Tonga vs Kiwis @ Mt Smart Stadium...

It's been interesting to watch the massive Tongan support for their National Tongan Rugby League team here in Auckland over the last couple of years. In fact, on the weekend when I went with my family to view a new Art Gallery in Otahuhu, in the main shopping area, a huge presence of police were there as the weekend began with festivities in the anticipated matchup between the Tongans and the Kiwis (although there is a police station there).

With Otahuhu being the HQ Headquarters during the last couple years with the Rugby League world cup and other featured rugby/league matches, it's been interesting to see how many Tongans have displayed National pride in supporting their National team/s on mass.

I think it all started four years ago with the Rugby world cup and supporters displaying the Tongan flag/s on their cars but then it went up another level with cars beeping up and down Otahuhu main street with upcoming games and congregating on mass that last year the Otahuhu main street was cordoned off to traffic with concerns that a few hooligans were spoiling it for the many.

And now you are able to 'spot the Tongan' house, car or person resplendent with red (and white) Tongan flags donning houses, outside car windows (often waving) or red Tshirts, hats, shoes, Sweatshirts and even dresses, pants and wigs, and not forgetting the face paint.

And last night's match was no exception when Tongan supporters travelled on mass to support their beloved team decked out what has been coined "the sea of red" something that mainstream NZ is now becoming accustomed to.

"Malo au pito" (thank you) Tonga for showing NZ what it means to show solidarity and pride for your Pasefika nation. Although the game wasn't won on the field, it was won in the hearts and minds of Tongans who participated in supporting their team and there's always next year... (or the Rugby World cup upcoming)...