Celebrating Uike Kātoanga’i ‘o e lea faka-Tonga

Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland Law lecturer Dr Suliana Mone opened her recent presentation at the University of Oxford by speaking in lea faka-Tonga, the Tongan language.

This year’s theme for Uike Kātoanga’i ‘o e lea faka-Tonga – Tonga Language Week (17 - 23 August) is 'Ko 'etau lea, ko e fe’unu mahu’inga ia ki he mo’ui ‘a e Tonga – Our language is a vital strand of our Tongan culture'.

“When I presented at the Law Faculty, I began in Tongan. I wasn’t sure how many people had spoken our language on that platform before,” says Dr Mone. “As a visiting academic, I made that decision – it felt like I took a little bit of home with me.”

Mone was invited to be a co-author for the World Comparative Law book project. Emeritus Professor Mindy Chen-Wishart, former Dean of the Oxford Faculty of Law, co-led the initiative. Born in Taiwan and raised in New Zealand, Chen-Wishart has held a visiting professorship at the University of Auckland, among other New Zealand institutions.

“Professor Chen-Wishart’s support of Pacific scholars like myself exemplifies the strength of transnational academic ties between Oxford and Aotearoa,” says Mone.

“She was incredibly kind and generous with her time and knowledge. Arriving at Oxford was overwhelming, and meeting a friendly face made all the difference.”

Mone’s co-authored chapter 'Development Law in Small States in Pacific Islands' with Professor Caroline Morris of Queen Mary, University of London, was delivered on 10 July. Suliana describes the opportunity to articulate lea faka-Tonga at Oxford as a powerful affirmation of cultural pride.

Mone traces her roots to Folaha, Fua’amotu, Nukunuku (Tongatapu), Holonga, Houma (Vava’u), Pukotala, Ha’ano, and Muitoa (Ha’apai).

“It reminded me of all my people who surrounded me as a little girl. I thought of my grandparents who have passed, and my father who passed away – they would have dreamt of coming to Oxford. In using our language, it felt as though I took them there with me.”

The experience also marked a personal milestone, reflecting on her journey since earning her PhD in 2023 and securing a lecturing role at Auckland Law School two and a half years ago.

“I never imagined I’d be at Oxford. It’s always felt like a distant mecca for knowledge – something you wonder if you’ll ever reach in your lifetime. For me, it happened through connections with incredible women.”

She credits Law School Professor Jodi Gardner for her unwavering support and Professor Mindy Chen-Wishart for making her attendance at Oxford a very positive experience.

"Connection is so important, I've been fortunate to have this opportunity to meet and work with these wonderful women at this very junior stage of my career."

A leading voice in Pacific legal scholarship, Mone also serves as Assistant Associate Dean Moana Oceania at the Law School. A mother of two sons, she comes from a long line of educators and academics.

“In Tonga, academic titles like a PhD can elevate your social standing. Education is a pathway for commoners to rise, and knowledge has always been deeply valued in our culture.”

Her family and friends expressed immense pride in her achievement, especially her sons, Alex and Leon.

“I think that’s been the best part. My sons were so proud of me.”

Despite being halfway around the world, Mone felt the strength of her Pacific network, with cousins driving from Wales to visit.

Among them were Rev Manu Tu'ipulotu, Sione Mone Tu'ipulotu – former Tongan national rugby union representatives and their sister Taufa Talamai, all now settled in Wales.

"It was really special to have my cousins there, and to be able to share this incredible experience."

Tonga Language Week resources

Visit the Ministry for Pacific Peoples' Uike Kātoanga’i ‘o e lea faka-Tonga – Tonga Language Week page.