Stuck In Singapore During COVID-19, This Kiwi Found A New Home | Singapore Hour

Key Concepts:

• Teamwork and club representation in sports
• Diversity and inclusion in sports clubs
• Rugby coaching principles and techniques
• Cultural adaptation and integration in Singapore
• Importance of nature and cultural connection
• Waka Ama as a cultural and community activity
• Kava ceremony and its cultural significance

1. Teamwork, Representation, and Commitment:

• The video emphasizes the importance of teamwork and representing the club with dedication and commitment.
• Players are reminded that they are not just representing themselves but the entire club.
• The coach stresses the need to present a united front to the opposition.
• "When we are playing as a team we're not just representing ourselves we're representing the club and showing dedication and our commitment to the club."

2. Introduction to Deacon Manu:

• Deacon Manu is introduced as a teacher and rugby coach in Singapore for five years.
• He has a mixed Maori and Fijian heritage, born and raised in New Plymouth, New Zealand.
• He is the head coach at the Dragons Club, which he joined five years ago.
• He appreciates the diversity within the Dragons Club, which includes both local and expatriate members.

3. Dragons Club and Coaching Role:

• Deacon's role as head coach involves observing good principles and using his experience to give back to the game.
• The position is voluntary, reflecting his commitment to the community.
• The Dragons Club provided a supportive community for him.
• He moved from Hong Kong and joined Dragons in 2020.

4. Professional Rugby Background:

• Before teaching and coaching, Deacon was a professional rugby player for over 13 years.
• He played for the New Zealand Junior All Blacks, the Maori All Blacks, and captained Fiji in the Rugby World Cup.
• He demonstrates a shoulder tilting technique to lower body height without dropping the entire body.

5. Unexpected Stay in Singapore:

• Deacon's stay in Singapore was unplanned due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.
• He was unable to return to New Zealand or Hong Kong, leading to a challenging period.
• Friends and connections in Singapore helped him settle in quickly.

6. Cultural Connection and Nature in Singapore:

• Deacon emphasizes the importance of connecting with nature (the land or "whenua" and the sea or "moana") for cultural revitalization and personal wellbeing.
• He appreciates the contrast between city life and nature in Singapore, noting the accessibility of greenery.
• He shares this appreciation with family members visiting from New Zealand.

7. Community and Cultural Learning:

• Rugby is highlighted as a unifying force that brings people together regardless of background.
• Deacon is learning Malay to better understand the local culture.
• He learns simple Malay words like "ayam" (chicken) and phrases like "Awak sudah makan?" (Have you eaten?).
• He believes understanding cultural nuances is important when living in a new country.

8. Kiwi Waka Ama and Cultural Identity:

• Kiwi Waka Ama was established as a "marae" (meeting house) outside of New Zealand for Kiwis and non-Kiwis.
• A "waka" is a traditional Maori canoe, and "ama" refers to the outrigger.
• Waka Ama is more than a sport; it's a connection to ancestors and a way to enjoy the sea ("moana").
• It represents the historical importance of canoes for communication, transportation, and trade among Pacific Islands.

9. Kava Ceremony:

• The video features a kava ceremony with kava from Fiji.
• Kava is made from the root of a plant, dried, pounded into powder, and mixed with water.
• It is used for relaxation and socialization.
• The ceremony involves three claps before drinking and saying "takitaki" (finish it) after.
• Traditionally, kava is served in a coconut shell.

10. Integration and Home in Singapore:

• Deacon expresses that Singapore initially felt like a home away from home but now feels like his actual home.
• He values the community, people, and connections he has made.
• He embraces the local culture, enjoys the food, and frequents local areas.

Synthesis/Conclusion:

The video provides insights into Deacon Manu's life as a rugby coach and teacher in Singapore, highlighting his cultural background, his integration into Singaporean society, and his passion for community and cultural connection. It emphasizes the importance of teamwork, cultural understanding, and the role of sports and traditions in fostering a sense of belonging. Deacon's journey reflects a successful adaptation to a new environment while maintaining strong ties to his heritage.