KALAFI MOALA PROBES TONGA’S KEY ISSUES IN NEW BOOK
03/10/09
Pasifika Foundation Hawaii Publishes In Search of the Friendly Islands; New Zealand Launch Set For March 21
Tongan newspaper publisher and broadcaster Kalafi Moala’s new book exploring the dilemmas, paradoxes and challenges of modern Tonga will be launched in New Zealand next week.
The book, In Search of the Friendly Islands, is a thought-provoking examination of how tradition and modernity co-exist in Tongan society, not only in Tonga but also in the diasporic Tongan communities in New Zealand, Australia and the United States.
Is the Kingdom of Tonga losing its way? What is Tongan culture, and how will it determine the path of Tonga’s future? How will Tonga respond to changing circumstances? These and other questions are examined, with the goal of looking towards a dynamic and positive future for modern Tonga.
Moala examines myriad issues including domestic violence, the culture of domination and hierarchy, traditional and modern leadership, the 16/11 riots, economic development, globalization and spirituality.
“This is a significant book at this point in time for Tonga,” says Ana Currie, executive director of Pasifika Foundation Hawaii, publisher of the book. “One of our goals is to recognize and strengthen the connections between the islands of Pasifika, and in recognition of the ties between Hawai’i and Tonga, we are honored be publishing this important book.”
As major changes are currently taking place in the structure of Tongan government, Moala believes that simply reforming the government will not, in and of itself, achieve the hoped-for results. Tongan communities and individuals must, he urges, look within for the deeper transformations that will lead to true reform.
Professor Ian Campbell of the University of the South Pacific in Fiji, writes in the book’s foreword, “Reading [Moala’s] book, one can imagine him seated on the floor in a circle around the tanoa talking the same way as he writes, connecting the big issues to daily life. One can just as easily see this book in the hands of the international experts, teaching them about the ‘grass-roots.’”
Associate professor David Robie, director of the New Zealand co-publisher Pacific Media Centre at AUT University, says: “For more than a generation, Kalafi Moala has inspired the Pacific region as a newspaper publisher and social conscience.
“This book is another important contribution to debate and reform about the Friendly Islands and journalism’s role in a ‘challenge for the soul of our very civilization.’”
The book cover features art by the renowned Tongan lalava artist, Sopolemalama Filipe Tohi.
The New Zealand launch of the book will be celebrated with a reception and book signing at the Onehunga Community Center, 83 Church St., on Saturday, March 21, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Tonga launch will take place the following Saturday, March 28, at the Tonga National Centre on Vuna Road, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
In Search of the Friendly Islands
Published in Hawai‘i by
Pasifika Foundation Press
ISBN: 978-0-9823511-0-9
and in New Zealand by
Pacific Media Centre
ISBN: 978-1-877314-75-9
softcover • 160p
US$19.95 • NZ$34.95