Preface: Pacific reflections
MÄlie to’a, mÄlie tau - well fought brave warriors
‘oka te u toe ha’u - should I return
te u ha’u ‘i he liu folau - I shall return in peace
kae ‘ikai ko e liu tau! - and not for war!
These famous words were uttered by Tu’i Tonga Talakaifaiki, said to have been the last Tongan ruler of Samoa. Talakaifaiki uttered these words to the victorious warriors Tuna, Fata, ‘Ulumasui, Tapuloa and other leaders of the successful rebellion as he retreated. Their decision to free Samoa from a cruel tyrant still echoes in the hearts of Samoans to this day and is the origin of the Malietoa1 title…
As the Princess Ashika ferry sank drowning nearly 100 of his innocent loyal subjects, most of them women and children, King Tupou V decides to hastily leave the country. Was this for some critical meeting of world leaders to solve the many crises facing the world such as poverty, global warming or the world economic recession? What most ordinary people thought was: “No, not really”. His Majesty was on an extended holiday to Scotland. His decision may yet have more disastrous consequences…
Will Commodore Frank Bainimarama be remembered as the man who liberated Fiji from the agenda and clutches of the traditional leaders and their cadre of supporters? Time will tell. However, despite all his rhetoric about making Fiji a better more democratic and fair country for all, his methods are reminiscent of many famous dictators whose echoes are still ringing today…
We are of course living in New Zealand and in modern times, but it is important to be aware of our past and wider issues. In the mental health and addictions sector, names like Fuimaono Karl Pulotu-Endemann and Dr Frances Agnew will echo into the future as founders and pioneers of our sector. In the wider health sector we are aware of the challenges fought and overcome by pioneers such as Lita Folikai (and her father Dr Leopino Foliaki before her), Dr Colin Tukuitoga and Debbie Sorenson. We had the privilege of having them share their inspirational stories with us…
The decisions we make today not only have an impact on tomorrow, they can also define us. Like the character of Maximus in the film Gladiator2 said: “what you do today will echo for eternity…”
Monique Faleafa
National Manager, Le Va
1 This is one account of a number of versions to this story
2 Gladiator, a film directed by Ridley Scott, 2000
Page last updated: 26 November 2009