Tongan storyteller weaves generational stories using poetry

A Pacific poetry book is getting rave reviews, capturing cultural values and life lessons passed down through generations.

Tui Pea Luva will be launched on Saturday in Lower Hutt, featuring 48 original poems inspired by eight women.

Author Mele Tonga-Grant said the poems serve as a tribute to her mother, sisters and aunties, and are a dedication to her daughter.

“Tui” means to weave and “Luva” means to gift, Tongan author Mele Tonga-Grant told PMN Tonga. Photo/The Sapling

“I wanted to have something to give to my daughter and also wanted something that she would be proud to know who I am, where I come from, and also the things that I've learned from my mum and my sisters and all my aunties as well.

“I wanted to find a way to bring what I've learned with them and put it into a format that is accessible for those of us who are living here in Aotearoa.”

Speaking to John Pulu on PMN Tonga, Tonga-Grant she was inspired to write the book by award-winning author and publisher, Dahlia Malaeulu.

“I had the honor and privilege to be approached by Dahlia, who is part of Mila's books and that she had found some funding from Creative New Zealand to put together a mentoring programme for writers.

“And I said, ‘What could I possibly have to offer?’ And so it took some time to talanoa and figure out what it was that I was wanting to put out there as a story.”

Tonga-Grant previously worked in libraries with preschool storytime being one of her favourite parts of the job.

She has also translated some Tongan language picture books and worked with youth, and took the opportunity to share part of her story with the world.

Tonga-Grant said in the book title “Tui” means to weave and “Luva” means to gift.

“For me, because the poem is broken into three chapters, the beginning of that was toli so that was me picking the different parts or the different women that I wanted to bring in this poetry book and then tui was weaving all of the things that I’ve learned from them and luva is now the act of service and giving that back.”

Tonga-Grant metaphorically “weaves” stories of these women, celebrating the unique attributes of Pacific and Tonga women.

The book is primarily in English with some Tongan phrases.

“For me, I was wanting to take a moment to pause and acknowledge all of the things that we do, some of our shortcomings but actually celebrate all of the amazing things that make us who we are as Pacific women, particularly as Tongan women.”

Looking ahead

In the future, she hoped to publish a bilingual story.

“What I’ve been dreaming or hoping for is a Tongan Māori bilingual book where one side would be Tongan and the other side Māori to reflect who they are as Tongan Māori people.”

The book is currently available online on Mila’s Books website for $30, and also in select stores.

Watch full interview below.