Having represented New Zealand in Glasgow, the 24-year-old fighter will now be representing her dad, and coach Fili's homeland of Tonga in the women's 69kg class.
Holding the Tongan flag at the opening ceremony has made this Commonwealth Games even more special for Maka.
Before leading the 13-strong Tongan team into Carrara Stadium on the Gold Cast last night, the beaming flagbearer spoke to 1 NEWS' Kimberlee Downs.
"I feel blessed to be walking in with my team and to be leading them.
"It's an honour to be flagbearer for Tonga."
