Solomons on show
Money raised at a recent night market will support the welfare of Solomon Islands at Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec) and the University of Waikato.
Solomon Islands students studying at the University of Waikato. Photo: WUSISA via Instagram.
Solomon Islands students showcased a range of products at their stall at the Pā Night Market at the University of Waikato this month.
The products reflected the diverse culture of the Solomon Islands and featured handcrafted items and locally manufactured goods from Solomon Islands companies.
Items on display included traditional shell money, Soltuna canned tuna products, dye lavalava (colourful Pacific‑style cloth), shell‑money necklaces, earrings and bracelets and as coconut oils and soaps.
A selection of items on sale during the Night Market. Photo: WUSISA via Instagram.
Waikato Solomon Islands Student Association president, Aiden Kenilorea the goal was to welcome visitors to the stall, showcase original, locally made products, share the details behind them, and “hopefully inspire them to take a piece of the Solomon Islands home with them”.
Kenilorea said the association to set up their stall after being invited by the Waikato Students’ Union and other associations.
“Money raised from the night market will go to future projects for the association, whether that be trips, campus events, community event contributions, or Solomon Islands Language Week,” he added.
Students with the items they displayed at the stall. Photo: WUSISA via Instagram.
He said student associations and clubs, local businesses, and rising designer brands also took part in the Night Market.
Kenilorea said the association aims to support Solomon Islanders who come to Hamilton for their studies.
Adjusting from island life to Hamilton can be challenging, he said, and the association works to help students adapt to their new environment and academic journey in New Zealand.
Waikato Solomon Islands Society Incorporated (WSISI) President, Jeremy Saeniasi (front, right), poses with Solomon Islands students at their stall. Photo: WUSISA via Instagram.
Solomon Islands students can also receive financial support from the Waikato Solomon Islands Society, which the student association branched out from in 2025 to establish itself as a standalone association. The annual Night Market is to be an annual event at the Pā and this year was staged during the university’s second‑semester orientation week.
