DAUGHTERS OF THE MIGRATION - FALA HAULANGI

The Coconet TV is proud to continue its 'Daughters of the Migration' series celebrating the impact Pacific women have had in Aotearoa over the generations.

Fala's journey of migration reflects the way many Pacific people have navigated the seas.  In search for opportunity, hope and a better life we've courageously left behind our families and our villages to discover new worlds on our own. But when Pacific people journey, they never end up alone. They bring their whole island with them. They migrate with a vision to forge paths for those who follow behind them.

A large part of New Zealand's thriving Tuvalu community can be traced back to Fala and her parents who, over the span of three decades, selflessly helped bring so many Tuvaluans over to New Zealand and supported them in building their lives here.

Shacked up in an overcrowded central-Auckland home, where a large pot of chicken soup went a long way, Fala's mother described it best - "We only have the bread and the water, that's all. We can survive for another day, because of the love."

I felt privileged to document the story of Fala and her family's humble and selfless generosity - Director, Indira Stewart