Dorothy, 31
Born in Auckland, New Zealand and heritage is from Holonga, Vava’u, Tonga and Fakakai, Ha’apai, Tonga
Came to Australia in May 1994
How did we meet?
Dorothy was one of my Team Leaders when I was working at NAB.
What is your occupation?
I am a Servicing Team Leader at NAB’s call centre. I’ve also worked at a warehouse and have been a contractor ten times before coming to NAB.
Why did you come to Australia?
My dad immigrated first by himself for a better life. He secured a stable job at a flour mill here, which was much more stable than his warehouse contractor position back in New Zealand.
After we sorted out the visas for everyone else, including my mum and my five siblings, we all moved here.
What do you like about Sydney?
I really appreciate the freedom here. You can really be yourself here whereas, in many Pacific Islander cultures, there are a lot of strict gender roles and expectations. I didn’t grow up in Tonga but this is what I have observed.
I love how Australian society evolves as a whole, both in terms of tradition and culture.
What don’t you like about Sydney?
I don’t like how a lot of Western societies (I’m including New Zealand here) have become too Americanised. We tend to not find the balance between Australian culture and foreign cultures.
We get too caught up in the allure and I believe this is why we have these underground street gangs. They’re so inspired by American hip-hop and rap music.
What would you like to say to Sydneysiders?
Please stay out of the right lane if you’re not overtaking anyone. It’s extremely annoying.
What languages do you speak?
English
I’m a “plastic” Tongan: I can understand Tongan fully but I can’t form sentences. Therefore, I cannot communicate with others. My dad thinks I’m a disgrace and he once said: “I’ve taught you better.”
I love you too Dad.
Teach us one word/phrase from your native language.
Ofa atu - I love you.
There are a lot of different meanings with this, depending on context and audience. You can use it to end a conversation as well. There is no way to fully capture its meaning with an English translation.
Younger Tongans also tend to shorten words when texting. For example, I would just say Ofas to my cousins.
What is one thing you want us to know about your native country?
There are more than 170 islands in Tonga. I would recommend my dad’s island, Vava’u, because it is the most idyllic. There are white sandy beaches, blue crystal waters and mountains. This is in stark contrast to our capital Nuku’alofa which has quite a flat terrain.
We are one of the last Pacific monarchies in the world. We remain a monarchy because the royal family never lost domestic control. Our culture and traditions, like most Pacific nations, are entwined with religious beliefs.
A lot of our histories and stories were passed down to other generations by storytelling; there were no books. I feel like it’s pretty cool because it’s almost like having a secret as you’re not able to just Google the stories.
Who is the most famous person in your native country?
Dinah Jane
She’s one of the singers for Fifth Harmony and is predominantly of Tonga descent.
There are other famous people like Steven Adams, who is a basketball player for Oklahoma City Thunder, and Jonah Lomu, an All Black.
Pacific Islanders usually become famous because they’re either singers or athletes. We aren’t known to be academics, unfortunately.
What is the best dish in your native country?
My favourite dish is a dessert called keke ‘isite. These are just like Tongan doughnuts and best served hot. My grandma used to own her own bakery in Tonga and made the best ones, she was known for these and passed the recipe onto my aunties. If you ever come across them, make sure you try them or you’ll be sorry you missed out.
Disclaimer: All posts are personal opinions and perspectives of the interviewees and are not a perfect representation of the whole country/experience.
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