Results for Arts & Entertainment

New Zealand–born Tongan tenor, Manase Latu was runner-up in the 2024 Lexus Song Quest, Aotearoa, New Zealand’s premier opera singing competition. Manase was selected from a pool of 29 top-quality applications for the song quest competition.

The new Miss Galaxy Queen for 2024-25, Giovanna Lisha Mafi (Miss Tasmania Australia) was crowned last night, 12 July at the Queen Salote Memorial Hall in Nuku'alofa, by Patron of the Tonga Leitis' Association, Hon Sālote Lupepau’u Tuita, after a final night of judging events

Eight Gracias Choir choristers performed at the Tonga Hope Concert in Falemasiva Hall at Tailulu in Havelu, last week on 13 June 2024.

A travelling exhibition of the prints of Japanese contemporary painters opened at the Tanoa International Hotel in Nuku’alofa today and will be free for the public to view until 25 June.

A young Native American filmmaker, Kymon Greyhorse, who lives in New Mexico, USA, says he is tapping into his Tongan roots, to inspire his next film. He identifies as two-spirit, a term that describes Indigenous people who have both masculine and feminine energy. When he was bullied for his identity, including his Native and Pacific Islander background, he drew strength from his family. His short film “I am Home,” that premiered at Sundance Film Festival in the USA last year, has opened up new opportunities for him.

A Tongan inspired art piece 'Flare (Oceania)', by John Gerrad is currently on display at the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne, Australia.

Tongan creative artist and handicraft maker, Lu'isa Nau, is determined to utilize locally sourced materials, to maintain the authenticity of Tongan craftsmanship, while expressing dismay over the imported counterfeits that local artisans have to compete within the marketplace. Her home-based creative operation in Nuku'alofa was recently awarded at GGGI Grant for her business plan that aligns with sustainable development goals.

“Miss Tonga” Elika Bunter was crowned Woman of the World 2023, at the Pageant of the World 2023 competition, held on 30 September, in Sydney, Australia.

A new book of memories was launched to mark the Tonga High School 75th Diamond Jubilee recently. Called Road to ‘Faa’imata – 75th Anniversary’ the work is a collection of history and stories of ex-students of Tonga High School.