The Tongan and Australian communities are celebrating an extraordinary milestone: the 100th birthday of Mrs Janet Secomb, also known as Seneti Wood, beloved partner of the late Reverend Howard Secomb.
Her husband Rev Howard, a distinguished Methodist minister and former principal of Tonga’s Tupou College, passed away in March at the age of 102.
Born in Tonga in 1925, Janet is the eldest daughter of Rev Dr Harold Wood and Dr Olive Wood, who served in Tonga until 1937.
In 1950, Janet returned to Tonga with her husband, where the couple played a pivotal role in strengthening ties between Tongans and Australians through faith, music, and community service.
Janet’s compassion and unwavering support of Howard’s ministry left a lasting legacy across the Kingdom.
Her contributions to church life, music, and outreach efforts helped build bridges that continue to unite communities. Many Tongans fondly recall her fluency in the Tongan language, often remarking that “her Tongan is better than ours!”
A photo of Sēneti, surrounded by family and friends, has been posted to the Australia in Tonga Facebook page.
The caption says: “From all of us at the Australian High Commission in Nukuʻalofa – ‘oku mau talamonu atu Janet ke ke ma’u ha mo’ui lelei mo e loto hounga’ia ‘I he ta’u ‘e 100 kuo ke ‘inasi ai ‘a e mo’ui.
Happy birthday, Mrs Secomb – may your century of life continue to inspire generations to come.”
