Tonga Language Week 2024

Sergeant Alfie Walters 

RNZAF ground support equipment technician Sergeant Alfie Walters has always been interested in automotives. Born and bred in Auckland, as a youngster this proud Tongan would often visit his uncle’s workshop and help on the tools.

“I used to visit uncle Kautonga’s workshop with dad to watch the All Blacks & help where I could.  Later in High School I also gained an interest in aviation and became aware of the RNZAF through a recruitment push during a school assembly in my senior year.  While attending a dawn parade in the following years, a C130H flew over the domain with the ramp down and a loady waving out back…that’s when I knew which service I wanted to join.

“I’m working in the Technical Support Cell for Ground Support Equipment (GSE).  We’re a team of four and together we look after procurement projects, engineering change to existing equipment, policy and publication amendments, SAP maintenance scheduling, technical queries including research and many other technical administration tasks in support of the GSE trade and customer units.

“I have a lot of relatives who have served. SGT Charles William Ta’ufo’ou Walter was an Army engineer in the two World Wars, and I have cousins who are currently serving. During my time in the Air Force I have deployed several times, including to help out after the Christchurch earthquakes in 2011. We have attended a lot of exercises too which has always been interesting

“Since 2020 I’ve been a member of the Base Auckland Pasifika Group Committee, providing opportunities to connect our Pasifika people through community engagement, welfare activities and professional development.  My journey in the NZDF early on was a very lonely one, as my culture represented less than 1% of the ethnic makeup in the RNZAF. Through shared experiences, I want to help others find their feet quickly and become the best aviators they can be.

“I now live in Greenlane, Auckland. Tongans are happy, proud and friendly God-fearing Pasifika people. We love our food, music, sports and crafts.  Two of our key values is “faka’apa’apa” (respect) and “serving others” whether that’s in the church, community, our homes or looking after mates on a night out at the pub.”

Able Musician William Filimoehala

Able Musician William Filimoehala considers himself a huge advocate for the NZDF Pasifika community and will never settle for less.

“I joined the Navy in 2020. The opportunity came about while I was in preparation with University, and I took it.

“I am a full-time Musician in the Royal New Zealand Navy Band. Our band provides a strong, visible platform in support of RNZN outputs. Its unique ability to connect with communities and organisations, many of which don’t have experience or know about the maritime environment or have any direct dealings with the Defence Force makes it a core element of the NZDF.

“My cousin, Leading Musician Seluimatai Fotu, is also in the band with me.

“What we do continues to develop and adapt within an ever-changing world, all of which is reflected through the music and arenas that the Band performs.

“As musicians we can be deployed. In late 2023 a few NZDF members including myself were very fortunate to deploy alongside the United States Navy and various other military forces onboard USS Pearl Harbor. We were on an exercise called Pacific Partnership (PP23) in which the Ship and company sailed throughout South Asia and the Pacific, providing aid, disaster relief, diving operations, morale and much more.

“I’m a New Zealand-born Tongan, raised in central Auckland. I’m proud of the rich history our people come from. We’re very outgoing, friendly and cheerful people. As a Pacific Islander in the NZDF, I believe there’s something about us that people just love. We’re kind, respectful, easy to get along with, morale boosters some would say, and we get right to it if told to do something.

“My parents have definitely been the biggest influence on where I am today. I think the main cultural value I bring to work is respecting my elders. Being the youngest in my trade, It’s important to do so!

“For me, my proudest moments in the Navy were being selected as the colour guard in charge for our Basic Common Training church service and then being the Guard right-hand guide during our graduation parade.

“I’d love to see gatherings for all Pasifika personnel in the NZDF, with activities, food, and discussions. You could have formal and informal aspects to it. Maybe once a year, to create that bond between everyone, have those connections and become one big family.

“But I think there’s been a lot of success within the NZDF in getting Pasifika personnel together to work on projects and future planning. I’ve been able to share thoughts in a lot of these discussions during my time in the Navy. I’ve also been a part of language week videos, RNZN Pasifika choir performances and had the opportunity to choreograph dance items to a few trainee intakes. I consider myself a huge advocate for our Pasifika community and I will never settle for less.”

Aircraftman Tricia Setefano

It might not have been the expectation of a traditional Tongan girl, but Tricia Setefano had always dreamt of a job where she got stuck in and got her hands dirty.

“I knew I needed to overcome many barriers to feel like I could do more with my life and be of service to my people. Joining the military was an avenue I committed to at a time when I felt like that, and I wanted to show my family there were possibilities outside the norm. The path I am on is God’s doing, and I pride myself in believing in this.

“I’m an Armament Technician Level 4 – an Armament Mechanic in old terms. Currently, in this role we look after an Explosive Storage facility, where land and aircraft ammunition and explosives are kept until requested by units for exercises, trainings and deployments. It’s the same at the Armoury where small arm weapons are stored.

“If it goes ‘BANG’ on a small or large scale, that’s what we maintain and handle.

“We also have the opportunity to up-skill our driving capabilities, learning how to operate other logistical vehicles needed for equipment transfers.

“I was born in Wellington, and I usually go home in the weekends after working at RNZAF Base Ohakea.

“Tongan people are happy, friendly, hardworking, proud and respectful. We are also obedient and loyal to our parents, our faith and definitely to our country. We take pride in our monarchy, knowing our little island is the last remaining Pacific Island with Royals, and in academic success and sporting accomplishments as well.

“What makes me proud of my language and culture is that Tongans can do the ‘mostest’ and be extra of extras. We don’t shy away from being Tongan, speaking the language, helping others understand our ways and the beauty of our history. The island life style brings humbleness about our culture and does not define how we should live materialistically but gives knowledge about living off the land and within a community environment. I am proud to be from a lineage of people who are unapologetically ourselves, especially in and amongst different and foreign environments.

“My culture keeps me grounded in my beliefs and morals. At work it gives me perspective on different methods to resolve problems and how to approach them. It reminds me that how I present myself is a way of showing true character while in uniform.

“When I look back on my journey, there’s been challenges but I’m happy that I was the one to break my family’s traditional norm and be an influence to my peers and the next generation. I always dreamt of getting stuck in and getting my hands dirty, which was not the expectation for a young girl, in a typical traditional Tongan household.

“One of my proudest moments was my graduation parade. After the parade ended, hugging my family and that sense of accomplishment and feeling “this is just the start” was overwhelming. Being in that moment was not just for me, but for my family and those who believed in me.”

Corporal Sia-ko-Kafoa-‘alo-‘i-Talau Hala

Corporal Hala says he is proud to represent the Air Force and the New Zealand Defence Force at every opportunity.

“I joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force in 2018 because there aren’t many Pacific Islanders in this service. They mostly join the Army, Navy and NZ Police. For me, it was a way to show other Pacific Islanders that there are other pathways and that we can excel anywhere, even as minorities.

“I’m a Logistics Specialist, and I work at No. 6 Squadron at RNZAF Base Auckland. An average day for me includes assisting and mentoring Aircraftmen with work processes. Also, working alongside technicians to ensure the parts they require for maintenance are available and ready to help achieve daily operations.

“I’m a Kiwi Tongan. I was born and raised in South Auckland – Otahuhu and Papatoetoe. I am proud to be Tongan, but also proud to be a Kiwi. Tongans are a naturally passionate people. Faith, food and family are important to us.

“My grandparents and parents migrated here to NZ from Tonga with no English, bringing their faith in God and work ethic. The values I bring to work derive from that; respect, integrity, humility, hard work and tenacity.

“My dad – Faka’osita’u Hala Sr - has had a major influence on who I am today. My eldest son is named after my dad – that is a token of my love and respect for him. His faith in God, work ethic to provide for our family, sporting accolades (representing Tonga in cricket and tennis), and his service to our Church (Siasi Tonga Tau’ataina) and community.

“As I got older, I also came to understand and see the financial choices my dad made while I was growing up, which has benefited our family a lot.

 “I work at utilizing our language whenever I get the opportunity, when I talk to my parents, singing in church and teaching my kids.

“Something I am particularly proud of is being part of the Duffy Books Role Models programme. I’m proud to speak at school assemblies in front of young kids, especially from South Auckland. I speak about my life experiences, and also try plant that seed of positive greatness that they can achieve.

“I know if my younger self could see me know, he would be proud of the man I am as husband and a Dad. However, I think my younger self would not be satisfied, as there is more to accomplish for my little family and me!”