TAMĀ: tributes to all our Pasifika fathers
TAMA: tributes to all our Pasifika fathers - Some tributes to our dads from around the world from their children.
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Otulea Latu
By his daughter Cathrine Tuivaiti
"Anyone that knows me, and has had the privilege of meeting my Dad too, will realise that is where I get a lot of my personality traits from. Stubborn and loyal being at the top of that list.
Me and my 9 brothers and sisters have always had such a hard working Dad to look up to. One thing he has always told me, that never really connected till I was old enough to understand was,
‘Never forget who you are and where you come from.’
My Dad is my favourite Dad in the world."
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Paul Elliott & Atu Lagi
By their son and step-son Jesse Elliott
“Blessed to have two men I can call Fathers in my life, Paul Elliott and Atu Lagi.
What I love about them is they are very different in how they do things and I’ve taken qualities from them both that have help shape and make me the man I am today.
Things like hard work, discipline, a love for community, family and faith. Happy Father’s Day!”
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Papali'i Pita Ulitau Taouma
Remembered by his eldest & youngest children Lisa & Iosefa Taouma
"Our dad was known as Daddy Pita, Poppa, The Godfather, The Ayatollah of Rocknrolla and was the father to his 7 kids but also to the many more that he bought up.
One thing that lives on eternally are his words “fa'aaoga lou mafaufau” said at the time of giving one of us a massive oke / hiding / jovial Samoan slap ... but words that have stayed in the universe as part of his legacy to live by.
And to keep passing on #lifelessons" - Lisa
"My Dad always had wisdom and joy in life's blessings to share with those around him. His generosity of spirit and compassion for others made him a central figure in our community, showing me the importance of kindness/hospitality/open heartedness.
I remember him often telling us: "Just follow the instructions"; we were children of our own minds, but what really stays with me is: "Fa'aaoga lou mafaufau (Use your sense of integrity)".
He was a man of integrity and I hope to pass his wisdom, kindness and honour to my children. Happy Fathers day Dad, I love you and yes I will always look after mum" - Sefa
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Rob Pome'e
by his sons Sione Pome'e Jnr & Lasi Pome'e aka General Fiyah
"Our Dad has a big heart. He’s a hardworking go-getter, it’s a Pome’e thing. He’s always pushing the limits. Our Dad is firm with us but underneath his staunchness, he’s a very loving man.
He pushes us to be the best that we can be and he’s always there, always supportive in everything we do, always in our corner. We’re very lucky and blessed to have our dad in our lives, we are who we are today because of him.
Happy Father’s Day Dad! 'Ofa atu."
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Joe Stanley
By his daughter Ashley Stanley
"I love my old man because he’s always done, alongside my mama, whatever was needed for us kids to have countless options.
His mean cooking skills meant we were always fed, and the food from his plate was and still is the tastiest.
‘No’ doesn’t seem to be in his vocabulary when it comes us, and on the rare occasion he’s said it, it’s always come with a lesson. He’s a big softie at heart and we’ve never seen him hold back tears during our big/sad/hard moments in life.
I love my Pops because I’ve always felt safe and loved in his presence."
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Mark Sherwin
By his daughter Leilani Sherwin
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Aminiasi Waqanivau Vatanitawake
Remembered by his grand-daughter Torika Tokalau
My favorite memory of him would be hiding in his closet every time he finished work. He’d hang his jacket up and would leave a few of my favorite lollies in the pockets for me to find (this man knew I was in there). If you’re from Fiji, you’d remember the Black X and Peanut lollies, those were gold!
This Fathers Day I’d like to show some love and appreciation to all grandfathers who stood in to fill the gaps left by fathers, in kids lives. Vinaka vakalevu! Tori"
Iaveta Arthur
Remembered by his daughter Chere Arthur
"My Dad was filled with great advice.
Everytime he gave me a lift to Uni, he’d say “remember, the library is your friend” - growing up on Mangaia, he missed out on a formal education.
All of his gains were from hardwork, perserverance, respect and common sense. He was the greatest, Long live the King!"
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Alaimatagi (Ali) Lauiti'iti
By his daughter Salome Lauiti'iti
"I love my Dad, and am blessed to have him in my life!
To me and my siblings he’s also our teacher (sometimes) and best friend. He has taught me many different lessons when it comes to school (kind of), sports and in life.
My Dad has always been there for me for my highs in lows I’ve had in life, he has always pushed me and my siblings to never give up, and pushes us to strive and work harder when we don’t want to. He tells us to get back up and to learn and grow from our mistakes.
He supports us through everything we do, which is the many reasons why we love him! He can be a tough coach on us when it comes to sports but it pushes us to work harder.
Love you Dad, Happy Father’s Day to all Fathers around the world!"
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Bill Vakaafi Motufoou
By his daughter Inangaro Vakaafi
"Fakaalofa Lahi Atu! I would like to wish my father Bill Vakaafi Motufoou a Happy Father’s Day. Most people know him as BV or Kolu . If I could make one wish it would be that the borders open so I can hang out with my Dad. It’s been more than a year since I’ve seen my Dad in person and I wish I was back in Niue to spend our normal Father’s day tradition consisting of spending the day on the plantation.
BV would say the greatest gift you can give someone is your time because its about presence rather than presents lol. My father has dedicated most of his life serving the Niuean community in many different roles.
Favourite memory with my father: Three years ago we went to the Cook Islands to celebrate his 60th birthday. It was an opportunity to reconnect as a family but also the fulfilment of a promise he made my late mother Rauru to take us back home to Atiu. It was where my papa Upokoina Matapakia was from and where my mother was raised. He was my guide showing me the places I had only heard of in my mothers stories. To see the graves of my grandparents, aunties and uncles was a memory I hold on to.
Dad would say that out of all his children I was the most stubborn and argumentative one. When he would ‘voluntold’ me for tasks he always reminded me that I was ‘his investment’ and I suppose we are an extension of our parents in so many ways. So as that investment I hope that whatever I do adds value to what my parents have instilled in me.
Best advice: The best advice my father gave me is all about taking pride in the work you do, setting a standard, quality control especially when we would peel taros together. I feel it also applies to life in general. BV would say do it properly and no double handling or half pie jobs. My take on that is that whatever the task is, take meticulous care to the planning and process so you do it right the first time.
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Nanai Tomaliliu Tuivaiti
By his son Jimmy Tuivaiti
"Growing up, I always had my Dad on the sidelines at my rugby games. Apart from playing out of town, he would always be there. Often in the rain, and sometimes straight from work, there he was.
I loved and appreciated his support, and then I endured the prompt feedback :D
Happy Fathers Day Dad. Jim"
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Lealali Taeatu Ieli Leilua
Remembered by his daughter Fa'amoana Leilua
"Our late Father Lealali Taeatu Ieli Leilua, a migrant from Fusi Safotulafai, who left an imprint and legacy within our village in Aotearoa, Kirikiriroa, where he is now laid to rest.
As a tribute to his memory, I thought it would be fitting to use the letters of TAMĀ to share our beloved Dad/Papa with you.
Tautua. Service to his aiga in Aotearoa and Sāmoa, and not forgetting his beloved aulotu EFKS Hamilton was super important to Dad. 'Tautua nei mo se taeao manuia', his legacy lives on due to his service earthside.
Alofa. Dad's love for his aiga and others knew no bounds. Whether it was the Waikato Pasifika and Māori community, or those that were new to Kirikiriroa, from Scholarship students from Samoa at University of Waikato to those seeking seasonal work, he always made sure they were looked after and felt welcomed.
He was super proud of his grandkids, and spoilt them more than his own children ha. Always supportive of our endeavours, and encouraged us to do our best.
Matai Tulafale. The honour and responsibility of being bestowed his title was a watershed moment for Dad and our aiga . His love for aganu'u faasamoa, he was always well read, and his oratory skills, poetic to say the least.
Āgamalu. Humility was a value he lived out till his last breath. He always reminded my siblings and I to be of service to others, never get so ahead of ourselves that we forget who we are, and to ensure that we are thankful and grateful to God for what we have; from the outside it may not have looked like much, but to us it was more than enough.
Misia lava oe le Tamā peleina."
