikoso (Entertainment Manager)
and Henry Cochran from Fiji
Simata e La’a Palu (Tongan translator) and rep from Vanuatu
Tonga’s Commissioner General and Director of Tourism, Sakopo Lolohea is travelling with a team consisting of 20 cultural performers and singers to perform at the Shanghai World Expo on August 2, Tonga’s National Day.
‘The dance troupe is excited to share our culture and share this with an audience of millions. We are especially honoured that HRH Princess Salote Pilolevu Tuita will be the Guest of Honour for our National Day. It is a great opportunity in every aspect,’ says Commissioner General Sakopo Lolohea.
The 20 strong dance troupe comprises of performers selected after a national audition. A dress rehearsal was held on 26 July at the Loumaile Lodge.
‘I am really proud to represent Tonga at such an event. This will be my first time touring but we have practiced for months and are ready for this world stage,’ said 19 year old Sione Kula who was selected from the Ma’ufanga Tokaikolo Youth Group.
The dance troupe under the supervision of Tonga Visitors Bureau’s Mr. Cotton Siale and Niulala Helu of ‘Atenisi Foundation of Performing Arts, will dance at the Pacific Pavilion which houses the 14 Pacific Island countries’ booths and at other venues at the World Expo.
‘I am truly humbled to be the national representative of our tau’olunga. It is an honour to share our national dances with the rest of the world and I feel a great responsibility to promote Tonga as best as we can,’ said the 2010 Miss Tau’olunga, Mele’ana Taulahi who is a member of this dance troupe.
The group departed on 27 July. Whilst in transit in Nadi, they performed a few items to the delight of guests at the Gateway Raffles Hotel.
The World Expo 2010 Shanghai China’s theme is “Better City, Better Life” and runs from 1 May to 31 October. It expects to welcome over 70 million visitors.
For more information contact:
Monalisa V. Palu
Official Media Representative (Tonga) Shanghai World Expo 2010
mona@professionalprtonga.com
Group performing at the Gateway Raffles Hotel, Fiji
Please click here to read the July edition of Tonga’s Official Tourism Community Newsletter in PDF format.
The Heilala Festival concluded on Saturday 24 with a float parade along Taufa’ahau Road. The float parade started from Teufaiva Stadium and finishes off at Queen Salote Domestic Wharf.
Thousands of people were in town to watch the float.
Miss Lady Maria Tonga Australia with her float
Tourism Tonga’s float
Miss Heilala 2010 with her float
JICA volunteers with their float
The delegation from the Kingdom of Tonga as well as a cultural dancing troupe leaves for Shanghai today, Tuesday 27 July to take part in Tonga’s National Day at the World Expo 2010.
The Kingdom of Tonga will celebrate its National Day at the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai on August 2, 2010.
The Guest of Honor for Tonga’s National Day will be HRH Princess Pilolevu Tuita. The program will start at 10:30am (Shanghai time) with the Flag raising ceremony, signing of the Honor Book followed by presentations from both head of delegations, speeches from the Host Country as well as Tonga’s Head of Delegation. The cultural dancing troupe will then do a 30 minutes performance before the guests will proceed to the official luncheon at the Expo Centre.
The royal entourage will then visit the China Pavilion before visiting the Pacific Pavilion where the Press Conference will be held. HRH Princess Pilolevu Tuita will host a dinner for the VIP delegation before the dancing troupe will do a one hour of performance outside the Pacific Pavilion at the Expo.
Director of Tourism, Mr. Sakopo Lolohea said, ‘the Kingdom of Tonga enjoys a close diplomatic relations with China and we appreciates all the assistance China has extended to our tiny Island Kingdom in the South Pacific, including our participation at the World Expo’. The Kingdom of Tonga was one of the few countries in the Pacific to sign the Approved Destination Status (ADS) more than three years ago with China.’
Anthony Cocker, who has been in Shanghai since the opening of the World Expo in May, said that it is a great privilege to be in China showcasing our Island Kingdom to the vast Chinese market and the rest of the world. ‘It’s a great learning experience for me to share and experience what Tonga has to offer in terms of Tourism, Trade and other industries’. China at the same time has so much to offer that we can not only learn from as well as use in the development of our island countries.’
‘I’m excited to be here in Shanghai to take part in the final preparations for the National Day. Her Royal Highness’s presence as the Guest of Honor acknowledges the extreme importance of the World Expo and Chinas’ Diplomatic relationship with the Kingdom of Tonga’, says Mrs. Sandra Fifita (Head of Marketing, Ministry of Tourism) who travelled to Shanghai earlier this week to finalise programs for the National Day.
Visitors to the World Expo 2010 will enjoy a great day of cultural exchange in songs and dances and experience for themselves the true friendliness of the Kingdom of Tonga and the Pacific islands on Monday 2 August 2010.
The Miss Heilala 2010 was crowned during a Heilala ball on Friday 23 July by Hon. Frederica Tuita.
Mafi Tu’inukuafe who represented Miss Loumaile Lodge won the crown of Miss Heilala 2010. The 1st runner-up was Miss Tonga Tourism USA, Nyoka Lavulo while Miss Tonga Visitors Bureau, Mele’ana Taulahi was the 2nd runner-up. The 3rd runner-up was Miss Tonga New Zealand, Kafo’atu Tulimaiau and Miss Black Pearl Suites, Saloloma Takitaki was the 4th runner-up.
The Miss Heilala won two return tickets to Brisbane, two return tickets to Auckland and a cash prize of $2000.
Miss Tau’olunga 2010 was won by Miss TVB, Mele’ana Taulahi with two return tickets to Auckland and a cash prize of $100. Other categories were sarong – Miss Loumaile Lodge, Mafi Tu’inukuafe, talent – Miss Tonga Tourism USA, Nyoka Lavulo, Contemporary Island creation, Miss Steak and Rock, Unaloto Holani, Interview & Stage Interview, Miss TVB, Mele’ana Taulahi. The best costume was a tie between Miss Steak and Rock and Miss Tonga Visitors Bureau.
The Heilala Festival finished off on Saturday 24 with a float parade starting from Teufaiva Stadium along Taufa’ahau Road and finishes off at Queen Salote Domestic Wharf.
Miss Heilala 2010 Mafi Tu’inukuafe
From left to right: 3rd runner-up, Miss Tonga New Zealand, Kafo’atu Tulimaiau; 4th runner-up, Miss Black Pearl Suites, Saloloma Takitaki; MISS HEILALA 2010, Mafi Tu’inukuafe; 1st runner-up, Miss Tonga Tourism USA, Nyoka Lavulo and 2nd runner-up, Miss TongaVisitors Bureau, Mele’ana Taulahi
Miss Heilala 2009, Paea Williams during her farewell speech.
Miss Steak and Rock island creation
Miss Loumaile Lodge, Mafi Tu’inukuafe
Miss Lelei Finance with her Island creation
Miss TVB with her island creation
Miss Black Pearl Suites with her island creation
Miss Black Pearl with her sarong
Miss Gano Excel NZ with her sarong
Miss Havelu Bulldog
Miss TVB with her Tau’olunga costume
Miss Steak and Rock during the tau’olunga competition
Miss Gano Excel during the tau’olunga competition
Miss Havelu Bulldog performing her tau’olunga
Miss Lelei Finance during the tau’olunga
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