What does it mean for you and your family to be Tongan? 

Being Tongan means everything to my family, especially being New Zealand born Tongan. Learning from our elders is important for me being born here. Our elders hold the key to our traditions, our culture and language and for me and my family, that's sacred and valuable.   

 What is your favourite Tongan tradition or unique Tongan proverb that is dear to you and your family? 

Not a proverb but a saying I've learnt a lot from is Faka'apaapa which means respect to your mother and father as well as family members and elders  

 How does this year's theme for Tongan Language week apply to you? 

This year's theme E tu’uloa ‘ae lea faka-Tonga o ka lea’aki i ‘api, siasi (lotu) mo e nofo-‘a-kainga (Tongan Language will be sustainable if used at home, church and in the wider community) applies to me because it is my responsibility to take the knowledge of the Tongan language from the elders and allow it to pass through to my children and the younger generations – not just at home but everywhere.  

What would you like to see for the Tongan community in the next year? 

I'd love to see everyone in the Tongan community getting involved in the general community to keep the Tongan traditions going. 

Where are you from in Tonga?  

My mother hails from a small island in Tonga called Ha'afeva and my father is from Uiha  

If the Tongan language had its own theme song for Tongan Language Week, what music do you think it would be and why? 

Not sure about a theme song, but my favourite Tongan song that I'm always jamming is Ki Pilitania by BLKB3RY