We are pleased to report that the container of supplies destined for Tupou College is currently safely aboard the “Captain Tasman” in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The container project rallied a number of community forces to the cause, including sponsors by Ken and Nick Grover from Gulliver’s Sport Travel, Barry Cotter from Self-Contained Storage and Optim Cargo. Once again the staff, parents, ONU and current students as well as current and past Tupou Scholarship holders, including Moana Loseli (ON ’11) have generously dedicated their time to the project. Thank you to all who helped the container on its way—it certainly introduces a new dimension to the Tupou College relationship.

Newington College’s longstanding affiliation with Tupou College also fosters another Rugby/Service Learning Tour of Tonga, scheduled for the July vacation period this year. Newington’s Boarding House has historically hosted numerous Tongan students including distinguished Old Boy and former King of Tonga, King George Taufa’ahau IV (ON ’38). Now Newington students have the opportunity to be hosted at the Tupou College Boarding House, building a relationship with the school community through service learning activities organised by Mr Cameron Quince and, of course, on the Rugby field under coach Andrew Light.

This is a valuable opportunity to strengthen the relationship between colleges, as well as among Newington’s Under 15 Rugby players. Head of Fletcher House Mr Cameron Quince will lead the tour for its duration, departing Thursday 5 July and returning Thursday 12 July. He has also played an integral role in the assembly and dispatch of the container which will precede the arrival of the Newington tour. We look forward to hearing about the experiences of the next group of touring students and staff, and the continued support of currently involved and new staff and parents in the initiative.