What does it mean for you and your family to be Tongan?
Liliola - For me and my family we’re proud Tongans, it gives us a sense of ‘belonging’ and ‘identity’, we’re here today because of our ancestors, we’re responsible for passing on that sense of belonging to the next generation by ensuring the language, cultural practices, etc are maintained and passed on
What is your favourite Tongan tradition or unique Tongan proverb that is dear to you and your family?
Voni - “Ai e kataki ke lahi, teke toki ikuna hono lelei”
Liliola - “Holo pe tu’u he koe ngalu e fasi” – ‘Stay firm and the waves will break’
Meaning (my own) that in times of troubles/uncertainties, stay firm and trust that they are only temporary, be patient and goodness will follow
How does this year's theme for Tongan Language week apply to you?
Voni - I love it and totally agree! My grandad who is now a retired minister would always prohibit any English spoken when we were at home. Only speak English at school and once you get home, "lea faka tonga".
Myself and my many cousins would sometimes whisper in English if we didn’t know how to pronounce the Tongan words and would always be on alert if my grandad was nearby. I now understand the importance of why our grandparents were so tough on us when we spoke a word of English.
For me, speaking the Tongan language at home and attending church regularly have really helped with the development and sustainability of the Tongan Language. These are the 3 most important spaces our language will and can be sustained.
What would you like to see for the Tongan community in the next year?
Voni - More combined events of different churches and community groups. Just the Tongan community being more united. You would be amazed to find out that you have friends and family that live in Christchurch that you didn’t know. Our Fijian and Samoan brothers and sisters are great at coming together.
Liliola – More youth using and preserving our language
Where are you from in Tonga?
Voni - Mother is from Te’ekiu and Niua and my Father is from Ha’asini and Niua Fo’ou
Liliola - I hail from Vaotu’u, a village in the western district (Hihifo) of Tongatapu, the main island.
If the Tongan language had its own theme song for Tongan Language Week, what music do you think it would be and why?
Voni - “Tekiafo”
Liliola - I think its self-explanatory Tongan/English versions, a proud patriotic Tongan. Tonga has come a long way from a God less Tonga to a blessed Tonga of today with their motto “God and Tonga are my inheritance”
‘Oku ai ha ki’i fonua
‘Oku tu’u ‘i ‘Oseni.
Na’e ‘ikai ke ma’u ‘Otua,
Na’e masiva he lelei.
Haleluia! Kuo monū’ia eni.
Tama Tonga, tu’u ‘o ngāue,
Ho koloa ke fakamonū.
Lotu ki he ‘Eiki ma’u pē,
Ke ne poupou ki he lotu
‘O malu’i,
‘O malu’i ‘a Tupou
There is a small Island
that stands in the Ocean.
It did not have God,
They were poor in goodness.
Hallelujah! They are now blessed.
Tongan man, stand and work,
your treasure must be expressed.
Pray to the Lord always,
for his support in prayer
To protect,
To protect Tupou (King).
