The New Zealand Navy's first Tongan Warrant Officer, Seaman Combat Specialist Mark Latu (42) is part of the New Zealand contingent for King Tupou VI's 60th birthday celebrations in Tonga this week.

More Pacific Islanders are coming through the ranks in the New Zealand Defence Force.

Warrant Officer Latu's father is from Fasi and mother from Longolongo, and they moved to South Auckland, where he grew up.

“We were the first generation to come over to New Zealand, not knowing any English and paving the way for myself and my siblings, so we can go back and help our family that are there,” he said.

Latu tries to get to Tonga as much as he can and brings his family back at least once a year.

“It’s important for my kids to see where they come from and see how lucky they are."

Latu was promoted recently to Warrant Officer at Devonport Naval Base attended by Chief of Navy Rear Admiral David Proctor, after joining RNZN in 1998 as an Ordinary Seaman Gunner.

His awards most notably, the Meritorious Service Medal as well as the NZ General Service Medal Afghanistan (Secondary), the General Service Medal (Counter Piracy), the NATO ISAF Medal (Africa), the Long Service Good Conduct Medal and two Commanding Officer Commendations.

At the same time, he is currently studying for a Bachelor of Applied First Line Management at Otago Polytechnic.