It’s Tonga Language Week
In recognition of this year’s Pacific language weeks, AUT is highlighting different taonga, (treasures), which keep people connected to their Pacific language, identity and heritage, as well as offering insights into the rich cultures of the Pacific. They are often ancient, and significant culturally, spiritually and socially and practices which are shared by many in the University’s wider community.
For Uike Kātoanga’i ‘o e lea faka-Tonga | Tonga Language Week, AUT features the ta'ovala, a woven mat worn around the waist by the people of Tonga. Ta'ovala are worn on many occasions; at weddings, church services, funerals, and many more but the specific event, and who is present, determines its type, size, and condition.
In this video, two AUT students of Tongan heritage speak about the customary garment worn by men and women to symbolise respect and adherence to the Tongan way of life - anga faka-Tonga.
AUT’s Bachelor of Business student, Viliami Lutui – whose family ties are to the Ha’apai Group in central Tonga and the main island of Tongatapu – says as a child he visited Tonga from New Zealand every year and his favourite part of those trips was hanging out with his family, speaking Tongan and meeting new people.
“When I wear my ta’ovala, it’s not just something I’m wearing, it’s a symbol of who I am. Depending on the event, I would wear one that comes from my Dad’s side of the family, or one from my Mum’s side.
“I’m studying business because I want to create a clothing brand around Tongan designs. I want to get more involved in my culture. This is very important to me because being Tongan is part of who I am.”
Similarly, AUT’s Diploma of Arts (Psychology) student, Afolani ‘Inoke, says wearing a ta’ovala means a lot to her and that you can tell by the way a person wears it, if it’s a birthday, church event, or a funeral – it’s all about respect.
“It feels very good to me to be Tongan in New Zealand and I try to shine my Tongan light. It’s very important to keep speaking Tongan. To others on language journeys, I’d say take part in school activities to improve your language skills or join one of the Tongan academies. Really put yourself out there.”
“My family moved to Auckland from the Ha’apai Group in 2003. Church is a way for me to keep speaking my language and I speak Tongan at home sometimes too. The ta’ovala I’m wearing right now indicates my status, which is single right now, but I’d wear a different one if I was married.”
The word Ta'ovala literally means to "bind." It ties the body into social space, signalling that the wearer is properly positioned in relation to others.
The ta'ovala also marks a person's connection to fonua. Fonua means both "land" and "placenta" — it speaks to origin and belonging. Symbolically, when Tongans wear the ta'ovala, they are "wrapping themselves in the fonua," showing that they are bound to their land and their people.
The 2026 theme for Tonga Language Week is Ko 'etau hiva, ko e fe'unu mahu'inga ia ki he mo'ui 'a e Tonga - Our music is a vital strand of our Tongan culture.