Riding on a wave of appreciation for HM King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV [1]
Tuesday, October 10, 2006 - 15:31. Updated on Tuesday, September 10, 2013 - 18:44.
Let me ride on the crest of that insurmountable wave that Dr 'Epeli Hau‘ofa generated in his reflection: His Majesty King Taufa'hau Tupou IV: An Appreciation. I too, want to express my appreciation of our late noble and gracious King.
I am one of the grand-daughters of Nanisi Helu, who not only was a close confidant of Her Majesty Queen Salote, but was one of the many recipients of the Royal Family's endearing love, support and provision. That must not go unmentioned.
For many of us who have made a home in far off lands, we yearned taumaia ko ha halatu'u pe that the way back home was just a walk away. Most of us would be walking across the Pacific Ocean just to get home, to shed tears together with his national family, to hug one another with reassurance and hope, to see the Father of our Nation be laid to rest and finally, to see our new King Siaosi Tupou V put on his late father's boots. That would have an imprint in our minds to take back to our adopted land and home. Alas, that was not the case. Many of us, sojourners in this faraway land, could only dream, imagine and wonder what it was like to be among the faces of those dressed in black, draped with the ta'ovala mourning mats.
For those who cannot even begin to understand this reverence and respect that we have for our late King, we say, let him rest in peace. His job is done. And I hasten to recall the triumphant cry of Jesus on that hideous cross: It is finished! Taufa'ahau finished the work that was ordained for him. Another rises to continue the work in the way that has also been ordained for him.
The clouded and many a coloured spectacles that people wear can only project the distorted image behind those specs. What is white, becomes black; what is green becomes blue and what is not there, is there as an ugly, brown slob of something. Give us a break! We know what we want and we are working towards that. We have been furiously independent for centuries, we are a proud race of Polynesians, and yes, we have our failings, but we continue to live as a people and as a sovereign nation! We continue to survive even amidst terror and the changing face of this post-modern world.
I had the opportunity to study Mandarin in Taipei, Taiwan, in the early 1980s. Whilst there, the King and his touring party made a state visit to Taiwan and Japan. I had the shock of my life when the ex-Ambassador to Tonga, Cheng Kao called the University to find me and to let me know that His Majesty was in town. I was expected to visit His Majesty and pay my respects. I quickly donned appropriate clothing, asked the University to excuse me for the duration of their Majesties... stay in Taipei and caught a cab to the Grand Hotel where their Majesties were staying. Immediately, I was taken to meet them and to announce that I had arrived. What a moment! My Chinese was put to test when I became the unofficial member of the Royal Party. I accompanied His Majesty and the Queen wherever they went. I was asked to order brass band musical instruments for Kolomotu‘a and Tatakamotonga, and to follow up an order for the King's gigantic leather boots that were specially tailor made. I was sent running, the Taiwanese alongside me! The Royal Party left, but I was very humbled by the experience of getting close up and personal with His Majesty. The humane side of the late king certainly exhibited itself. His concern for his people, his endeavours and global travels to make something of his little people must earn our respect. I certainly felt that he could have been my father.
The close up and personal experiences with Taufa‘ahau brought much insight to his thinking, his aspirations and his dreams for Tonga. If he took a fancy to an idea presented to him by foreigners, he will entertain that idea, if in his mind, it will help his people. Many people have visited him with big ideas, and they have gone away with those big ideas. His Majesty was prepared to listen and try out new things if he saw there was some potential development for Tonga. He would pull away if it won't work but nothing stopped him from trying even if it looked silly and foolish to the onlookers.
It was certainly a privilege to know you Your Majesty. May you rest in peace! You have given us an education so that we may sit at the table of the United Nations, speak to the Chinese in Mandarin, to the Japanese in Japanese, teach in foreign educational institutions, be doctors and lawyers, negotiate with presidents of countries and of companies, run our own business ventures the list is endless. You have been an example of a Polynesian warrior, bold and fearless as you chart the unfamiliar seas.
HM King Tupou V has put on your boots and in good time, his feet will grow and adjust to fit. We trust that he will run with the visions of past kings and queen of Tonga. He will take us to higher ground. That is why many of us will remain on our bended knees, lifting him to the Ultimate Giver of love, wisdom, grace and justice Ko ‘Otua mo Tonga ko hoku Tofi‘a, God and Tonga are my Inheritance. Let all Tongans live it, not just speak it.
Tu‘a ‘ofa atu.
Kilisitina Fiefia-Sisifa
Melbourne, Australia.