An unusual Tongan barkcloth design, depicting a polymetallic nodule found in offshore mineral deposits and an angel, was presented to the Tonga Offshore Mining Limited (TOML) community assistance program by the Tongiaki ‘a Fafine ‘o Lapaha Koka’anga Group, who celebrated a gift of new tapa-making equipment on April 16.

Funded by the Tonga Offshore Mining Limited (TOML) community assistance program, the equipment included five new tables (papa koka’anga), five new sets of Tongan kupesi designs, and three big pots for tapa paste.

Prime Minister Hon Dr Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa, the constituency parliament representative was present at the event.

Tongiaki Group chair, Mele’ana Tavake said tapa making is the only source of income for these women.

They had been using the same old tables for over a decade, and they were in really bad condition, slowing the process of making quality tapa.

The new Tongan kupesi designs on each table would now raise the quality of the tapa and the new pots would make it easier for them to prepare tapa paste and ease members' burden, she said.

TOML Country Manager, Christina Pome'e said they appreciated the efforts by the group, because they had wisely managed the funds and were able to build extras such as open fire potholder for the preparation of paste.

They also built a table outside for waste bins and paid for two tonnes of aggregates to cover the mud area outside the women’s hall, she said.

The group presented a tapa print design to TOML in gratitude for the funding. This particular print depicted an angel holding a polymetallic nodule, a deepsea mineral deposit that TOML explores in international Waters.

The group, which consists of 182 members from all over Tonga, received this funding early this year as part of this community assistance program, which started in 2020.