Historical sites in Tonga we visited

from w
Our son and daughter-in-law generously drove us around the island of Tongatapu and we were able to see many of the local historical sites and places of interest. Unfortunately we didn't attend the Tongan worship service Sunday morning which would have been a highlight. Anyway here are some pictures I took and a couple or more I found that were relevant on the internet. These include Cook's landing site, Tasman's landing site, the royal palace (not lived in as the royals have estates elsewhere) a historical tree. I"ll write about other places we visited later on.

No kava for Johnny, for Jeke, for Ari, for Tomu.

from w.
and from the Fiji Sun which now seems to becoming pals of the Methodist Church.  From the top, orders to clean up the talatala's kava drinking, no loosening of the necktie on Sundays, etc.  No kava for his missus.  Oh dear,  our house in Australia needs a re-ordering then.  Does this go for retired Fijian ministers who happen to live in Australia - where kava drinking is part of social networking, welcomes and farewells, discussion of day-to-day problems and joys..  Okay, I can see where Rev Tui is coming from. It had all gone out of control and there needs to be discipline and order.

The culture of informal kava drinking has got out of hand from my observations. For example at the Nadi market which you would expect to be 90% vegetables and fruit, it is 50% full of tables selling kava. That seems to be an excessive emphasis on something that isn't as important as basic health foods.

photo by C. Marshall.

Methodist bans effective

September 18, 2013 | Filed under: Fiji News | Posted by: newsroom

By LOSALINI RASOQOSOQO

The Methodist Church in Fiji has confirmed that its bans on kava drinking and smoking have already become effective.
The church’s secretary for communications, Reverend James Bhagwan, said this was the directive from the president, Reverend Dr Tuikilakila Waqairatu.
“Rev Dr Waqairatu made this directive under the authority of the president to make such directives in a situation which calls for urgency,” Rev Bhagwan said.
“He is of the view that the excessive kava consumption within the Methodist community requires urgent and decisive action for the physical and spiritual health of its members. Leaders of the community are called to lead by example.”
The bans are as follows -
n Refrain from drinking kava on Sunday – it is a holy day;
n No iluva ni neketai after worship service – it is neither Christian nor iTaukei in tradition;
n No kava to be drunk at a minister’s or pastor’s quarters;
n No kava to be sold from a minister’s or pastor’s quarters;
n  Wives of ministers and pastors (radini talatala) are not to drink kava.
n Ministers, pastors and church leaders to refrain from smoking.
Reverend Bhagwan said, “The president made these directives to those who serve in the church, in trust and on the understanding that they will be responsible to the call that they have accepted and the authority that they have willingly subjected themselves to.
In terms of the monitoring, the church has its system of checks and balances, and accountability from the local level to the national level.
All ministers, pastors and deaconesses come under the discipline of the church, circuit and division of where they are stationed.
Not only does the divisional superintendent of each of the 55 divisions have supervisory responsibility over the staff in his or her division.
There are also the leaders meetings, quarterly meetings and annual meetings through which the compliance or non-compliance with this directive, and other issues can be raised,” he said.

Shopping in Tonga

from w

Shopping in Nukualofa.  when you need bread and milk for breakie, you just go along the road and soon you will find a small shop. These little Chinese shops - about four foot deep involve a lot of fun in communication. I wanted a bottle of lemonade so Andrew asked for 'lemonade'. She shook her head, didn't understand, so I said to ask for Fanta or Sprite. So he asked for Siperaiti and there was a big smile from the Chinese girl. She understood at last and I got my lemonade. These little shops are scattered about the suburbs of Nukualofa besides the main shopping area which includes a marvellous fruit and vegie market and craft market and even Morisi (Morris Hedstrom) etc. We found a lovely book shop, I think it's called the Friendly Tonga Bookshop, but the books on Tongan culture were way too expensive so I only bought a sketchbook and some good pens.  

The Tongans seem to use initiative and many have little op shops in front of their homes, selling vegetables or second hand clothes, or the sort of things relatives send to them in containers. The people wait patiently near their stalls and make money from people passing by.

I loved the craft market downtown as the items were so beautiful but I only bought some shell jewelry and a couple of fans. 

Comparing Fiji Airways with Virgin Australia

from w

Comparing Fiji Airways with Virgin Australia  (formerly Air Pacific and Pacific Blue)

Recently Peceli and I travelled to Fiji and Tonga which involved five flights – first Fiji Airways from Melbourne to Nadi, Fiji,  then six days later Fiji Airiways from Nadi to Nausori to connect with the Fiji Airways flight to Tonga.  A week later we returned to Australia by Virgin Australia from Tonga to Auckland then transferred to a flight to Melbourne.  So I felt I was in a position to compare the two airlines.

Firstly the airports:  A real problem at Tullamarine Melbourne is the distance to walk to the gate for departure to Fiji.  Traipsing through those duty free shopping areas.  It’s way too long for people who get tired easily or can only walk with difficulty.  I had a walking stick because of the arthritis. Some people ask for a wheelchair but we didn’t think it necessary but actually it would have helped.  The flight was very good – new brand logo on the plane, on the uniforms of the staff and the usual nice manner in giving ups free fruit drinks, coffee etc. and food, though the roll with chicken (girls next to me said it was fish or bacon!) coleslaw, Scotch biscuit, etc. wasn’t very good. A parcel of roti and vegetable curry would have been nicer with a tub of tropical fruit.  This was a midnight flight by the way.

At Nadi we realized that again walking was a problem but soon a member of staff with a wheelchair  took over and quickly got us though the walk, the immigration, the baggage collect. Very good service.

The second flight was beautiful – only half an hour and we could view the mountains of Viti Levu then the Rewa river before touchdown.  The Fiji Sun newspapers were given out to read and then collected. I said ‘Oh are they rubbish then?’ but my comment wasn’t really noticed.

At Nausori airport there was no problem about walking, but when it was announced that the plane to Tonga would be delayed two hours we weren’t going to just sit around, so found  taxi with a Fijian driver and we had a delightful drive to Davuilevu, to Dilkusha, to Navuso village then a fine curry dinner at the end of Nausori town. We were blessed to have that extra time to do some nostalgia and noticing the changes.

The Fiji Airways flight to Tonga was again excellent apart from the Fiji Sun handed out again and  which I don’t like because of its bias – it actually had the new Constitution in Fijian in it - and again the roll with chicken which isn’t really the best kind of afternoon snack.   The plane I think was the Labasa plane – a 50 or 60 seater – and it flew low enough to see Totoya and some of the Lau islands, and then we had a beautiful view over Tongatapu, the patchwork pattern of farms, the little villages, the coconut plantations.  It only took one hour ten minutes to Tonga from Nausori!

The airport is small and we were a bit tired but joyful to meet our son Andrew and grand-daughter Linlay then drive to Nukualofa.

Seven days later we left Tonga to return to Melbourne – this time using Virgin Australia planes with a brief  stopover at Auckland.  Because check-in was midnight we really hadn’t slept so I certainly was tired and uncomfortable on this flight. We were offered free tea, coffee, water, and had to buy a chunky sandwich with a hint of chicken and a lot of green leaves, rocket  I think – for $10.  It took over two hours to Auckland, and then the wheelchair we had ordered didn’t eventuate at first as there were too many people wanting one. Anyway a Fiji Indian girl (from Taveuni) did help us then but left us at the food stalls where I only had time to buy a bottle of Fanta  and crispy chips. We walked more and more – what a long way to transfers! 

The next plane trip  took four hours ten minutes to Melbourne which I reckon was too slow for flying over ‘the ditch’.  It was uncomfortable and I couldn’t sleep, so was anxious to get to Melbourne quickly.  At last we rolled into place for arrival, and people stood up to get their carry-on bags from the lockers,  but.... the front door had jammed and we had to wait fifteen minutes for the engineer to come. Panic buttons for me – the claustrophobia kicked in and I just grabbed a brochure to read as we waited, taking deep breaths.  Then at last we were out of prison and realized we would have to walk a very long distance once again.  I found a wheelchair, and that helped until we got to picking up the bags. No Virgin Australia staff in sight at Melbourne airport. No – one seemed to bother to help passengers.  It took a long time in two queues because we had peeled yams in a box . At last we got out into the Melbourne cool air to be greeted by our eldest son and his wife. Both of us exhausted. We won’t do two trips in one day with Virgin again!

Tonga on a Sunday

from w

Recently Peceli and I were in Tonga and spent a Sunday there. The strict rule that no-one works in offices, farms, shops, airports on a Sunday meant that a plane carrying ‘Auntie’ from Fiji that had been delayed from Saturday because  perhaps – the pilot couldn’t find Tongatapu island below because of the rainy weather – couldn’t even go on the Sunday so  Fiji Airways had to put up passengers in the Hexagon, plus their food for nearly two days.  Okay, Sunday in Tonga is the Sabbath,  a closed down day – except for church and fine food.

Our plan to attend Centenary Church  in the morning was put off because I was feeling unwell but we decided to go to the 6 p.m. English Wesleyan church service later. Meanwhile the kitchen was abuzz with so much cooking. Then visitors kept popping in with dishes and pots of extra food, and I presume visa versa.  After midday guests arrived – colleagues of our daughter-in-law and their daughters – with more food including a cooked three month old piglet!  The table was groaning with delicacies and we enjoyed the huge dinner, particularly the crackle and roasted pork, though I did say – loudly – isa, the poor little pig. The day before we had been driving in the countryside and had seen dozens of such little piglets running around near a beach where pigs go fishing and root for mussels.

I was thinking of the elderly Australian man (maybe an architect) with an electric wheelchair who lived almost opposite us in a tiny weatherboard two-roomed house without garden.  Did anyone think of giving him some delicacies on Sundays?  I was told – Yes – the neighbours in the house shrouded by banana trees always sent something over to him.

The English church service at 6 p.m. was held in a large meeting room of the Wesleyan church offices near Centenary Church.  About twenty people – Australians, Kiwis, local , a Fiji Indian family who originally had come from Taveuni.  This was a fairly informal service , people dressed casually, and several people took part. Prayers were intimate and naming people. Their membership shifts as people come and go such as expats on short visits. The leader was an older bearded man from Tasmania -  a retired minister or teacher I wondered. Okay, he was a Principal of a High School, and was in Tonga to do some task with the Uniting Church – to do with the Wesleyan schools. But he did tell me he was also writing a thesis on education and culture.  His reading and sermon was based on the lectionary two weeks earlier. He had plenty of anecdotes and a cheerful manner. His children’s spot was based on Mariner’s adventures and a cave in Tonga, about trust and taking risks.  They were friendly people and it was good to be part of worship  on a Sunday in Tonga, though  we didn't hear the glorious acapella singing of two thousand Tongan voices.

We were amazed by the numerous churches in Tonga, how neat and beautiful they are so I've put a few photos here to show the variations. 

It was good to experience a Sunday where people do not go shopping, or play sport or rush around so Tonga’s strict protocol for Sunday does seem  rather a good idea.  And you don’t have to cook for Monday and Tuesday because there are plenty of leftovers from the Sunday feast!

Inequality in Fiji and what the writers leave out

from w
In today's Fiji Village there's a short report on a meeting today to discuss wages in Fiji and a note that wages are very low but the writer does not specify exactly what is the wage per hour.  When talking with workers in the hospitality industry in Nadi they tell me it's about $2.50 per hour for some workers and that is $1.50A which is a palty sum when you know that food is costly in Nadi and that rent is quite high - houses and flats often owned by Fiji people who are overseas and rake in money from renting out the properties.

Then I thought it might be an idea to check out rates at resorts so I looked up one and discovered that one room per night is often up to $400 (told to me by a passenger on the plane to Fiji) and on the internet even up to $3000F a night.  Now that just doesn't add up to me, that the girl/woman who cleans the guest's room gets a very low wage and the owner/company charges so much!  The hotels that have reasonable prices are not advertised overseas, only the expensive ones!

Fiji Golf Resort & Spa  at Maro Road, Natadola

2 double beds garden $800F a night

1 King bed pool from $960F a night

I King bed Lagoon from $1,120F a night

and it goes on to $3,040F a night

Fiji still has very low minimum wage rate in certain sectors-Salle

Publish date/time: 13/09/2013 [15:03] Print this page Email this page Fiji still has very low minimum wage rate in certain sectors. This was one of the main issues raised by the keynote speaker Roger La Salle the creator of ‘The Matrix Thinking’ in Australia during the Topex Conference organised by Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation.  Speaking at the Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa in Natadola today, La Salle stressed that Fiji's current minimum wage rate in certain sectors is similar to China's 20 years ago and countries like Australia have far better minimum wage rates. There is an audio file attached to this story. Please loginto listen. Minister for Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Jone Usamate said different countries have different wage rates. There is an audio file attached to this story. Please loginto listen. Story by: Filipe Naikaso and Akuila Cama

New archbishop talkin' politics

from w
How come the leader of the Catholic church in Fiji can speak about Fiji politics and the Methodist church cannot?  Reported in both Fiji Times and elsewhere, this item from the Fiji Times summarises a speech by Archbishop Chong.  Of course we really need to read the whole document.  And here it is:
http://fijiworldnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/WACC-Symposium-Keynote-Address-by-Rev-Peter-Loy-Chong.pdf

No place for patron-client politics

Nanise Loanakadavu
Friday, September 13, 2013

+ Enlarge this image

Archbishop Peter Loy Chong. Picture: IVAMERE ROKOVESA

PATRON-CLIENT politics has caused division in Fiji by favouring ethnic communities within society.

In his opening remarks at the World Association for Christian Communication (WACC) Pacific Symposium, Archbishop Peter Loy Chong defined patron-client politics as the form of power of mainstream iTaukei political establishment.

"This breeds the coup culture and the loss of democracy," Archbishop Chong said.

He told leaders of various church groups that to resolve Fiji's coup culture and facilitate the path towards democracy; politicians and political institutions must go beyond patron-client politics.

The symposium, he said, was to inspire faith-based leaders in developing a collective call for parliamentary democracy. Archbishop Chong contended that without the displacement of patron-client politics there would be little hope of building a democratic Fiji.

"The patron politics must be eradicated."

He said the question of how Fiji moved beyond patron-client politics was the central question beneath Fiji's coup culture.

"Hence I posit that for the church to be faithful to its mission and be relevant to its missionary context, namely Fiji's coup culture she must respond effectively to cultural awareness, conscientisation, civic education and empowerment."

He stressed to the church leaders that their key messages should include the removal of patron-client politics and the education and empowerment of people so that they could participate responsibly in the political affairs of the country.

Computers for the rural areas

from w
It's good to see IT in the rural areas such as Wailevu, Seaqaqa and Nadogo in Macuata.  Excellent that young people can access the internet without having to go into Labasa town.
From Fiji Sun.

Wailevu commends 14th telecentre

September 11, 2013 | Filed under: Fiji News | Posted by: newsroom

Source: ministry of information

The vanua of Wailevu has commended the opening of the Labasa Muslim College telecentre.

Giving free internet access to more than 3000 members of the community and 376 students, the telecentre opened on Wednesday by Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama gives better access to knowledge and the wider world.

Turaga ni koro for Wailevu (village headman), Senirosi Baleira said that the telecentre will be of benefit to the children of Wailevu, most of whom are students of Labasa Muslim College.

“I am grateful for this government initiative which gives access to free knowledge via the internet for our children and also to also about 400 Wailevu villagers,” Mr Baleira said.

“Before our children used to walk to Labasa town, now they will only have to walk for about 6 minutes to access computing services, in particular the internet.”

The village headman also acknowledged other assistance rendered by government to the tikina of Wailevu in the provision of basic necessities.

Sharing similar sentiments, Labasa Muslim College head teacher, Kamlesh Prasad said that government was bridging the digital divide between the rich and the poor and the rural and urban people.

“Before computer and internet was only accessible to people that were rich,” Mr Prasad said.

Government’s 15^th telecentre was opened by the head government this afternoon at Savusavu Secondary School.

 Full details in Thursday’s Fiji Sun newspaper.

Students of Labasa Muslim College at their new telecentre. Photo: MINFO NEWS

Shortlink: 

Expatriates and 'Questions of Travel'

from w
I've always been fascinated by the idea of expatriates living out their lives in foreign places. Somerset Maughan, 'The Moon and Sixpence' kind of story, Michener - 'Tales of the South Pacific' Louis Becke - my father's favourite, R.L. Stevenson, Naipaul... the list goes on and on. This week I'm reading 'Questions of travel' by Michelle de Kretser where she details the lives of two people, an Australian woman self-centred, chaotic, living in Europe and a Sri Lankan man who eventually comes to Australia on a plane but as a refugee. However they don't even talk to one another until about page 440! I haven't finished it yet but it's intriguing even if a burden to read at times.

Last week I came across an expat elderly man living in a South Pacific town, - well he's seventy they say - who lives in a tiny wooden shell of a house, listens to the ABC radio at 3 a.m. and has a barking dog for a companion. What is his story I wondered, but the neighbours don't go near him because of the drinking. I wanted to send him a plate of fine food but didn't. A notice on the corner of his house advertises himself as a kind of architect, so why did he end up like this?

And now that I've finished the book and the ending is - well, quite unexpected. I wonder if the writer knew from the beginning how it would all end up.  

Fiji in Miss World competition and her costume

from w
The Fiji entrant in Miss World (the one on the left) wasn't given much of chance with the design of her costume. What were they thinking? A fishing net, not flattering, impossible to walk in, and nowhere like the best of Fiji's fashion designs which are often marvelous. Last year's Owl costume was praised very much and that was quite a winner although a bit strange. Doesn't an owl sighted mean someone is not telling something?

And now they've moved the event because of protests. I guess it is about modesty as the local people would object to girls parading around in bikinis in a country where modesty in women is paramount.
from Fiji times;

Miss World chairwoman Julia Morley had not confirmed moving the finals to Bali on September 28 over safety issues.

"Miss World contestants, staff and the organisation are under heavy guard, including extra security being beefed up at both Bali International Airport and sea ports on the resort island."

Miss Fiji yesterday participated in the beach beauty competition.

Meanwhile, AFP reported Indonesian officials were moving the final of the pageant to Bali, after days of hardline Muslim protests in Java.

Maccas is good for icecream in Nadi

from w

Maccas food in Nadi, Fiji, is boring compared with the delicious local curries and Fijian foods on offer, but it is good for icecream, so one time Peceli, and Raqi (a worker at the Hexagon who comes from Mali Island) and I stopped off for icecream. I was interested to see that they have lots of art-work on the walls which gave the place a few points up in my estimation.  We preferred to eat with relatives of course, but in Nadi town or Lautoka we found some good cafes for generous meals at about $5 or $6F.

Where to stay in Nadi - the Hexagon

from w

At the Hexagon!  Though it's not advertised at all in Australia for tourists to know about.

We needed five nights budget accommodation in Nadi (coming from Australia) to attend a wedding before flying on to Tonga.  We had stayed a couple of times at the West Motor Inn so searched for that – it’s now called Hexagon.  For $63A a night for a deluxe room (we needed airconditioning because Nadi is very hot and humid) it sounded fine AND it was very suitable for our needs.  So I was surprised by many negative comments on-line from guests.  Our room was cleaned very well every day, the bougainvillea was in bloom, staff were friendly, we could park our rental car close to our room, the shower was warm enough. We only had one meal there, roti and curry $20, nicely presented but beyond our budget for every meal. A staff member took us to a nearby Indian shop to buy roti curry parcels for $1.20F. Also, next to the Hexagon are little bakeries, etc.  We drove each day to Nawaka village (and the roads are really awkward) with relatives with all the ceremonies associated with a marriage, but the cool respite of our room at the Hexagon each night was a blessing.  One minor problem is their computers – internet is $5F a half hour and it drops out very much. We found an internet cafe on a corner in Nadi town that was 4cF a minute and perfect.  Our point of view is different to that of tourists as my husband is Fijian and I have lived in Fiji 13 years and many of our relatives work in the hospitality industry at very low wages e.g. $2.50F an hour. Compare that with about $35F in an Australian hotel. Many local Fiji people use this hotel when on business trips and it is perfectly adequate.  Vina’a va’alevu Hexagon.

The Theological College in Davuilevu

from Peceli,
Unlike the condition of Baker Hall in Davuilevu, the Vuli Talatala (Theological College) appears to be very neat and tidy. Here are some photos we took about ten days ago. We were visiting there on the Monday, the day the Conference started. That day we were on our way to Nukualofa for a holiday.

Regarding kava drinking in Fiji

from w
The custom of 'loosening the necktie' after worship for the preacher of the day to sit down with a group of mainly men had got out of control so now there is a directive from the recent Fiji Methodist Conference to hey, steady on - about the drinking of kava.

From Uniting World – a representative from the Uniting Church in Australia -  who attended  the Methodist Conference in Fiji 2013.

Rev Waqairatu called on Ministers, Deaconesses, Lay Pastors and Local Preachers to lead by example and asked that kava not to be drunk at minister’s residences and church halls.  Church ministers are encouraged to limit their kava drinking to three bowls for traditional ceremonies.  While kava has its place in traditional i Taukei culture this should not be used as excuse for excessive kava drinking.  Practices such as “luva na necktai” for preachers on Sunday is being discouraged as is drinking kava on Sunday.

Not total ban, Church clarifies  (From Fijilive)

September 01, 2013 11:57:54

Fiji’s Methodist Church has clarified that tobacco and kava consumption has not been banned in churches however it should not be used excessively by members. Church Communication secretary Reverend James Bhagwan said Church President Rev Tuikilakila Waqairatu in his opening address described the greatest challenge to Methodist spirituality as excessive kava consumption and smoking. “If the body is the temple of God then a spiritually healthy person also needs to be physically healthy as well,” Rev Bhagwan said. “The key here is the responsible behavior that committed Christians need to have to live their faith. Rev. Waqairatu is calling on ministers and Deaconesses, Lay Pastors and Local Preachers to lead by example.” “It is for this reason that he has called for kava not to be drunk at minister's residences and church halls. Church ministers are encouraged to limit their kava drinking to 3 bowls for traditional ceremonies.” “The church understands that kava has its place in traditional i Taukei culture. However culture and tradition should not be used as excuse for excessive kava drinking.Practices such as “luva na necktai” for preachers on Sunday is being discouraged as is drinking kava on Sunday.” “You can make this instruction but really, it is about responsibility and urging members to be responsible about their health and their wellbeing; and for ministers and leaders to lead by example and to walk the talk — that is the challenge." The Church is again urging its members to be responsible which means responsible use of church funding, responsible use of environment and of course responsible living as human beings. Meanwhile the Methodist conference ended on Thursday and an ordination service in now underway at the Centenary church for the new Ministers. By Mereani Gonedua

Read more at: http://fijilive.com/news/2013/09/not-a-complete-ban-church-clarifies/54882.Fijilive
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