A recently unearthed 1962 article from Tonga’s Taumu‘a Lelei newspaper reveals how a New Zealand priest actively discouraged English theatrical performances, urging Tongans to preserve their faiva fakafonua (traditional performances) instead.
This discovery comes as Auckland’s Polyfest marks its 50th anniversary, a vibrant celebration where Tongans, Māori, and Pacific Islanders in New Zealand perform their indigenous cultural haka and singing entertainment.
Dr Felise Tāvō, currently translating the church’s history in Tonga from French into Tongan and English, shared a copy of the Catholic newspaper’s article on Facebook this week.
The article reported that the Catholic bishop at the time, understood to be John Hubert Macey Rodgers from New Zealand, stated his desire to change the usual entertainment performed at the Catholic schools’ prize-giving night.
According to the article, it was customary for the schools to present English dramas and entertainment during the event. Still, the bishop wanted the students to be taught about their indigenous faiva or faiva fakaTonga.
The article noted that the bishop aimed to instill in the students a sense of value for their faiva fakaTonga and help them understand the importance of their culture.
It said that as a result, various schools were told to each practice various faiva groups, including me’etu’upaki, lakalaka, mā‘ulu‘ulu, and tafi.
Ban on faiva
The revelation revives efforts in Tonga to ban faiva fakaTonga, which were considered heathen.
These efforts resulted in a law enacted during the reign of King Tupou I, known as the 1850 Code, which stated, “Dancing and heathen customs are strictly forbidden.”
Tongan scholars, such as Professors Futa Helu and Sione Latukefu, argued that the law was enacted under the influence of Wesleyan missionaries, who prohibited dancing according to their doctrines.
However, the legislation was subsequently rescinded, and many faiva practices originally classified as heathen were either banned or reformed to align more closely with Christian principles.
The Catholic priests were recognized for preserving the faiva fakaTonga, especially among the people of Lapaha in Tongatapu, where the first French missionaries were stationed.
The esteemed chief Tuku‘aho, who was not a Catholic, is credited with creating the lakalaka performance.
Since Tuku‘aho’s death in 1897, the residents of Tatakamotonga have consistently worn black clothing as their performance attire to honour his memory and that of his son, Tungi Mailefihi.
Polyfest festival
Polyfest is an annual festival in Auckland, New Zealand, showcasing the performing arts of Polynesian culture.
Established in Ōtara in 1975, it has grown to become one of the largest Polynesian festivals globally.
The event celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
The official programme for Polyfest started with a flag-raising ceremony in South Auckland today.
After the flags were aloft, a powhiri welcomed the participants to the Manukau Sports Bowl.
Over four days, more than 60 schools and thousands of performers will take to the stages to celebrate an array of cultures.
