Fund-raising dinner celebrates Tongan rugby

Fund-raising dinner celebrates Tongan rugby [1]

Auckland, New Zealand

Monday, September 12, 2011 - 22:22. Updated on Wednesday, September 11, 2013 - 09:54.

Photos by Frank Koloi

Jonah Lomu and Hon. Lupepau'u at a fund-raiser.

A dinner hosted by the Tonga RWC Committee 2011, in Auckland on Saturday night brought together Tongan rugby legends and rising Tongan rugby stars.

The fundraiser at the Langham Hotel in Central Auckland attracted 700 people for a wonderful night of celebration of Tongan rugby and pride.

Jonah Lomu meets Tongan supporters at a fund-raiser.

Attending the event were some of Tonga's rugby greatest stars, including Jonah Lomu, Va'inga Tuigamala, 'Isitolo Maka and Mana 'Otai.

Members of the Tongan royal family Prince Tungi and Hon. Lupepau'u attended the event along with Cabinet Ministers from the Tongan Government, members of both the New Zealand National and Labour parties,
And Tongan fans in Auckland for the Rugby World Cup.

Over NZ$22,000 was raised during the evening from an auction.

Tongan dancers.

On stage, some of Tonga's rugby greatest Jonah Lomu, 'Inga Tuikimala, 'Isitolo Maka and Mana 'Otai.

Some of the items auctioned included a signed 'Ikale Tahi jersey which went for $4,000 to Samuela Fangaloka of Melie mei Langi - who sponsored the 'Ikale Tahi Supporter's Club. He and his daughter also won bids on two other items totalling $1500.

The biggest bid of the night was for an a art piece by Filipe Tohi valued at $5,000 but taken by Dr Simione and Cathy Lolohea of Cambridge for $7,000.
A return trip for two from Air NZ including a Tongatapu-Vava'u trip from Chathams was auctioned for $3,100.

A rubgy ball signed by the 'Ikale Tahi and Jonah Lomu went for $1,900 to Sosefo and 'Uheina Sime.

Jonah Lomu and 'Ikale Tahi fans in Auckland.

Jonah Lomu.

Prince Tungi and Hon Lupepau'u, with 'Isitolo Maka and 'Ikale Tahi players in Auckland.

'Alisona Taumalolo and Prince Tungi.

'Isitolo Maka the coach of the 'Ikale Tahi, third from the right.

Flag bearers for a group of more than 2000 Tonga fans who marched to Eden Park before the game.

Brass Band leads a dedicated group of 'Ikale Tahi supporters.

Marching to Eden Park on Friday.