Photos by Pesi Fonua

Loma Taukapo was declared Mr Maka 2015 at the Billfish Bar and Restaurant by the contest organiser Liz Sullivan in Ma’ufanga, last night 30 September.

Loma won the title from eight contestants, aged from 20 to 28 years, including sailors from the Tongan Navy, Security Guards, a baker and kitchen hands. The eight men were initially selected from applicants to contest the  2015 Mr Maka title.

Liz, who started the contest in 2008 as Mr Steinlager, said that the initial idea was to teach young men good behaviour, cultural values and good leadership style.

The name of the title was changed to Mr Maka in 2012, with body builders, and then she opened it up for any young man who wanted to participate.

She said that six weeks before the contest, the contestants meet four or five times a week with consultants. They spent an evening with former All Blacks Charles Richelmann and Dr Siaosi ‘Aho. They also visited the hospital.

The contestants entertained the crowd by parading with formal and informal costumes, and also presenting the judges of the events and members of the audience with a coconut cup of kava.

The highlight of the evening were the performances by  two New Zealand-based international entertainers, drag-queens Ms Ribena and Ms Cola Gin. Ms Ribena, the owner of a bar in Kaurangahape Rd, Auckland co-hosted the evening.

Liz said that the charity fundraising side is looked after by her son Robert, who manages the Billfish Bar, and the practice has been that instead of donating cash, they donate products to charity organisations.