In a landmark moment for Tongan cultural preservation, Her Royal Highness Princess Pilolevu Tuita officially launched a new $1.2 million property for the Fōfō‘anga kava club in Ōtāhuhu, South Auckland, marking a new chapter for the community-driven initiative.
The purchase comes after the club had been evicted from private property seven years ago, prompting its members to fundraise and donate tirelessly to secure a permanent home.
Fōfō‘anga, a well-known kava club in Tonga, serves as a hub for faikava (kava drinking ceremonies), cultural music, and youth mentorship, particularly through its hiva kakala acoustic band, which teaches young people traditional Tongan music and song.
Nalesoni Tupou, legal representative for Fōfō‘anga, revealed that the South Auckland chapter was the first in New Zealand to own its premises at 7 Princess Street, Ōtāhuhu.
The club has already paid $700,000 of the $1.2 million price tag and was working to settle the remaining $500,000 in five years.
“This is a huge achievement for our community,” Tupou told Kaniva News.
“Fōfō‘anga Sydney was the first to buy their own facility 15 years ago, and now South Auckland has followed suit.”
The two-storey building meets local council requirements, including separate bathrooms for men and women, ensuring it serves as a welcoming space for all members.
Approximately 100 international travellers from Fofo’anga attended the ceremony.
Also attending were police officers from the Ōtāhuhu Police Station, which neighbours the Fōfō’anga Club on Princess Street.
Fōfō’anga origin
The Princess said that the initial discussions to establish Fōfō‘anga began at the royal palace, culminating in her father, the late King Tupou IV, being appointed as its first patron.
She added that her uncle, Fatafehi Tu’i Pelehake, proposed the name Fōfō‘anga. After her father passed, Princess Pilolevu was appointed Patron for both the Tongan and global chapters.
“Fōfō‘anga is more than just a kava club—it’s a place where our culture thrives, and our youth learn the values of community and heritage,” she said during the launch.
The club was initially restricted to male members, but the Princess encouraged its leadership to include women.
The new property solidifies Fōfō‘anga’s role as a cornerstone for Tongans in the diaspora, blending tradition with modern needs while ensuring future generations remain connected to their roots.
Lawyer Tupou is the only remaining founding member of the club in New Zealand.
The other pioneers, the late Saimone Koloamatangi, Heamasi Moala‘eua, Taulanga Kupu, Paula Vaitaki, and Henelika Funaki, have since passed away.
The first Fōfō‘anga club in New Zealand was established in 1978 at 42 Dryden Street, Grey Lynn, and Fōfō‘anga Central still operates at this address today.
