23/08/2025
The 2025 theme for Tonga Language Week 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.’
Hulita Allen, a Clinical Nurse Specialist in the Respiratory service, is eager to share how her Tongan culture has shaped her life and career.
"I was born in Tonga, growing up in Nukuhetulu, and am the youngest of nine, and came to New Zealand in 1996."
Hulita has dedicated the last two years to working in the Respiratory service, caring for outpatients dealing with obstructive sleep apnea, obesity, and hypoventilation syndrome.
"There's a high need for Pasifika nurses in Respiratory. I find it easy to navigate with patients. I'm fluent in my language, and it's been a great asset."
After completing her nursing training in Tonga, Hulita made the decision to retrain as a registered nurse in New Zealand.
"It was hard with English being my second language, but I had support from my husband, who works as a teacher with an English major, and my sister is a dietitian. She helped me a lot through my studies."
A Tongan proverb that describes her journey is "Ikai ha to'a 'e tu'u tokotaha," which means no warrior stands alone.
“For me, that saying is about us as Pasifika people we move as a collective. I would not be where I am in my career without my friends, family and community support."
The thread of service runs through Hulita's family, where education has always been a priority. She attributes her path to nursing to her mother’s influence.
"My mother encouraged me to become a nurse. It was a way for me to serve my community, and it's the part that I find to be the most rewarding."
"Here at Counties Manukau, I embrace lea faka-Tonga by promoting simple and clear language in our communication with patients.
"Our language is more than just words — it is how we express who we are. Through speech, song, poetry, solo dance (tau'olunga), and group performances (faiva), we honour and pass on our traditions."
"We engage in talanoa — storytelling and open conversation — by using health literacy tools, interpreters, and involving our kainga (families), to ensure everyone is included and valued."
Let us continue to celebrate who we are as Tangata'i fonua of Aotearoa, grounded in the richness of our language and culture. Mālō ‘aupito – Thank you very much.
