Rubinstine Manukia

Like A Dove Rubinstine Manukia

What was life like for a Tongan migrant in New Zealand in the 1970s and onwards?In this tribute to Sione Tavo Manukia (1936-2008), his daughter Ruby tells of his early life in Tonga and his experiences in New Zealand, as he sought a prosperous life and further education for his children. He settled in West Auckland and gained a job at Crown Lynn Pottery's New Lynn brickworks. He then helped other migrants gain employment at the brickworks, which enabled them to assist their families back home by sending remittances. As more migrants arrived, Sione Tavo realised that a church group base was required to host and assist them on a daily basis. This was the beginning of Pulela'a New Lynn Tongan Methodist Church, founded in 1975, where Sione Tavo served as the head church steward for 30 years. There are valuable lessons in this book for other migrants seeking work and opportunities in New Zealand. Sione Tavo's story demonstrates how through hard work, and moral and ethical determination, you can be successful in whatever you set out to achieve.