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| Source: TWOA Mangere campus Samoan gifts |
We then farewelled our current CEO as he retires to a more relaxing lifestyle with his family. Both worked at the campus that I'm at until they journeyed to other opportunities.
It was so interesting to see them again in different capacities. The pic shows some of the gifts that were gifted to our outgoing CEO.
He was a gracious leader and much respected. The gifts were from the Pasifika staff including the islands of: Tonga, Samoa, Tokelau, Cook Islands and also Niue.
The gifts that are shown are from our Samoan staff which includes: carvings of old Samoan weaponry, the ula fala (necklace often worn by chiefs), a modern bag, a cup, an aloha shirt (blued), earrings for his loved ones, and malu designs (mainly for women) on lavalava.
The farewell was a beautiful occasion with each group represented wearing their customary dress, each Pasifika group had a representative who gave a speech and then their gifts flowed with dance and music. I liked the Cook Islands group as they ended with a drum dance that's called "Around the world".
This is where any unsuspecting visitor is asked to dance by one of the accomplished dancers to Cook Islands drumming. It is always funny to see the men trying to dance to the beat and women as well. I was asked but then gave the opportunity to one of our unsuspecting senior leaders who was surprised. All in all we had a great time.
I was also given the privilege of sitting next to our outgoing CEO and to explain to him what the gifts were and any questions that he might have as it can be quite daunting to be seated by yourself and having so many gifts being landed on your lap, in front and surrounding him.
As he had so many lei on from the different groups that it was quite difficult for him to move too. At the end a photo was taken of him with the Pasifika staff and all the gifts gathered in front. It was definitely a farewell with a lot of sentiment and honouring...
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