Tongan and Samoan MPs were invited to join this morning’s prayer service for Waitangi Day.
Labour List MP ‘Anahila Kanongata’a Suisuiki sang the Tongan hymn ‘Eiki ko e ‘Ofa ‘a’au.
Minister for Pacific Peoples Apita William Sio, who is of Samoan origin, prayed in Samoan.
“I’m grateful to be given the opportunity to say a prayer in the Tongan language at the Dawn Service at Waitangi,” Hon. Suisuiki said.
“Thank you Māori for rolling out your hearts and welcoming us as one.”
“Thanks that we Tongans joined the prayer to bless our land.”
The morning service began with a call for worship by the Right Reverend Te Kitohi Pikaahu, Anglican Bishop of Tai Tokerau.
This was followed by a hymn and followed by the most Reverend Philip Richardson, Primate Bishop of the Anglican Church of Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia.
The Bible reading was Micah 6:6-8, “What does the Lord require of you?”
This was followed a prayer for the nation lead by the Prime Minister, Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern, Hon. Steven Joyce, Hon. Aupito Su’a William Sio, Anahila Kanongata’a-Suisuiki, Meng Foon, the Rev. David Moko, Baptist Maori Ministries, Baptist church of NZ; The Rev Way Matheson, Presbyterian Church and Lieutenant Tau Mataki, Salvation Army of NZ.
