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

I am so proud to be Tongan! I am so fortunate to be able to speak the language and am very grateful to have parents that allowed us to live and practice the Tongan way. We've learnt and embraced being Tongan during our upbringing. I am very thankful for that. 

I can honestly say I am blessed not only being Tongan, but also that I can understand and conversate in our Native tongue. 

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

My favourite Tongan tradition is when the entire population (ok almost everyone!) of Tonga worship a denomination of Christianity. 

In the Tongan culture, wearing all black means that you are in mourning. Sunday is a day of rest in Tonga, where it's illegal to do business transactions, to play sports/exercise and to do most chores.  

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

The theme outlines a very important fact. I believe I am a living example of this.  Firstly my upbringing at home was very good, we spoke Lea faka Tonga at home so very grateful for our parents to allow this.  Most of our communication was in Tongan.  

My father was also a reverend in our Church. Our church values and practice were also in Tongan and the Tongan culture and beliefs were also practices that were encouraged, this motivated us to learn and be a part of the wider Tongan community. Fast forward to today, I'm living and breathing all things Tongan. 

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

There is a massive Tongan contingent here in Canterbury. It would be nice to see our community flourish and be a bit more active in the wider community.  

Where are you from in Tonga?  

My dad hails from Kolovai Hihifo and my mother hails from the crazy village of Leimatu’a vava’u  - The most beautiful place in the world. 

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

As the only monarchy in the Pacific its fitting to play Tonga National Anthem. 'Ko e fasi ʻo e tuʻi ʻo e ʻOtu Tonga" is the national anthem of Tonga. 

The title literally means "song of the king of the Tonga Islands" in the Tongan language but is in daily life better known as "Fasi fakafonua", which translates to "National Song"