Celebrating lea faka-Tonga Week with research excellence

As Aotearoa celebrates Tonga Language Week, three outstanding Tongan postgraduate researchers at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland are showcasing the powerful fusion of culture, academic excellence and community service.

Their work reflects the richness of Tongan knowledge systems and the enduring value of lea faka-Tonga in shaping research that uplifts and empowers.

Linda Palavi – championing health equity for Pacific families

Linda Palavi (Kolofo’ou and Kolomotu’a, Tongatapu) is a PhD candidate in Pacific Health and Audiology; breaking new ground in a field where Pacific representation is rare. Her research focuses on improving hearing health pathways for Pacific families, particularly those with children affected by hearing loss in Auckland.

Linda’s work explores mechanisms to strengthen Pacific parental involvement in healthcare, ensuring that families are not just recipients of services but active participants in shaping them.

“There are very few Pacific researchers in hearing health. I feel privileged to be one of them and to carry the responsibility of representing our communities in this space.”

Cultural identity is central to her research approach. She draws strength from her heritage, including the proverb “Holo pe tu’u he ko e ngalu e fasi” – stand firm and the waves will break – which speaks to resilience in the face of challenges.

Linda's faith, humility and commitment to service are reflected in her work, which amplifies the voices of Pacific families often overlooked in mainstream health systems.

Supervised by Dr Elizabeth Holt and Professor Vili Nosa, Linda is part of a growing movement to increase Pacific visibility in audiology and public health. Her research is not only academically rigorous but deeply rooted in the lived realities of her community and a commitment to drive meaningful change through research.

‘Emeline Tu‘imana – navigating Indigenous relationality through Vā

Doctor of Education candidate ‘Emeline Tu‘imana (Vai-ko-Tokomea, Lofanga, Ha‘ato‘u/Ha’apai, Kolonga, Tava-tu‘u-tolu, Kolomotu‘a, Pahu, Halafo’ou/Tongatapu) is exploring the philosophical and relational dimensions of Indigenous Pacific research through her study of Vā tamaki – the complex space of Indigenous relationality.

Born and raised in Tonga, ‘Emeline’s fluency in lea faka-Tonga and her grounding in Tongan worldviews provide a strong foundation for her work.

“Knowledge is a koloa – a gift from God and our ancestors. When we use our koloa to uplift others in ways that are ‘aonga (worthwhile), that is true service.”

Her research is guided by Indigenous Pacific methodologies such as Kakala, Talanoa and Tā-Vā philosophy; frameworks that engage with knowledge systems honouring relationality, storytelling and cultural depth.

‘Emeline sees her work as an act of resilience and empowerment – telling stories from within, rather than having them told from outside.

Supported by networks such as MAI ki Waipapa, Pasifika Success, Te Fale Pouāwhina, Fofonga, and PECAN, she says her journey is enriched by the wisdom of Indigenous scholars and mentors.

“Most importantly, it’s heartwarming to see the courage of young New Zealand-born Pacific scholars who confidently shapeshift across multiple worlds, ready to carry the baton forward. The future is in good hands.”

‘Emeline says being Tongan is both a privilege and a responsibility – one she carries with grace and determination.

Vikatolia Ongolea – reframing financial literacy through a Tongan lens

Second-year PhD candidate Vikatolia Ongolea (Lapaha Tongatapu, Kundiawa, Simbu Province) is developing a culturally responsive financial capability framework tailored to the Tongan community.

Drawing on her master’s research and seven years of experience as a financial mentor, Vikatolia’s work explores how cultural values and practices shape financial behaviour.

“Wealth in Tongan culture is defined through relationships – tauhi vā. My research honours that by teaching financial literacy through a cultural lens.”

Her framework, Cultural Financial Capability Education (CFCE), acknowledges money as both a modern tool and a concept rooted in Western systems. CFCE integrates traditional Tongan values such as fua kavenga (social responsibility), fatongia (cultural obligations), and mo’ui fakapotopoto (living wisely and prudently), making financial education relevant and accessible to Tongan families.

Inspired by Indigenous scholars like Shawn Wilson and Linda Tuhiwai Smith, Vikatolia’s research is grounded in the four golden pillars (Faa’i Kave’i Koula) of Tongan society: faka’apa’apa (respect), tauhi vā (nurturing relationships), mamahi’i me’a (loyalty), and loto tō (humility).

Her approach ensures that financial well-being is not just about numbers – it’s about sustaining relationships, honouring obligations and empowering communities. Vikatolia citing a proverb she lives by to illustrate how success is defined in Tonga.

“Ko e masiva oku ongo taha, a e hala hā kāinga - to have no kin or no family is to be in extreme poverty," she says.

“It's reminder that, no matter how wealthy you may be, lacking supportive relationships during times of need, can leave you feeling impoverished. This perspective reflects how Tongans define wealth - through our relationships, our vā.

“Nurturing these relationships (tauhi vā) is one of the key cultural values of the Tongan culture that I hold dear to my heart.”