Series Classification: G (General Programmes)
Far away from the main hub of Auckland city, a unique Pasifika community has found its own spirit in the South Island town of Oamaru.
In this episode, we meet Oamaru's first PI city councillor, a Tuvalu-born woman who relocated her family from Auckland and a Tongan-born woman who moved to the town with her mother as a teenager.
The Pasifika community of Oamaru Photo: Alex Bradshaw / Fire Fire
Hana Halalele
"We were always the only Pacific kids in the whole school. It was the first time that I had experienced being called racist names."
Hana was five years old when she came to Oamaru with her mother. Once the family was established, Hana's mother became an active part of the Pacific Island community, advocating for PI people and paving the way for future generations. Hana has followed in her mother's footsteps and become the first Pacific Island city councillor in Oamaru, where she is a strong, well-respected member of the community.
Frances Oakes
"I used to be angry with mum. Why did you bring me here, you know? It's only now as I am way older that I reflect and look at my mother now and think, wow, what a courageous woman. To even leave Tonga and come here so that I would have a better life."
Frances moved to Oamaru with her mother as a 15-year-old schoolgirl. She now reflects on the strength of her mother, who brought her family to New Zealand with a desire to further their prospects and enable new opportunities. Frances, who is now an important member of the PI community herself, talks about the challenges and blessings of growing up in Oamaru.
Silou Te Moana
"My dad sacrificed his time being with us, just for us to get by."
Growing up in Tuvalu, a rapidly disappearing Island in the Pacific Ocean, Silou's father spent much time wayfaring in order to sustain his family. As an adult, living in Auckland with her own family, Silou felt lost due to her children not getting what they needed education-wise and feeling that life was too busy. After they followed the path of family friends who'd already settled in Oamaru, Silou has become an active member of the PI community while fostering her son's education.
Behind the scenes...
Frances Oakes, a Tongan-born nurse who lives in Oamaru Photo: Alex Bradshaw / Fire Fire
Photo: Alex Bradshaw / Fire Fire
Giants
Every year, families relocate to New Zealand from a diverse range of cultures that share a deep respect for whānau (family), community and whakapapa (ancestry).
In the seven-part video series Giants, we learn how these new New Zealanders see themselves as standing on the shoulders of their ancestors – 'giants' who paved the way for their own descendants to settle here and live lives that are meaningful.
Find out how New Zealand's migrant communities are creating a fresh legacy while staying connected to their own cultures.
Episode credits:
Creator - Alex Bradshaw
Producers - Alex Bradshaw and Tara Durrant
Executive Producer - Pietra Brettkelly
Featuring - Hana Halalele, Silou Te Moana, Frances Oakes, Gary Kircher, Sipa Tahaafe
Photo: NZ On Air
