Background and Introduction

Tangata Whenua/Maori

We acknowledge and recognise our tuakana teina relationship as Moana Nui-A-Kiwa as manuhiri (visitors/guests) to Mana Whenua and tangata whenua Māori including our mana whenua and tangata as we are here on the land of Aotearoa.

We are a small organization, but the impact of our collective work is massive. the Tongan proverb of 'Si'i kae Pakihikihi' resonates with how we are as a small provider from Timaru. However, we make the biggest impact on the outcomes experienced by our community, so our footprint extends from Aoraki to the rest of Aotearoa as we collaborate and work with other organizations to innovate on how to work more effectively with our Youth and Kāinga.

Where we began

The Tongan Society South Canterbury (TSSC) was registered under the Incorporated Societies Act on the 25th of February 2016. The TSSC is commonly known as "The Society" in the community and represents the dreams and aspirations of our Kāinga and families to have a voice and advocate for our wellbeing. Since it's inception, the Society has grown from a small voluntary group to a fully-fledged organization with staffs, contracted services, and a home for our team and youth. 

Who we are

We have promoted the Tongan ethnic-specific approach as a Tongan organization because it shows our rich, unique and distinct culture. However, our approach is still flexible enough that it can meet the needs of other countries within the Pacific Islands. As part of our journey, it is important to note that there is an assumption that Pasifika is one Island, one language. But in reality, there are over 15 countries/nations. Each having their own, diverse culture, governance and leadership.

At the core of our mission is the Tongan way of life and our cultural model known as the "Four Golden Pillars" or Fā Kavei Koula. These pillars represent:

1. Faka’apa’apa (Respect) - embracing everyone, regardless of rank or nationality. 
2. Tauhi Vā (Keeping relationships warm and reciprocal) - cherishing the sacred bonds between us. 
3. Loto tō (Humility/gratitude) - practicing humility and gratitude in our service. 
4. Mateaki’i me’a (Dedication/loyalty) - remaining focused on our visions, unwavering in our commitment.

These principles guide us as we:

• Share our vibrant Tongan culture with the South Canterbury community. 
• Unite both Tongan and non-Tongan residents within South Canterbury. 
• Celebrate the successes of our Tongan community, strong in our heritage and resilient in navigating life in Aotearoa New Zealand. 
• Empower through education, learning, and support, creating a safe and inclusive space for all.

 

Tongan Population in South Canterbury

Our journey began with just a handful of families and a few Tongan rugby players. Today, we proudly represent about 70 families and approximately 300 Tongan individuals living in South Canterbury. We've witnessed the rapid growth of our community over the past few decades, especially in the last fifteen years when Tongan men were recruited to play rugby. Many settled here, bringing their families from Tonga and various regions. They work in primary industries, including fish factories, dairy farms, and meatworks, and most call Timaru and neighboring rural towns home.

 

Isolation, Disconnection – A Lack of Identity and Sense of Belonging

Despite the positive aspects of migration, many in our community have felt isolated and disconnected, struggling to find their identity and a sense of belonging. Our people have yearned for a harmonious balance between their Tongan heritage and Kiwi life, aiming to bridge the gap that emerged.

 

Recent challenges like COVID-19 have intensified this disconnect, impacting our community's overall well-being.

 

Tongan Society South Canterbury Inc’s Capacity

TSSC was established to provide support and advocacy for our growing Pacific community in South Canterbury. For seven years, we've tirelessly championed family-centric programs on a voluntary basis. However, in the last three years, the challenges have outgrown our capacity, with a few dedicated individuals shouldering much of the responsibility.

 

'Re-KAVA-Ring’

Our response to these challenges is a suite of family-centered programs under the banner of 'Re-KAVA-Ring,' inspired by the Tongan kava ceremony's setting (Taumafa Kava). Our approach fosters mental, physical, social, and spiritual well-being, focusing on recovery, resilience, and revival. It's about addressing the deep-rooted issues, reconnecting, and building a stronger, more resilient community that's equipped to face future challenges.

Our commitment to the warmth and passion of the Tongan way, along with our collaborative spirit, is unwavering. We are dedicated to rebuilding our community's confidence, reassuring them of a positive future despite the challenges ahead.

Our programs aim to heal, connect, and empower our families, fānau, kāinga, and community. We're excited to continue the activities that have brought happiness and life to our community, even before the COVID-19 era. We'll introduce new initiatives and train more adults and youth to take leadership roles, increasing our community's capacity and inspiring our young ones to grow, develop, and contribute.

 

 

Key objectives of the family-centered programs include:

• Supporting our fānau, youth, and families to recover from the trauma of the COVID shock (or any issues like the Tsunami that affected our home Island, Tonga in 2022).
• Reconnecting and reflecting on their journey through COVID and other socio-economic challenges, preparing for the future.
• Rebuilding lives after the suffering and hardship during COVID, tsunami, and more by connecting and empowering the community.
• Building resilience in our community against major events like pandemics or natural disasters and everyday life challenges.
• Reviving a sense of identity for individuals, families, churches, and communities.

Our ultimate aim is to see families empowered, connected, and making positive decisions that lead to self-development, living in happy, healthy, safe homes, and growing confidently in an empowering environment that supports their well-being.

In addition to our culturally appropriate model of practice, the Society is also guided by the following principles:

• A holistic approach focused on total wellbeing (physical, mental, spiritual, and social).
• A focus on our fānau – they are our gifts from God, they are our future, and they are our responsibility.
• Individuals, families, churches, and communities working together for the benefit of our fānau, believing that it takes a village to raise a child.
• Filling the gap - we identify what is missing in our community, and our solutions come from within our Tongan community.
• Our ultimate aim is to support and empower our fānau and their families, helping them live a happy and healthy life.

These principles ensure that our community's wisdom, caring, and loving guidance are part of the co-design and co-delivery processes, involving our leaders, families, and youth.