Tongan student

This was acknowledged by an elated young Tongan national, Hepisipa Matekitonga, who graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) with Honours (Lower Second Class) from FNU’s College of Engineering, Science and Technology last week. 

“I started studying at Auckland University, New Zealand in 2015 through a scholarship. Unfortunately, my scholarship got terminated and the courses at FNU were much cheaper so I enrolled here in 2019 with my two years of study also being cross-credited,” Matekitonga highlighted in a release. 

Three years on from the fatal bus crash in Gisborne that killed three people from a Tonga school brass band, one victim who lost his leg said he can't watch the Rugby World Cup because it reminds him of the dream he can no longer fulfil - to play for his homeland, Tonga.

"When I had my two legs, I had a lot of dreams about my future," said 21-year-old Tevita, who was the then headboy of Mailefihi Siu'ilikutapu College.

"I dream about being a rugby player for Tonga and being in the Tongan Army Brass Band but now it's changed my life so I can't do my dream for my future."

Maryanne Tupou, who is a law student at the University of Canterbury is one of four tertiary students and staff that spoke to RNZ News about racism they have experienced in New Zealand.

Ms Tupou, who moved to Christchurch in 2014, says she has been called the n-word on the streets of Christchurch and other derogatory remarks about her race.

She said she also experienced racism for being a Polynesian at a private all girls school.

Ms Tupou said during her time at the private school, people often questioned her belonging at the school because of her darker skin.

Sam Leka Pasiaka of Avondale went missing at Whatipu Beach on 29 December 2018.

Kaniva News reports Pasiaka got caught in a rip with his sister, while searching for mussels. 

His body was recovered north of Piha beach in West Auckland on Monday.

Pasiaka’s death will be referred to the Coroner.