Manase Latu

Old Collegian Manase Latu was surprised and thrilled to hear he had been awarded a 2015 Creative New Zealand Arts Pasifika Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Pacific arts. A talented tenor, Manase received the 2015 Iosefa Enari Memorial Award. Named after the late Samoan opera singer who was at the forefront of Pacific opera, the $4,000 award recognises exceptional Pacific singers from classical genres.

Manase is well remembered for his time at the College for his magnificent voice, having played lead roles in musical productions, winning the Solo Music competition two years in a row and for his significant input to the choral programme. College Head of Choirs Mr Lachlan Craig was one of the first people to recognise Manase’s potential. Mr Craig took the young Manase along to meet Associate Professor Karen Grylls, the director of the University of Auckland Chamber Choir. Manase joined the choir and shortly after, while still at the College, was awarded the George Wilson Turner Scholarship to attend the School of Music at the University of Auckland. He is currently in his second year of a conjoint degree, pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Classical Voice performance, and Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting. Manase says his dream is to one day sing opera on the world’s stage.