Faka-Sepitema

Around September 28, visitors will observe hundreds of women dressed in white for Faka-Sepitema. This is best defined as a Wesleyan Church "roll call," in which each female member of the church responds to their name being called out with "I am present." Unlike other formal occasions, women do not dress in their traditional attire, such as a waist mat, but instead wear all-white attire.

It was one of the most anticipated events of the year for Tongan protestant church members. Parishioners from the Free Church of Tonga came all the way down from Northland and the Bay of Plenty to celebrate Sepitema at their Favona headquarters in Mangere. A pōhiva (religious evening singing) was arranged by the church to mark the conclusion of the women's Sepitema ceremony.

When: Around September 28