Islanders celebrate 48 years

By Elton Lonaratha Jnr

Cultural performance from Solomon Islands Waikato students-PHOTO ELTON LONARATHA JNR

More than 60 Waikato-based Solomon Islanders were joined by friends from across the Pacific, to mark the Solomon Islands’ 48th Independence Day Anniversary this month.

The July 12 event was held at the Seventh-day Adventist Church hall in Palmerston Street, Hamilton.

Cutting of cake by Waikato University Solomon Islands Students Association (WUSISA) President, Aiden Kenilorea (L) and a friend from the Pacific-PHOTO ELTON LONARATHA JNR

Organised by the Waikato Solomon Islands Society, the annual celebration featured a Catholic church service followed by cultural dances, quizzes and mini competitions.

The Solomon Islands, a British protectorate from 1893, achieved full independence on July 7, 1978. Independence Day is celebrated by Solomon Islanders at home and by communities living overseas.

Fellow friends from the Pacific also joined the event-PHOTO MEGAN SAENIASI

Society President Jeremy Saeniasi said the gathering remained an important annual event for Solomon Islanders living in Waikato and the organisation was looking forward to hosting an even bigger celebration next year.

The Solomon Islands Society includes islanders living and working in Hamilton through specific engagement programmes, as well as students studying at the Waikato University and Wintec.

Waikato Solomon Islands Society Incorporated (WSISI) President, Jeremy Saeniasi-PHOTO ELTON LONARATHA JNR

The group runs a yearly programme in Hamilton and maintains strong ties with the Solomon Islands Auckland Wantok Association.

Waikato members also took part it in independence celebrations in Auckland.