Tonga’s former Prime Minister, Lord Sevele, was honoured by St Bede’s Catholic College in Christchurch, New Zealand, recently, as one of three Bedeans inducted as Icons of the College for their life‘s work and leadership. The induction was attended by family and friends at an Old Boys Dinner held in Christchurch.
St Bede’s is the oldest and the largest Catholic College for boys in the South Island of New Zealand. On 9 August three Bedeans were inducted as the 7th, 8th and 9th Icons of the College:
Fr Des Darby: Pupil, Priest, Rector, Visionary, whose leadership and foresight transformed the College’s governance, strengthened its foundations, and steered it through a time of great change while honouring its traditions.
Dr Robin Mann: Scholar, Scientist, Leader, a respected leader in science, business and education, a national sportsman, and former Chancellor of Canterbury University.
Lord Sevele: Man of Culture, Integrity and Purpose, the first non-noble Prime Minister of Tonga, whose leadership balanced tradition with progress, and whose work continues to uplift Pacific voices and build connections between our schools.
In introducing the Icons, the Rector, Jon McDowall, said that “…this distinction was reserved for Bedeans who had lived their lives in the spirit of St Bede’s motto, Fide et Opere – “By Faith and By Work”, leaving a legacy that inspires the generations who follow. Icons are not chosen simply for career achievements, but for the way they have lived, with integrity, humility, service and a commitment to bettering the lives of others. They are examples of what it means to be Bedean in the fullest sense: guided by faith, shaped by hard work, and devoted to leaving the world better than they found it.”
In his acceptance speech, Lord Sevele acknowledged his enduring gratitude for the opportunities for higher education overseas in Fiji and New Zealand afforded to him by the Catholic Church Tonga, through the faith placed in him by the Most Rev. Bishop John Rodgers and Fr Dave Mullins.
He paid tribute to the College for the excellent preparation it gave him for the studies and life at University, acknowledging the lasting friendship with many of his classmates and fellow-members of the 1963 1st XV Team, several of whom were present at the dinner, and to the wider Bedean and Catholic community for the hospitality and friendship they extended to him during his years in Christchurch in the true College Motto.
Sakopo Lolohea said that this was an accolade not only for Lord Sevele and his family, but for the Catholic Church, ‘Api Fo’ou, Ma’ufanga, and for Tonga as a whole.
Malieopo Moeaki said, “…this is a near impossible milestone to be achieved again by our current generations of Tonga students…it is a God-given blessing to a committed and hard working person like Lord Sevele.”
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“Lord Sevele (Fred) of Vailahi (1963) “Man of Culture, Integrity and Purpose”
“Lord Sevele of Vailahi, former Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Tonga, is a proud Bedean whose life has been shaped by the Marist spirit of faith, service, and an unwavering sense of purpose.
“Fred arrived at St Bede’s from Tonga on 10 April 1963, a bold and wise arrangement by far-sighted Bedean Fr Dave Mullins, a lifelong missionary in Tonga, for a young student embarking on pre-university education in a foreign country, thousands of miles from home. It was here, in Christchurch, that he laid the foundations of a life guided by knowledge and principle. Known for quiet determination, academic discipline, and respectful nature, Fred earned the admiration of teachers and peers alike. Even then, his maturity, curiosity, and moral compass set him apart.
“Pursuing higher education with vigour, Fred earned degrees in Mathematics and Geography, followed by a PhD in Economic Geography from the University of Canterbury. His focus on economic development became a cornerstone of his future leadership. Returning to Tonga, Fred held senior roles in government, politics, and business before making history in March 2006 as the first non-noble Tongan appointed Prime Minister. His leadership during a pivotal period of reform helped guide Tonga toward a more democratic form of constitutional monarchy, while preserving its unique cultural identity. He balanced tradition with progress, always putting his people first. In recognition of his service, he was elevated by His Majesty King Tupou V to the life-peer nobility rank of Lord Sevele of Vailahi. The University of Canterbury also honoured him with an Honorary Doctorate of Letters in 2013 for services to Tonga and the Pacific.
“Despite national leadership, Fred never lost touch with his Bedean anchor. He often spoke of the values instilled at St Bede’s, faith, discipline, and thinking beyond self, as formative to his worldview. He remained proudly connected to the college, attending reunions and keeping ties with classmates, 1963 1st XV members, the Mullins and Giera families, and the wider Bedean community. From a young man in a Bedean blazer to a statesman guiding a nation, his life is a powerful reminder that greatness is grounded not in privilege, but in faith, character, courage, and the will to make a difference.
“One of his lasting contributions to St Bede’s was initiating the student exchange programme with Apifo’ou College, formalised in 2020. This partnership continues to enrich both schools through shared cultural and educational experiences, reflecting Fred’s deep belief in learning, connection, and mutual respect.
“Fred’s legacy endures, in the voices he uplifted, the paths he forged, and the generations he inspired to lead with faith, courage, and purpose.”
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Sponsored Post #8731 sponsored by Tevita Lolohea, Secretary General of 'Api Fo'ou College Ex-students Executive Committee. 3 September- 3 October 2025.
