News in brief: Constitution week events

A news in brief article on some of the key events that took place during the Constitution week celebrations for 2023.

Tafiti claims final game victory of the Toa Motu rugby league series

The third and final game of the State of Niue toa motu rugby league tournament between Motu and Tafiti took place on Wednesday 18th October at the Paliati school grounds. 

According to Niue Rugby League President Zack Smith, the game was neck and neck throughout. However, Tafiti came out on top with the winning try scoring 38 points to 32 for team Motu.

The Most Valuable Players of the match were Chadson Siakimotu from team Tafiti and Kefu Siataga from team Motu. 

A prize giving ceremony took place later that day where team Motu took home the winning shield for the 2023 series. 

Niue Rugby League Association also had the privilege of selecting three young players who will be joining the Pacific Youth Cup under 18s team in New Zealand next January 2024 representing Niue. 

The three young players are Delamere Faitala from Tuapa, Austin Talagi from Avatele and Aaron Tukutama from Tamakautoga. 

Niue Vaka Competition Winners

Also during the Constitution week celebrations, were the Niue Vaka Association events such as the vaka races and fishing competition. 

For the mixed relay competition, first place went to Micah Fuhiniu-Viviani and Clifford Marsh. Second place went to Taumafai Fuhiniu and Bella Fuhiniu, and third placing went to Roxy Damseaux and Presley Viliamu.

For the Fishing Canoe Mens Race, first place went to Presley Viliamu, second place to Poi Okesene and third place to Clifford Marsh. 

For the fishing competition events, taking the lead for heaviest single Pelagic was Brandon Tauati with a 26.3kg Haku. Second place went to Daryn Magatogia with an 18kg Valu. Third place went to Heston Hopokigi of 17.5kg Albacore, and in fourth placing was Dimitry Viliamu with a 16kg Albacore. 

Annual Business Expo

Last Tuesday, Niue Chamber of Commerce was able to host its annual business expo for 2023 at the commercial centre in Alofi. 

A total of 23 businesses participated in the expo including three junior entrepreneurs who are Year 5 and 6 of Primary School, four Year 10 young entrepreneurs from high school and 16 local businesses in the private sector participated in the expo. 

This was the second year since the business expo has returned to the commercial centre after joining the national showday in previous years.