Results for Tongans Overseas

Two young Tongan researchers in Auckland have teamed up to take on two major health issues facing Pacific and Māori people - rheumatic fever and gout. Postdoctoral research fellows Dr. Siobhan Tu’akoi and Dr. Samuela 'Ofanoa launched their research projects this year in South Auckland communities, funded by the Health Research Council of New Zealand.

Eight Tongan students have completed their studies and graduated from various universities in China in the past academic year.

In New Zealand, 10-year-old Tapaita Fonokalafi is one of eight finalists for the Little Miss Aotearoa contest 2024 that aims to foster self-confidence and promote community involvement and environmental consciousness.

In New Zealand, 23-year-old Kinitoni Lotulelei, completed and graduated, only a few weeks apart, from both his university studies and his basic but "ruthless" navy training.

Five Tongan students have completed their studies from various universities in China in the past academic year, the Embassy of Tonga in China confirmed.

Educator, Meleane Pau'uvale, was named as an Honorary Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in the King Charles III Birthday and Coronation Honours 2023. She is being recognised for providing essential services to the Tongan community and education.

Father of two, Lionati Fotofili (44) went missing while fishing at the Ōpihi River mouth in New Zealand last week. Tongan-born Lionati was the pastor of Timaru’s Church of Tonga.

Kilisitina Moala from Tonga made an impression at the meeting of Commonwealth Youth Parliamentarians held in the Trinidad and Tobago parliament on 23 November, when she delivered “a weeping lament that her homeland was sinking”.

Tongan community leaders in Auckland are organising a Talanoa this Friday to make a public call for peace in relation to the recent spate of gang violence including shootings that have occurred in the city over the last three weeks. It comes ahead of next week's rugby league international between Mate Ma'a Tonga and the Kiwis, with concerns that rival gang members may rub shoulders during Mate Ma'a Tonga festivities. “We must draw the line so our youth know where we stand," said Rev. Ikilifi Pope.