The funeral of the late Peter Warner in Ballina, NSW, Australia yesterday had a special Tongan presence, including two of the original ‘Ata boys– Mano Totau and Tevita Siolala, reports Tonga's Honorary Consul General.

King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau'u were represented at the funeral by Curtis Tu‘ihalangingie from the Tonga High Commission in Canberra and Louise Waterhouse, the Hon. Consul General from Sydney, who presented a formal letter of condolence to the family.

Warner (90) drowned after his boat [2] got into difficulties at the dangerous Ballina Bar, Byron Bay, NSW on 13 April.

The famous sailor who had a long time connection with Tonga, had won the Sydney to Hobart yacht race three times in the 1960s, but was best known for rescuing six Tongan castaways on 'Ata Island in 1966.

Tongan presence

Louise said that the former 'Ata castaways Mano and Tevita flew from New Zealand to Australia for the funeral. “Mano also spoke movingly of Peter and as well Povalu ‘Aholelei spoke on behalf of the Warner Pacific Line.”

“The Tongan presence made the event very special and the family were most grateful,” she said.

“At the High Commission’s request, Rev Maile Molitika (Brisbane), Heuifanga Taufa and Melemanu Ngauamo arranged for a glorious floral tribute of red and white roses which formed a rich Tongan flag.”

Louise said in her tribute, that her family had come to know Peter Warner who lived in Tonga for three decades

“Peter epitomised the spirit of the relationship between Tonga and Australia - connected through their shared love of the sea and being at one with nature.

She said that Peter earned legendary status in Tonga for rescuing the six Tongan youths - aged just 15 to 17 years, and the gratitude of their Tongan families.

“Indeed, we owe Peter an extra debt of gratitude for the fact his rescue shone the light on the Tongan values and knowledge systems that prepared them ‘against all odds’.

“And Peter was adamant that it was the boys’ and Tonga’s story to tell. Because Tongans are taught from the beginning to share and treat everyone like family, it is natural for them to work together – rather than every man for himself. Humble by nature and at one with nature. They grow up with a deep sense of humility and respect for one another.

“These fine young men epitomized their Tongan culture and I think our society can learn from their story.

“It is heart-warming to know of the continual strong bond between Mano (who also became a captain), and Peter – both then living in Australia - calling each other the closest of friends until the end,“ Louise said.