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Violent relationship between Tupou College and Tonga College students

By
Kalino Latu
-

by Rev Dr Mohenoa Puloka

“Mo’ui ngalo,” forgetting of who you are, your socio-personal identity, is a behavior taboo against which most Tongan parents and older generations do take care to move their children far away from, and instead instruct them of “’Ilo’i Kita,”  knowing yourself, similar perhaps to Plato’s “know thyself.” A part of the root cause of violent relationship between Tupou College and Tonga College students is “mo’ui ngalo.” Tupou College and Tonga College boys really forget who they are as brothers of the same parents. In 1883 His Majesty King Tupou 1 commanded Pauliasi Taumoepeau of Kotu, Ha’apai, a foundation scholar of Tupou College (1866) to set up and start Tonga College, the rest is rather a well known history.

In fact Tupou College and Tonga College are brother schools, with the former the elder and the latter as the younger brother. Sibling rivals, the human traits that build and destroy nations is part of the problems between the two premiere educational institutions in Tonga, Tupou College and Tonga College. Into the same groove Tupou College, a Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga school and the first secondary school amongst the Pacific Islands is seen in sharp contrast to Tonga College, a Government of Tonga school.

Instead of articulating against a historicist stance, I do acknowledge the rubbings of the past as having similar negative impacts on the present relationship between the two schools.  To be clear and fair to all parties involved, what the law calls onus probandi, (burden of proof) is squarely vested with the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga. As the largest Christian Church and owner of Tupou College, and about 70% of Tonga College students and staff are members, the FWCT must navigate its kalia, “Mo’unga-ki-he-Loto,” fearlessly riding the white-crested waves of Tonga thus taming its wild and unruly waters.

In my response to a similar but less violent fighting between the two schools last month, I suggested publicly that an exchange classes be carried out by both schools. A Form Three from Tupou College be transferred to Tonga College and to be exchanged by a Form Three from Tonga College be transferred to Tupou College. To complete the Tonga School Certificate the transfer must remain in tact for at least 3 years. Those exchange students would build up a good durable environment for a better relationship of brotherly love amongst the boys.  

Parents, staff, and alumni of both schools must take care to build same brotherly relationships as each is not complete without the other. This exchange is neither a quid pro quo nor deus ex-machina, but a sine qua non, that decides aut vincere aut mori. About closing down both schools or Tupou College is a bad idea. You do not burn down the house in order to give it a new roof. Just do the necessary repairs for neither the Government nor the FWCT has the capacity to provide better alternatives.

However, the current situation exposes both the FWCT as well as the Government of Tonga as weak and ineffective provider of responsible infrastructure for a peaceful and well-ordered Tonga. Both Church and State are debilitated by the powerful onslaught of materialism. Worst is when the Church becomes more material and less spiritual while the State becomes a political machine without a heart.Vade in pace.

Rev. Dr. Tevita Tonga Mohenoa Puloka.
Director: Department of Continuing Theological Education for Clergy and Stewards, The Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga (Methodist Church in Tonga).

Copyright: Pentecost 2013, Tevita Tonga Mohenoa Puloka, PhD.             

Town officer warned tenant of possible attack by Tupou College students

By
Kalino Latu
-

UPDATES: The tenant of the house where a horrendous attack by Tupou College students took place on Thursday night at Tofoa has been previously advised that allowing Tonga College students to stay in her house  posed a risk of becoming targeted for an attack. 

A student of Tonga College, Taniela Mahe 15 is in the hospital after the attack on Thursday night 18 but in good condition according to her mother, Mrs Luʻisa Mahe. Another victim of the attack who is an ex-student of Tonga College, Taniela Halahuni 21 is also in the hospital but in a critical condition.

Kaniva News has been informed that Halahuni is now in life support, but we could not confirm that as we could not be able to get hold of Surgeon Dr Lord Tangi who was said to be the only authority that could release any information regarding Halahuni.  

Tofoa town officer, Mr ʻUsaia Fifita said he studied recent attacks by Tupou College students and could learn they followed similar patterns of attacking homes where small number of Tonga College students lived. He then undertook to make sure his villagers would not be victims.

Mr Fifita told Kaniva News before the attack on Thursday  he talked to the tenant, Mrs Lu’isa Mahe in relation to the Tonga College students staying in her house.

The town officer said he was aware of a fight last month between these Tonga College students with some Tupou College students in the area. A church steward for the Free Wesleyan Church in the vicinity was injured in the fight after he intervened because of his children involved. The steward's children are currently studying at Tupou College.

Mr Fifita said the Tonga College students were previously staying in another friend’s house in the area. He then talked to the home owner to consider returning the students to their own parents and places.  

He only learnt after the Thursday attack that the students were not returned to their various places but instead were just moving to another home in the area.

Mrs Mahe told Kaniva News the students from Tonga College who have been victims of Thursday’s incidence were not staying in her house. Her two sons are staying at Tonga College with the principal during the week, she said.

Mrs Mahe was a teacher at Tonga College and  the Tonga College students in the area used to come for her assistance with their studies during the week.

She said after the rugby tournament semi final between Tupou College and Tonga College on Thursday 11 Tonga College won but a fight broke out after the game between the two colleges.

The fight was eventually dispersed and some Tonga college students gathered at her home that evening. She later received a call from the town officer saying he was concerned for the safety of those living in her house  and the neighboruing residents because of the recent fights between the two colleges.

Mrs Mahe said she told the town officer that the students were not staying in her house and they just turned up for either to have something to eat or to get assistance for their studies.

Mrs Mahe also confirmed that Taniela Halahuni 21 is no longer a student at Tonga College.

Apparently Halahuni was in the wrong place at wrong time on Thursday night 18.

On the night of the attack Mrs Mahe said she returned with some foods from Kolomotu’a after conducting a night study programme.

She arrived home to find her two sons in the house. They said they came from Tonga College to have their hairs cut for the School Rugby Tournament final the next day.

She then called Taniela Halahuni and the other Tonga College students who used to come to her house to come and dine with them.

“They regularly turned up looking for something to eat,” Mrs Mahe said.

After their dinner they just relaxed into a topic discussion on History and Tongan subjects, she said.

“We did not know our house has already been surrounded at the time around 10 to 12pm. But a stone hurled into the house and we heard a sound of shattering glass. Not long the Tupou College students entered into our house and smashed everything they could find,” she said.  

It was estimated that about 200 students from Tupou College were at the scene and only about 8 Tonga College students were in the house at the time of the attack. 

Mrs Mahe said her children together with the other Tonga College students may have been safe in the bedrooms.  But after  she noticed the attackers were trying to blow up the house with a gas cylinder they grabbed from the kitchen she shouted at the top her voice to alert the children in the bedrooms to find a way out.

“I  just yelled and cried out  I do not want you to kill my children. Lucky it could not ignite after they attempted to light it,” she said.

Halahuni and the boys came out of the rooms when they heard Mrs Maheʻs yelling and they were immediately assaulted and bashed over their heads.

Mrs Mahe said her son is in good condition but really concerned at Halahuni’s life condition which is seriously critical.

Kaniva News could not be able to obtain a comment from Tupou College.

Tonga College students still receive treatment at Vaiola Hospital

By
Kalino Latu
-

 

LAST UPDATED 3:20pm: Two students of Tonga College hospitalised after an attack by Tupou College students  in the village of Koloua-‘o-Kolomotu’a, Tofoa are still in the hospital with serious head injuries but in stable condition, a source from Vaiola Hospital told Kaniva News this afternoon.

The source is not named as he was not authorised to release any  information but he confirmed the two Tonga College students are still receiving treatment and still under the care of the nurses and doctors.

Kaniva sought the hospital's confirmation after posts on Facebook went viral saying one of the students has died last night, drawn thousands of Tongans into a heated debate and discussion on the social media. 

Our source said that was not correct and he  told us to contact Dr Viliami Tangi or Dr Saia Piukala as they are the two surgeons who are working for the two students but the "doctors are currently attending to a case in the surgical ward".   
 
The victims were two of the students who were in the house while the attack took place on Thursday night July 18.

Police said the attack was vicious and it was conducted while a mother, teacher at Tonga High School and her children together with the Tonga College students were in the house.

A local told Kaniva News  the students from Tupou College allegedly arrived without villagers awareness armed with sticks, woods, timbers and pieces of iron.

They entered the residence at about midnight smashed the house’s sliding doors and windows before they got in and assaulted the occupants.

Another group was organised to wait outside and make sure there was no intervention from the neighbours and villagers, he said.  

In June a fight broke out between the Tonga College students and students from Tupou College in the area and a father of some of the Tupou College students involved was allegedly injured. 

In May a group of more than 100 students from Tupou College arrived by bus at the village of Veitongo to attack a home in the area belonged to some Tonga College students.  

At one stage it was alleged that some Tonga College students hurled stones at a Tupou College bus days before this incident happened.

A swift intervention of the locals helped avoid any disaster and police were called to the scene.

On one occasion, students from Tupou College surprisingly arrived at Tonga College armed with sticks and irons smashing  class rooms and school buildings.

The tension between the two colleges has been in the history since a huge split between Wesleyan Church followers in 1885 that saw the birth of the Tonga College by Prime Minister Shirley Baker and King Tupou I while Tupou College was previously established in 1866 by Missionary Dr James Egan Moulton.

Police investigation was underway.

 

– We removed from this article what we reported as – the mother and his children together with the Tonga college students believed to have been asleep while the attack took place. We interviewed the mother recently and she said the attack happened while they were still staying awake. 

School Rugby Final cancelled after mass fight, 147 arrested in brawl

By
Kalino Latu
-

UPDATED: Tongatapu Secondary School Rugby Tournament final that was due to be held today Friday 19 was postponed after  multiple fights that  culminated in an attack involving more than 100 students, with 147 arrested.

President of the Tonga Secondary School Principals Association Fr ‘Aisake Vaisima told Kaniva News the  principal members of the Tongatapu Association met today and decided to cancel the tournament’s final after two Tonga College students were hospitalised following an attack by some  Tupou College students at a residence in Tofoa.

Police have confirmed arrests were made and students were in police custody.

A reliable source unanimously spoke with Kaniva News and he said some students from Tonga College used to camp out at a resident in Koloua-'o-Kolomotu'a a village next to the village of Tofoa.

The residence belongs to a woman who is teaching at Tonga High School and she has children that are studying at Tonga College.

He said last month a fight broke out between these students with some of the students of Tupou College who live close by in which a father of some of the Tupou College students was allegedly injured.

Last night’s brawl was believed to have been a revenge by the Tupou College students following the June’s fight, he said.  

Fr Vaisima said he met the Honourable Minister of Education today, Dr ‘Ana Taufe’ulungaki and she has given him the support  from the cabinet for the decision to cancel today’s tournament final for all school rugby grades.

Student members of the Tongatapu School Prefects Association were supposed to hold a meeting this weekend as part of an initiative to develop good leadership among school students but Fr Vaisima said he advised them to postpone it due to the tension between the two colleges.

Beauty is in the eye of the researcher

By
Kalino Latu
-

Press Release

Rosemarie Fili wanted to study how Tongan perspectives of beauty differed from western views so she entered a beauty pageant in the Pacific Kingdom, and won.

Rosemarie, 22, entered the Miss Heilala pageant – effectively the Miss Tonga competition – as part of her post-graduate studies at the University of Waikato and says it was a plan to learn more about Tongan women’s perspectives of beauty.

“I told my professor, Lynda Johnston, I wanted to look at definitions of beauty from a Tongan context. I wanted to look at how the Miss Heilala contest identified beauty in young women and how local girls looked at that and whether they followed that idea or have their own perspectives of beauty,” she says.

“People have studied these things from the outside but I wanted to see what goes on behind those closed doors.”

She now has the chance to broaden her studies even further, with her new title guaranteeing her entry into the Miss South Pacific competition, being held in the Solomon Islands in December.

Rosemarie – who was born in Christchurch but returned to live in Tonga when she was just 3 months old, before completing her schooling in Palmerston North – hopes to complete her post-graduate degree in Social Sciences with Honours later this year before fulfilling one of the conditions of her win and returning to Tonga to work as an ambassador for the government for six months.

“That’s part of the deal and I’m actually really looking forward to it.”

Following that, she hopes to return to Waikato University to complete her masters degree.

At the competition, Rosemarie won several individual categories ahead of the overall title and while it was based on traditional pageants, there was no swimsuit section and additional sections for traditional wear, traditional dance and talent.

For winning the title, Rosemarie also won cash and flights to Los Angeles and she is still surprised she won.

“There were so many beautiful ladies, I honestly didn’t believe it,” she says.

“I went into it for research and a bit of fun but it turned out better than I ever hoped it would.”

And while she’s not planning on abandoning her studies for life on the catwalk, it would be nice if there was one positive spinoff from the pageant.

“I’m hoping for an A+ because I won.”

The new commercial bank in Tonga owned by Jinhua Hu

By
Kalino Latu
-

UPDATES: The new Pacific International Commercial Bank to operate in Tonga in six months is owned by a Chinese business millionaire named as Mr. Jinhua Hu.

 The license for the bank to operate was just approved by Tonga National Reserve Bank this month.

Mr Hu deposited a starting capital of $8 Million dollar before the TNRB approved his license.

The Board of Directors will be chaired by Hu’s daughter Tiantian Hu. Other members are Hon Princess Pilolevu Tuita represented by ‘Aisake Tu’iono, Mishka Tu’ifua and the rest will be Hu’s children.

Saia Moehau said the new bank will operate from his hotel known as Loumaile Lodge  in Nuku'alofa.

The new bank is expected to be opened to the public in December.

TASANOC CEO and Manager sacked

By
Kalino Latu
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The Chief Executive Officer of the Tonga Amateur Sport and National Olympic Committee will no longer receive salaries and other expenses normally  paid by the organisation, it was announced on Tuesday. The office manager 'Ahosivi Kaitapu's employment term was also terminated.

According to the announcement Mr Takitoa Taumoepeau, a former long-time chief executive officer of TASANOC will still remain as the Secretary General in the organization, a voluntary position that is elected every four years.

The termination was understood to have been based on the orgnisation's restructure.

At the last annual general meeting, the financial accounts for 2012 showed that the administration expenses had exceeded budgeted income by over 137 thousand US dollars.

The main expenses were the salaries and wages of the CEO and five staff, the CEO’s housing and travel allowances, general overseas travel and vehicle expenses.

At the same time the budgets for sports development in Tonga were under-expended.

Taumoepeau was instrumental in bringing the South Pacific Games into Tonga to be held in 2019.

Message from Tonga Research Association's Chaplain Paula Onoafe Latu

By
Kalino Latu
-

Exclusive

by Reverend Paula Onoafe Latu

We Thank God the Creator, Sustainer and Redeemer of our sinful souls – who had in a mysterious way led the path of the TRA kalia towards the successful 2013 Conference.

We thank Rev. Dr. Liufau Vailea Saulala for the blessing and opening of the conference, Rev. Liponi Filise for allowing the Church at Tuingapapai for our first event of Po Lotu Fakaava 'o e Konifelenisi 2013 TRA. Pres. 'Ilomaisini lea, Melenaite Taumoepeau, Prof Finua for the inspiring speeches. We thank the three Church choirs FWCT-NZ; Siasi Fakatahataha, and SDA-Misipa who sang with warm hearts to bless the occasion. The presence of Kakala Taumoefolau and the speakers really manifested the presence of all past informants of Tonga history.

We remembered and honored the pioneer members of the THA, Professors, Rev'd. Latukefu, Hau'ofa, Futa Helu, Wood-Ellem, Dr. Kalapoli Paongo, F.O.Kolo, not forgetting Albert Wendt of Samoa, Prof. Crocombe (NZ) and Maude (England) who stood to argue for a space for islanders to provide our versions of our own pasts. We also thought of Prof. Niel Gunson, Dr. Phyllis Herda, Adrienne Kappler, Jennifer Terrell, Rev. Siupeli Taliai, Edgar Tu'inukuafe, Dr. 'O. Mahina and others unnamed who took part in the first Conference of THA in 1987.

We Thank all for the wonderful TRA conference, dialogues, clarifications, sharing and comments. Your attending the TRA 2013 conference, was really an honor for us all, most especially the amateurs of the field, to have been observed and checked by our masters while we tried to learn how to swim in the widest Oceania of the world, already with tumultuous turbulence by its various colonial, philosophical, speculative, theoretic, rational and empirical currents of thoughts and debates. We thank Mafimalanga, and Moala Lahi, Fine Koloamatangi and 'Alisi Latu for performing the Fulitaunga to actually provide the cultural platform for the 2013 TRA.

Wendy, at Olovaha of Fulitaunga and your silence was noble. We really appreciated as in Tongan way, silence is noble. Bill Mackintyre we thank you for your labour to teach students like Palatasa and them to take science. We respect you all non-Tongans who were present in the conference in that way- the comments you all made were really appreciated. Some of you had labored and made the former THA organization to grow into its present TRA stage – we praise God for your efforts.

We were all inspired by 'Ofa Ketu'u on the issue facing our people in regard to offering in the church. Sopolemalama's journey from the pub at K road to become an artists was just amazing. The poems by Karlo, Mepa, Marryane Pale, took us all backward to the future – poems and the way they have been delivered really inspired all. Semisi Taumoepeau for alerting and reporting on the problems about economic and technologies for Tonga. Lita Foliaki and 'Eseta for leading the health team in such a very interesting day to learn more about us and our health. Thank Dagmar and Dr. Billie and Kolokesa, the Matala team for opening up a new chapter for Tongan arts, and to influence our young ones there is a lot there to explore in matters of arts and education. I believe that is the solution to tackle the south Auckland youth violence, teen aged preg. and gangster problems. The young students who showed their talents in speech, poems and language greatly appreciated. Sandra Kailiahi who chaired the first panel really open a worthwhile debate on the issue. 'Emosi and Foliaki for encouraging youths of a way that should be pursued for a better life.

Thanks for the members from USA – Fahina Pasi and Anapesi Ka'ili, and their team for the effort to come and share with us your works. THanks to Dr Tangikina Steen from Australia and who also had to be there on behalf of the President Asinate Samate. Thanks to Uani for making it possible to come from the continent and shared the spirit of Langimalie with us.The two architects Maui and Tomui who presented their works on merging the Tongan architectural skills with the modern were really amazing.

I thank 'Alisi Tatafu for bringing on the youths and the spirit of Tongan history to remind us that youths are the future of the TRA.

I would like to thank Manager Viliami Toafa and the Langimalie teams for manifesting the spirit of Langimalie – the good joyous spirits of the Tongan people". I thank Ika Tameifuna, Sefita Hao'uli, Nalesoni Tupou, Tasi 'Ahio, your supports to have our people aware of our rich history and the ongoing research and investigations by our students are much appreciated. I thank Dr. Timote Vaioleti for leading such a wonderful day on Education. after your leadership, we all felt we wanted to go back to school.

Wendy and Herda you should have watched and experienced the spirit of the conference on the last night Dinner at Fale Pasifika, UOA, where the Puta's old timer band played the banjo, violin, and drum, while 'Okusitino was performing a tau'olunga (inpsired by the red wine – not to let Tu'ungatanga knows). The Tongan university and AIS students performed their lakalaka, and tau'olunga and other items – from which we were all inspired by the spirit of their singing and dancing. thanks guys you really did present to us what the Late Hau'ofa said, "this is what our ancestors had been doing all along."

Appreciation for Sopolemalama Filipe Tohi art works on the Fale Pasifika of UOA. TRA dinner was honored by the presence of Mrs Olaka'aina Vaka of Vai ko Hiva and Talalo Sia, Tangikina, Tisiola Kakala as member of Langimalie Board, Willy Ilolahia, Ika Tameifuna, and Prof Finau, and other guests of honour.

That presentation by the youths was real stuff – I say, that was the practical part of the conference – where things of the past were said, recited, performed, felt, experienced and all were overjoyed and heartily touched with tears by the mood and the message of "WALKING BACKWARD TO THE FUTURE or GOING FORWARD TO THE PASTS.".

I thank Rev. Ifalame Teisi and Rev. Tavake Tupou for reminding all of us that the model for everyone's journey in life is of Jesus Christ and the way he led life as a servant. Thanks Tavake for opening up a dialogue on the chapter of the journey of churches as institutions to seriously considered in our 21st century walk. I totally agree that we need to learn to trust in Jesus and walk alongside him on the waters, as Peter did.

Last but no mean the least, to thank the master President of the TRA Professor Finau, and the Secretary Manase Lua, Gerhard, Pres. Sini Lea, Si'ata, Maka, 'Alisi, Melino for the overall program it was really wonderful how things went smoothly well and every one were very happy. if anyone was not happy, I think he or she came with a different motive and there missed out.

To 'Eseta, Folola, Meliame, Afionga and all the TRA ladies who worked so hard (behind the curtain) to see this conference a success – Malo 'aupito. Thank all the sponsors.

I thank the youngest members of the TRA-NZ 2013 who are babies; Sunborn, Finau, Tuai, and Latu who reminded us that they are the future of our society and that they are our TRA treasures. They are here at present to remind us, as I believe, at any given moment of time, there exist the tripartite framework of Time which is the PAST-PRESENT-FUTURE, IN THIS CHANGING present. The spirits of our ancestors were there in the conference with us, observing quietly what we say and did; the babies members of our TRA are our future were also present; and us all who have presently rowing the kalia forward this year, as this young Tongan artist Kolokesa Mahina-Tuai stated,

"THERE IS A MOANA/PACIFIC BELIEF THAT WE WALK FORWARD INTO THE PAST AND BACKWARD INTO THE FUTURE, BOTH OF WHICH ARE CONSTANTLY MEDIATED IN THE CHANGING PRESENT, WHERE THE PAST IS PUT IN FRONT AS A GUIDING PRINCIPLE AND THE FUTURE, SITUATED BEHIND, IS BROUGHT TO BEAR ON PAST EXPERIENCE." (Matala Festival, 2012).

on behalf of us all, thank you all for your warm hearts that praise God in all aspects we engaged with in our TRA 2013 conference.

Until 2014, we all pray for safe journey.

God Bless us All.

Paula Onoafe Latu.

Masked men robbed Chinese store

By
Kalino Latu
-

Three unarmed men wearing mask  robbed  a retail store at Vaiola Hospital in Tonga  on Saturday 13.

The masked men entered the store and threatened two Chinese ladies and one Tongan employee.

Police said the robbers demanded cash from the trio about 10:15pm.

One of the men assaulted one of the shop keepers with a chair causing her head injury.

They then took $200 – $300 cash before they fled from the store.

The injured shop keeper was hospitalised but returned soon after and was in a stable condition.

Police investigation was underway.

“Holomui ki mu’a – Walking backwards to the future” – TRA Conference 2013

By
Kalino Latu
-

Exclusive

by Manase Lua
TRA Secretary
 

True to its theme, the 15th Conference of the Tongan Research Association (TRA) walked backwards into the future. The Conference was officially opened and blessed by the Chair of the po lotu and worship session, Rev Dr Liufau Vailea Saulala at Tuingapapai Church, Mangere on Sunday, 7th July. Choirs from various Tongan Churches around Auckland performed majestic and uplifting songs of praise, punctuated by the profound messages from the pulpit varying from a stern telling off at the start, to memorials for fallen friends and even humour from the pulpit. TRA Chaplain Rev Paula Onoafe Latu outlined the history of the TRA from its beginnings inspired by the efforts of Prof Epeli Hau’ofa, Prof Ron Crocombe, Prof Albert Wendt and Dr Henry Evans Maude. They were at the forefront of a movement for Pacific people to study and research Pacific things. From this movement was born the Tongan History Association established in 1989 by Rev Dr Sione Latukefu, Prof ‘Ilasisa Futa Helu, Dr Elizabeth Wood-Ellem and others. Now called the TRA, it is an international network of Tongan academics, researchers, students and artists, basically, anyone Tongan or interested in the study of anything about Tonga.

Day 1 – Lotu/Religion

Rev ‘Ilomaisini Lea chaired the first day with the day being blessed by Rev Tavake Tupou. The committee felt it was appropriate to start the conference with the theme of Lotu or religion to represent our foundations and roots based on our history as a nation given to God by King Tupou I. The conference would end with the wonderful finale of hope for tomorrow behind us, as represented by the Arts day and youth performances at the closing dinner. Rev Paula Onoafe Latu’s opening keynote address spoke of the importance of valuing the rights of indigenous knowledge holders to tell their chronicles – tala tukufakaholo. He cited a number of prophets of Tonga and outlined key epochs and eras of profound change which define us even to this day. Other speakers included Ofa Ketu’u, Dr Karlo Mila-Schaaf, Prof Sitaleki Finau, Dr Palatasa Havea and a Cook Islander Areti Metuamate writing about the life of the late King of Tonga HM King George Tupou V.

A panel session was held later that afternoon chaired by Sandra Kailahi where the role of the church was discussed. Rev Tavake Tupou reminded the audience that the Church is about the body of Christ. Dr Karlo Mila-Schaaf raised the issue of suicide amongst Tongans, specifically a case inside the sanctity of the church. The discussions were intense to say the least. The day was capped off in the evening by a glimpse into our immediate past with a full rendition of the fulitaunga kava ceremony. Out of respect to Kauha;a’uta traditions, Mafimalanga the presiding matapule asked for a non-Tongan to be the taumu’a for the ceremony, Wendy Pond kindly accepted the request and took the role with the silent respect and grace it deserved. The whole ceremony was narrated in both English and Tongan including a tau’olunga or dance by a descendant of Kavaonau from Fa’imata, ‘Eueiki the original birth place of kava in Tonga.

Day2 – Education/Ako

A special tribute must be made to Dr Timote Vaioleti who agreed to chair the second day despite having to fly that same evening for a conference overseas. Dr Vaioleti even sacrificed his own speaking slot to make room for others. The opening keynote address by Dr Melenaite Taumoefolau looked into the reasons of Pacific student underachievement in New Zealand. Her presentation provided a great backdrop for the other presenters, especially from Anapesi Ka’ili and her group all the way from Utah in the great United States of America who shared their wonderful experiences in establishing a Charter school that targets Pacific students.  The TRA thank Anapesi for making the long trek to Aotearoa to share with us all. Dr Palatasa Havea presented a very sober reminder to all about the importance of caring for the environment especially in Tonga. Other speakers included Bill McIntyre, Mele Katea Paea, and Dr Semisi Taumoepeau. Melino Maka presented on the economic benefit of whaling for Tonga but perhaps the most “different” presentation but engaging none-the-less was the presentation by Seini Pifeleti on the cutting issue of how castration affects the behavioural responses of lambs. Perhaps the most powerful moment of the day was the presentation by Alisi Tatafu and her students, particularly the school student who talked about their personal experience of losing a sibling to suicide, a huge issue for Tongans and a thread that ran across the whole conference.

Sefita Hao’uli skilfully facilitated a very vibrant panel session later that afternoon around the deliberately provocative issue of our children, their futures and their career pathways here in New Zealand. Special guest panellists included lawyer Soane Foliaki and Tongan sports-star/accountant Emosi Koloto. The evening was capped off by a viewing of the “Tongan Ark” film on the life of Prof ‘Ilaisa Futa Helu by Paul Janman. 

Day3 – Health/Mo’ui napanapangamalie mo e mo’ui filio’i

Viliami Toafa, a Manager at Langimalie Health Centre chaired of the Health and Wellbeing session on day three. The opening keynote address by Lita Foliaki set the scene for the day introducing themes around general health and well-being – “Ke mo’ui lelei ‘a e kainga”. She was followed by Dr Dianne Sika-Paotonu who was able to articulate and ground her research into designer vaccines that she is involved in developing to combat cancer. Soana Muimuiheata presented some appetite suppressing statistics on overeating just before lunch. Other presenters included Dr Gerhard Sundborn who presented on his Kelston beverages study and Eseta Finau who showcased the Pasifika Medical Associations successful Healthcare Heros programme with the schools. One of the original TRA members and former Vice-Preisdent Dr Tangikina Steen came all the way from Australia to present her insightful paper on the duty of care in relation to the Australian version of the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme from New Zealand. A strong mental health contingent delivered excellent papers including Dr Mele Taumoepeau, Sione Vaka and Dr Karlo Mila-Schaaf who introduced cutting edge research she is undertaking.

A health panel was convened by Ikamafana Tameifuna who has had a long career in the health sector and the public service both here and in Tonga. John Pulu from TVNZ’s Tangata Pasifika programme also filmed and interviewed people at the conference on the issue of youth suicide – http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ogrgx2pOgeY&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Ffeature%3Dplayer_embedded%26v%3Dogrgx2pOgeY

Day4 – Arts/’Aati

Without a doubt, the jewel in the TRA crown for this conference has to be the Arts day. TRA wishes to acknowledge Dagmar and all the Matala and No’o Fakataha members for keeping the faith and not faltering in the vision to ensure we give our children a beacon of light in terms of their creative aspirations and talents in Arts, and what a light it was. Nina Tonga chaired the Arts session on Day four. The programme was so crammed packed with presenters and performances that time literally had to stand still! Dagmar Dyck gave a compelling account of her personal journey as an artist. Sopolemalama Filipe Tohi followed with his story that reinforced Dagmar’s assertions not to stifle the creative abilities of our children in the arts. Tongan parents often tell their children not to waste time in things like drawing, music or dancing, when these could be the very thing that they are best at doing. Dr Billie Lythberg all the way from the UK presented with Dr Phyllis Herda, a fascinating paper on the pala tavake worn by the Tu’i Tonga with a curious name starting with Pau, but ending with something quite peculiar for a name in Tongan! Papers were presented by Kolokesa Mahina-Tuai and Paul Janman. A wonderful and moving presentation by Dr Helen Ferris-Leary set the tone for the rest of the day with her “Moana Philosophy”.

Throughout, we were treated by poetry from Mepa Vuni, Maryanne Pale and Karlo Mila-Schaaf. The performance piece by Sesilia Pusiaki and Amanaki Prescott was truly magical and there were tears in the room watching the beautiful contemporary fused traditional dance of the youth to old faikava melodies. To cap it off, Dr Melenaite Taumoefolau chaired the last session introducing three Tongan architects and artists, Bruce Moa who presented on the Tu’i Tonga Architecture, Maui’atalanga ‘Ofamo’oni on the “Architecture of a Tongan Library” and Tomui Kaloni on his inspired “Ma’uma’uluta”.

Day 5 – AGM/Closing Dinner

The final and fifth day of the Conference was reserved for the Tongan Research Association Annual General Meeting in the morning and then the grand finale, closing dinner at the Fale Pasifika. The final evening and closing event was handed over to the youth and they did not disappoint. Students and young Tongans performed lakalaka, tau’olunga, sang and generally gave a wonderful display of how proud they were to be Tongan. It can only be described in one word – magical! You had to be there.    

So, as we look to the past from the present, heading into an unknown future…

And despite all the challenges… Tongans managed to anchor the sun for a time at AUT in Manukau. This feat was made possible by the Kau Maui who supported us, backed us and who lent a hand to skilfully anchor and chair each day. As such, the 2013 TRA Conference Committee would like to acknowledge all our wonderful presenters from around the world. We thank the parents and children who came to support and help out. To the Session Chairs – Rev President ‘Ilomaisin Lea (Chairman of the TRA Conference Committee), Dr Timote Vaioleti, Viliami Moli Toafa and Nina Tonga, we thank you. Also, the Panel Chairs – Sandra Kailahi, Sefita Hao’uli, Ikamafana Tameifuna and Dr Melenaite Taumoefolau, thank you so much for hearing our calls for help. For the first time ever in TRA history, a strategic partnership with the Arts was forged with an entire day dedicated to the Arts. TRA thanks its newest members from Matala and No’o Fakataha Tongan Artists groups headed by Dagmar Dyck and Sopolemalama Filipe Tohi. Now the journey begins. To our sponsors, Langimalie and the Tongan Health Society, Pasifika Medical Association and AUT for hosting this event in the heart of Polynesia in Manukau, South Auckland, what can we say? but the Tongan saying – “Koe koloa ‘a Tonga ko e fakamalo” – Our thanks is the only treasure we have to give in return.

The committee wanted to make this a community event and charged a very low registration fee to attract the community, families and students to come along and support. Although overall attendance could have been much higher, most people who did take the time to come left inspired, some were challenged and others even provoked to anger, but that’s all good. We apologise for any shortcomings on our part, but we did our very best with the little we had. We all live and learn.

God bless you all until we meet again.

For further information and more detailed updates please go to our official website:

www.tongaresearchassociation.com

For further enquiries relating to the TRA Conference please contact the Secretary, Manase Lua (027) 215 7759 or email: nasflo@xtra.co.nz

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