Original by Peter, Paul and Mary.
Maarit Hänninen: Lino carving and printing
Maarit on YouTube and at maarithanninen.com
Mate Ma'a Tonga
For the last few weeks the city has been fluttering with the red flags of Tonga. Last night they met Australia on the field of Mt Smart Stadium to play a game of rugby league.
The crowd was amazing - just look at the video and the number of people who turned out to support their team and country.
Yeh yeh I know you’re probably not into League, but just watch the sipi tau (Tongan haka) at the beginning of the video: it’s amazing. Make sure you stick around to about 7 minutes 40 seconds when the voices of the crowd rise in song. Iconic sounds of beautiful Pacific voices.
Stirring stuff indeed - when Tongans are supporting their team, it feels like we could all bleed for Tonga.