Children's book launch marks 50 years of diplomatic relations [1]
Saturday, September 19, 2020 - 16:07. Updated on Sunday, September 20, 2020 - 20:10.
A new children's book was launched at a reception for the 50th Anniversary of the Diplomatic Relations between Tonga and New Zealand on Friday evening, 18 September 2020, at the New Zealand High Commissioner's Official Residence in Nuku'alofa.
The book, The Rise of the To’a, was co-authored by teachers from South Auckland, ‘Alisi Tatafu and David Riley and illustrated by former Mate Ma’a Tonga captain Sika Manu. ‘Alisi, David and Sika made comments during the virtual launching of their work.
The Rise of the To’a was published by the New Zealand Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade, and tells the story of rugby league.
HE Tiffany Babington said that the book was written for children and it will be distributed throughout Tonga and New Zealand. There are about 85,000 New Zealanders of Tongan descent.
The Mate Ma’a Tonga, Tonga’s national Rugby League team, was a semi-finalist at the Rugby League World Cup in 2017. The highlight of that tournament was when the Mate Ma’a Tonga beat the New Zealand Warriors 28-22.
The Mate Ma’a Tonga also beat the British and Australian national Rugby League teams in games played in 2019.