Sylvester Tonga is a PhD student in Te Ara Poutama at Auckland University of Technology (AUT). He comes from Leimatu’a village in the Vava’u islands of the Kingdom of Tonga. The artefact for his practice-led PhD thesis is a documentary film in the Tongan language with English subtitles. The film explores how farmers are at the heart of sustaining the communal identity of Leimatu’a, considering that many families have migrated overseas for work and education opportunities for their children.
Sylvester says the Leimatu’a way is to have a positive outlook and think your way forward when faced with challenges. This is his personal mantra reminding him to stay connected to his people, and be grateful that he is part of a small, closeknit, and caring community.
Narrator
Sylvester Tonga, PhD Candidate, AUT
Music
Kalapu Sila Ki Vai, Aotearoa
Halamangaono, by Tiueti Lemani
Story Writer
Teena Brown Pulu, Te Ara Poutama, AUT
Video Production
David Yetton, AUTV Creative Director
Craig Murray, AUTV Media Producer
Copyright
© 2025 by Auckland University of Technology (AUT)