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The Kingdom of Tonga is an archipelago of 172 islands in the central South West Pacific, south of Samoa, 3580 kms north east of Australia and 650 kms east of Fiji.
The archipelago is also known as The Friendly Islands so narned by Captain Cook when he was welcomed by Chief Finau 'Ulukalala on his first visit to the island.
It is the only surviving monarchy in the South Pacific and the only island nation in the Pacific that was never directly colonised.
AREA 748 sq kms.
GEOGRAPHY Tonga consists of three main groups of 172 islands of which only islands are permanently inhabited. The population is mainly Polynesian. More than one half reside on the main island Tongatapu, where the capital Nukutalofa is situated.
The climate is mild with temperatures generally around 16-21 degrees Celsius. The scenic beauty and non-polluted environment make Tonga an attraction for tourists. However, the country lacks the natural resources for developing mainstream industrial and commercial trading opportunities.
POPULATION 97,000 1996] with 20,000 - 30,000 living overseas. The ethnic composition of Tonga is 95.5% Tongan.
CAPITAL Nuku'alofa [population 64,000].
LANGUAGE The Tongan language is part of the Malay-Polynesian language group. Until the early 19th century, Tongan was an oral language when the English alphabet was then adapted. Invariably, the early links between Tonga and Great Britain led to Tonga establishing a bi-lingual position making English as the second language. Other languages are now part of a wider educational curriculum.
POLITICS Politically, Tonga is a constitutional monarchy based on the Westminster model of government. The ruling monarchal genealogy goes back to the first divine ruler of the kingdom 'Ahoeitu in the 10th century BC.
The King is the Head of State with power to have the final say in the decision making process. The King appoints government ministers and governors. Parliament is the legislative body but the Privy Council and system has the democratic model in operation (High Court, Supreme Court and Local Court) with the appeal mechanism in place.
Tonga is considered a politically stable island nation of the South West Pacific region. On the political front, a democratic ideology, which in establishment of a pro-democracy movement whose objective is to ruling power in the country.
CULTURE At the apex of its development, Tongan society became the cultural centre of western Polynesia. The extent of Tonga's influence in Oceania has now become the subject of scholarly research. The country has developed an most elaborate political infrastructure and socially stratified societies in the region.
Development in performing arts particularly in poetry, music and dance reached a high level with distinctive characteristics that point to the weaving, carving and weapon-making were also developed.
As with other Polynesian societies, the Tongans were known seafarers with skills in star navigation. Architecture, agriculture and herbal medicine formed the core of Tonga's ethnoscience traditions. Physical competitive sports such as wrestling, javelin throwing, diving and running were common leisure activities in ancient Tongan society.
Although the population is homogenous, contact with other cultures have had an impact on all aspects of life in Tonga Tongan culture has adapted to the changes demanded by a more sophisticated world environment. However, Tongans are generally traditional in their view of culture & tradition.
Racial abuse and discrimination are new experiences for the Tongans who leave Tonga for countries with more multicultural societies such as Australia With no experience of the brutal reality of racism, their reaction to such discriminatory affitudes are spontaneous, unpredictable, and often lead to physical violence. Although Tongans generally have a teasing sense of humour, they are emotionally sensitive and rely on the tonal effect of any verbal encounter and other non-verbal cues to figure out the context and other party's intention.
The social kinship system is based on the extended family unit supplemented by a communal way of life as the most influential social mode in operation in Tongan society.
EDUCATION The first formal school, Tupou College, was established in 1864 by Methodist church missionary with the full support of King George Tupou I. His Majesty's experience of the new civilisation convinced him that the best way to guarantee the survival of Tonga as a nation was to educate his people in the new ways of the foreigners. The political and legislative framework was thus put in place making way for other schools and a strict national policy of compulsory education for every child of 5 to 15 years of age.
Today Tonga has achieved a high literacy level (98%) and a secondary school system that is on a par with or adaptable by a short bridging course, to that of other developing countries in the region like Australia and New Zealand.
The Churches account for 70% of the total school population while government and private institutions account for the rest. The main examinations are the School Certificate at Form IV which is prerequisite to the University Entrance at Form VI. Recent developments in the curriculum have merged the pactfic island nations to a regionalise approach to education.
In recent co-operation with other countries of the region, the government introduced the Pacific Certificate as a regional secondary level certified examination. However, despite the government drive for a national curriculum, the main providers of education such as Churches and private institutions are not obliged to adopt it. 'Atenisi High School, a division of 'Atenisi Institute has adopted the NSW curriculum & syllabus since its establishment in 1966.
At tertiary and technical level, Tonga has 'Atenisi University, a private institution founded in 1970 as a division of Atenisi Institute. The Ministry of Defence in a joint project with the Department of Education administers the Polytech Institute specialising in technical courses. In addition to the Polytech, the Catholic school system has established a technical school. The University of South Pacific (USP) continuing education program through its continuing education or extension centres in Tonga also offers degree level and professional courses.
RELIGION There is no official state religion in Tonga. Religious affiliation is predominantly Christian (90%), namely Protestant 61%; Catholic 16%; Mormon 12%; others 10%. The conversion of King George Tupou I, the political architect of modern Tonga, has had the greatest influence on the religious life of the country. His devotion to Christianity was encapsulated in his famous declaration, "God and Tonga are my heritage."; since then, Christian ethics has played a dominant role in the Tongan way of life.
The constitution declared the Sabbath Day holy. The sanctity of the Sabbath day is strictly observed in the Kingdom, where the law restricts activities that can be carried out on day. Commercial businesses are not allowed to operate on Sunday except for essential trading. Leisure activities such as sports, swimming and even gardening are still prohibited. However, certain aspects of the law have either been amended or revised to accommodate developments in certain key industries such as tourism and trade.
ECONOMIC BASE manufacturing
Major Resources: agriculture and fisheries, trade, mining and
Exports: coconuts; bananas; vanilla; pumpkins; fishing.
Imports: food; live animals; machinery; equipment.
Natural Resources: island scenic sites; unpolluted clear seas and coral reefs; good deep sea commercial fishing grounds; mild climate all year round and a fertile soil.
LIFE EXPECTANCY Male: 61 years Female 65 years
MONETARY UNIT 1 pa'anga [Tongan dollar] T$1.00 = 100 seniti (cents)
TONGAN SERVICE PROVIDERS
The Tongan community in NSW is an emerging growing community many of whom come to Australia via New Zealand. The first wave of Tongans came in the early eighties as immigrants. Many lack fluency in English and experience social isolation, which is partially addressed by a close connection with church involvement and church related activities.
A growing number of Tongans in the Blacktown, Mt Druitt and Penrith school districts choose to settle in the Doonside, Plumpton, Mt Druitt and St Marys area
The following is a list of Tongan-specific and mainstream services providers, ranging from ethnic associations, study centres, education, the media, health, housing and welfare-related providers who can l ssist schools with information and contacts on the Tongan community.
This directory is not exhaustive nor comprehensive. It aims primarily to give teachers, parents and students a frst point of contact. Any additional information regarding omissions, corrections or deletions is welcomed.
ASSOCIATIONS
Tongan Association (NSW) Inc 9 Boyle
St, Croydon Park NSW 2133
PO Box 1289 Burwood NSW 2134
Phone 9 799 4518 [H]
Mr Inoke Fotu Huakau [President]
The umbrella body for the Tongan community in NSW. The main objectives are to co-ordinate activities and to promote unity and co-operation among different groups in the community. The Association acts as the main link between government departments and the community and has the following sub-comminees:
Education Committee: Co-ordinates education-related programs such as the tutorial centres [Glebe Study Centre at Glebe High] ~ Croydon Park Study Centre at Croydon Park PS] and the Parents Committees for the Inner City (Glebe), Inner West (Croydon Park) and Western Sydney (Blacktown).
Welfare Committee: Co-ordinates activities related to the well-being of the community focus on health, housing, settlement and welfare.
Sports Council: Co-ordinates sport activities and the promotion of sports in the community. The committee is responsible for the Felenite Rugby Team which has players from all over Australia who participate in the annual five- nation tournament for the selection of the Tonga National Rugby Team Ikale Tah' (Sea Eagle).
Tradition & Cultural Committee Matapule dc Punake sub-committees co-ordinate traditional cultural groups and activities, and play a consultative role in matters of cultural importance with outside organisations.
Tongan Association Sports Council
PO Box 1289, Burvvood NSW 2134
Phone 9 798 5126
Mr Penisirnani Tapueluelu [Chairperson] Mr Sinosi Kupu [Secretary] Mr Taniela Piukala [Treasurer] Co-ordinates and manages sporting activities for the Tongan Community in NSW. The Council manages the Felenite Rugby Union Team.
Tongan Community of Newcastle
Assoc
57 Decora Cres, Warabrook NSW 2304
Tongan Association (ACT)
Tongan Community Advisory Council [Manly-Warringah]
MAINSTREAM SERVICE PROVIDERS
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Blacktown District Office
Liverpool District Office
Sydney Institute of Technology - Ultimo Campus Mary Ann Street, Ultimo NSW 2007 Phone 9 217 3316 Fax 9 217 4050 Ms Daphne Leveni [Co-ordinator] Co- ordinates refunds, exemption of fees, SIT recognition of prior learning ~ statistical collection. She is also the Harassment Officer and Grievance Adviser for TAFE. Daphne sits on the Blacktown City Council Community Services Advisory Committee - Phone 9 671 6024
SCHOOLS
Granville Boys High School
McKillop Girls High School
ASSOCIATIONS
Promoting Education & Training
Pacific Islands Assoc (PETTA)
Level 3, 6-8 Holden St, Ashfield NSW 2131
Phone 9 798 4777 Fax 9 798 4408
MrTuitavuki [President] Provides educational services
tutorials and youth programs for Pacific Islander
students.
Tongan Association Education Committee
City Area Study Centre Inner West Study Centre
In co-operation with two government schools, namely Glebe High School and Croydon Park Primary, the Education Branch of the Tongan Association NSW recruits volunteer tutors for the centres. In 1997, Mike Horsley, the co-ordinator for the Postgraduate Teaching Program of the University of Sydney offered to assist the study centres by providing tutors to their program as part of the student teacher training. Coordinator Inoke Fotu Hu'akau.
Tongan Association Parents
Committee
PO Box 1289 Burwood NSW 2134
Phone 9 744 3694
Mr Siale Fetu'ufaka [Chairperson] Ms Siunipa Fifita
[Secretary] Ms Fe' ao Fetu'ufaka [Treasurer] In
partnership with the education sub-committee of the Tongan
Association, the Tongan Association Parents Committee manages the
Association Study Centre and organises fund-raising activities for
the Centre.
Tongan Community Support Group
EX-STUDENT ASSOCIATIONS
Atenisi Alumni Association (Aust)
PO Box 1289, Burwood NSW 2134
Mr Tavake Lino
Mr 'Inoke Fotu Hu'akau
MrAlipate Penisini
[President]
[National Co-ordinator]
[Regional]
Queen Salote Ex-Students Assoc Ms Soana Faupula (President) Ms Ana Sinclair (Secretary) Phone Co- ordinate activities for former students of the Queen Salote.
Tonga High School ex-Student Committee Mr Osai Faiva [President] Ms Pua Foliaki Lemoto Phone 9 519 9700 MsLosaline Veikoso Phone 9 831 3189 Organises activities for former students of Tonga High School.
Phone ~c Fax 9 799 4518 Phone 9 622 4029
Tupou High School .
Tupou College
LANGUAGE
Gardeners Road Primary School
Gardeners Rd, Rosebery NSW 2018
Phone 9 667 2193 Fax 9 667 1354
Ms Veiongo Mafi Provides a Tongan language class.
Tempe Primary School
Tongan Community of Newcastle Assoc 57 Decora Cres, Warabrook NSW 2304 Phone (049) 67 3960 Mr Nova Lolohea [President] A Tongan Saturday Language School that can assists students in maintaining and further developing their communicative competency in the Tongan language. Tongan languages classes are held at the Newcastle Education Resource Centre on Fridays from 4~pm.
HEALTH
Blacktown City Mental Health
Service
Embark Building, Blacktown Hospital, Blacktown 2148
Ms Montana Luani Pacific Islands Worker] Phone 9 830 8888 Fax 9
830 8899 Promotes mental health, the early intervention with
adolescents, takes and makes referrals, conducts psychiatric
assessments, case management and advice on health issues for Pacific
Islands communities in Western Sydney.
Daonside Primary Health Care
Centre
30 Birdwood Ave. Doonside NSW 2767
Phone 9 831 3189 Fax 9 831 3683
Ms Losaline Veikoso [Health Project Worker - Pacific Islands]
Tonga-born Losaline Veikoso is the Health Project Worker for the
Pacific Islander communities of the Western Sydney. Provides
consultation on health-related needs of the community and liaises
with the government departments regarding these needs. Promotes
public health programs in the region. Coordinates the domestic
violence campaign in the Tongan and Pacific Islander
communities.
Health Promotion Unit - Liverpool
District Hugh
Yardine Building, Eastern Campus, LMB 17, Liverpool NSW 2107
Ms Vasi Lomoto [Health Project Worker] Phone 9 828 6030
Promotion of health related programs targeting particular
communities.
HOUSING
Dawnbreaker Housing Co-op
Tongan Housing Project Assoc Inc PO Box 231, Doonside NSW 2767 Phone 9 622 0706 Fax 9 831 5625 Mrs AnaCrossan [Secretary] Provides information and support to Tongans regarding housing and accommodation-related issues.
IMMIGRATION
Canterbury & Bankstown Migrant Resource Centre 139 Beamish Street, Campsie NSW 2194 Ms Makitalena (Maggie} Moa [Assistant Adnunistration Officer] Phone 9 789 3744 Fax 9 718 0236 Makitalena is the assistant administrative off~cer at the Migrant Resource Centre, a voluntary migration agent and has extensive experience in community and social welfare.
May-Murray Neighbourhood Centre
LEGAL SERVICES
Kelemani Taufateau
Suite 28, 2nd Floor, Rella House 15A Belmore Rd, Burwood NSW 2134
Phone 9 744 1166 Fax 9 744 0738 Case interviews can be conducted in
Tongan.
Semisi Lemoto & Jeffrey Elia
[
Suite 9, Level 10] 250 Pitt Street, Sydney 2000
Phone 9 264 5966 Fax 9 264 5683 Specialises in work compensation.
Case interviews can be conducted in both Tongan and
Samoan.
WELFARE
Canterbury/Bankstown MRC
139 Beamish St, Campsie NSW 2194
Phone 9 789 3744 Fax 9 718 0236
Ms Makitalena (Maggie} Moa [Assistant Co-ordinator] Mr Simana
Karni [Tongan CSS WQrker -Pacific Island Council] Initiates
community development propcts' runs groups ~ welcomes requests by
schools to assist in communiq education Simana Kami can also be
contacted at the Liverpool MRC on 9 601 3788.
Friendly Island Women's Group
67 Aurora Drive, Tregear NW 2770
Phone 9 628 6631 Ms Susana Kaefi [Chairperson] Ms Sela 'Aloua
[Secretary] Group meets to makes traditional tape using
Australia material.
Inner-West Migration Resource
Centre
Level 3, 6-8 Holden Street, Ashfield NSW 2132
Phone & Fax 9 798 4777 Ms Losena Taurnoepeau (Assistant
Co-ordinator) Initiates and co-ordinates community based projects in
the MRC service area. Liaises with communities government and
non-government organisations about social programs and services
available targeting specific groups in the community.
May Murray Neighbourhood Centre
314- 316 Marrickville Rd, Mamckville
NSW 2204 Phone 9 564 6666 Fax 9 564 5804 Mr Osai Faiva [CSS
Worker] Tongan community settlement services worker Providing
information, advice, referral and limited casework to all new arrival
migrant groups.
Tongan Women Cultural Development Group
MEDIA
NEWSPRINT
Kalonikali
Fetu'u Tonga
Matangi Tonga
Taimi Tonga
Tongan Herald
RADIO
MCRA Ltd 2000-FM
2NUR-FM (Newcastle)
Radio Northern Beaches
A Tongan radio program can be heard on 2MWM FM Radio 92.1 / 93.7 kHi on:
2RSR (Radio Skid Row)
2RSR (Radio Skid Row)
'Vai 'o e Moui' PO Box 283, Yagoona
2199
Mr Vaha Tu'ifaa Phone 9 707 4500
Mr Kelepi Veikoso Phone 9 645 6682
An additional Christian- radio broadcast in Tongan on Saturdays from
24pm.
SBS Radio 1 Sydney
WOW FM 88.3
1620-AM (Carringbah) 'Fanongo Lelei' Radio Program MsLoloheaMoala [Broadcaster] Phone 9 748 2408 A Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga daily radio program, covering local and overseas community news from Tonga and Tongan communities abroad. 12noon - lpm Monday to Thursday, llam - 12 noon Friday.
CHURCHES
Assembly of God
48 Henry St, Punchbowl NSW 2196
Phone 9796 3284
SioneLolohea [Pastor]
Provide leadership, training and spiritual guidance to Pacific
Islanders.
Place of worship: Wiley Park Girls High school.
Falemaama Ministry
53 Francis St, Lidcombe 2141
Mr Sione Veikoso [Pastor]
Place of worship - Presbyeterian Church, Queen Street,
Auburn.
Catholic
Tongan Catholic Council
Ms Lita Foliaki [President]
Mr Kipisoni Kiteau [Administrator]
Phone 9 764 2027
Phone 9 749 2250
Church of Tonga
Australia Head Of fice
1 Heine Ave, Emerton NSW 2770
Phone 9 832 7057
Rev Mosa'ah Siola'a [Minister]
The regional congregation covers Burwood, Parramatta, Blacktown,
Mount Druitt and Fairfield.
Free Church of Tonga
Head Office
14 Mons St, Canterbury NSW 2193
Phone 9 718 5517
Free Church of Tonga
217 Old Maitland Rd, Hexham NSW 2322
Phone (049) 64 8819
Rev Paula Talakai [Minister] Tongan language church service
on weekdays and Sundays.
Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga (Australia) Of fice: Pulela'a Centre, Glendenning NSW 2761 Rev Olioni Kupu [Head Minister] The congregation in doctrine is fonnally affiliated to the Methodist but it is independent of the Uniting Church infrastructure in Australia Most of the members are from the Free Wesleyan in Tonga.
Mormon [Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints]
Pacific Area Administrative Centre
756 Pennant Hills Rd, Carlingford NSW 2118
For additional information, contact one of the following Tongan ward Dersons:
Harbord ward
Carnpbelltown 2nd ward
Eastlakes ward
Fairfield 3rd ward
Glendenning ward
Liverpool 3rd ward
Seventh-Day Adventist
7 Kingsway, Dee Why NSW 2099
Phone 9 71 8779
Baines, Ross W [Pastor]