ABOUT US

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR FUNDING PARTNERS

This has been the first full-year of operation using contracted funding from our government agencies.

Rev. Semisi Fonua

President of the Free Church of Tonga and Chairperson of Taulanga U

Rev. Manase Fou Ki Moana Palu

Trustee and head reverend of Auckland

Rev. Tevita Fifita

Trustee and head reverend of Christchurch

Rev. Paula Fala Vehekite

Trustee and head reverend of Wellington

Rev. Mama'o Vulangi

Trustee and Secretary of the Church

Rev. Kelepi Makakaufaki

Trustee

Dr. Sunia Foliaki

Trustee, Senior Lecturer, Massey University

Mr. Sione Tu'itavake Fonua

Trustee and lawyer

Mr. Tevita Paula Lavulo

Trustee

General Manager

Aihaosea ‘Ahokovi

Whanau Resilience Fakamelino Worker

Rev. ‘Ifalame Teisi

Treasurer

Gavin Faeamani

Engaging Priority Families Navigator

Lesieli Lapuaho

Community Connectors

Maingalua Fonua

Vaihoi Filimone

Advisor

Dr. Dave Fa’avae

Dr. Tony Fakahau

Administration

Glenda Fonua

Youth Mentors

Sione Teisi

Ikuna Teisi

MOE Education Support Advisor

Lisiua Havili

Musie Uatahausi

Transitional Housing Navigator

Sione Tu’utafaiva

I.T Analyst

Selu Tuitavuki

2020 ANNUAL REPORT

In 2020, Taulanga U began the year by focusing on the Whanau Resilience co-design programme led by our reverend and lead social worker ‘Ifalame Teisi. The programme targeted the families and children that are vulnerable (tu’u laveangofua) and at risk of harm or poverty.

However, Covid-19 impacted the services so we have had to expand our services and funding partners to provide direct support for families experiencing hardship due to the pandemic.

Future Programmes

We have identified significant issues confronting Pacific people and our church members so it is critical that we can provide services and assistance for our church branches to assist their members during these difficult times.

COVID-19 and Future

The impact of Covid-19 will continue to affect the church and the rest of the world for at least the next 5-10 years. The economic repercussions and social problems should not be underestimated.

Taulanga U has become a key support provider and important entity for the New Zealand government because of its ability to reach the homes and lives of the vulnerable Tongan families spread throughout the country. Taulanga U has a responsibility to utilise its resources and systems to ease the burden of Covid-19 on the church members.

Taulanga U Premises

The Taulanga U office is being renovated using donated building supplies from the Kainga Ora developers. We plan to have our permanent premises ready by March 2022.

The Future of Taulanga U

Taulanga U has the potential to become the biggest health and social service provider for the Tongan community over the next decade. The support and outreach capacity of the church enables Taulanga U to reach the families and children that need intensive support.

We have the opportunity as a faith-based organisation to expand and provide support services for our branches throughout New Zealand. We have the capacity and resources to do that and Taulanga U can provide that vehicle to deliver the services our families need.