Mālō 'etau lava
The 2DHB wish to extend their thoughts, prayers, and good wishes to staff and our community with family and friends in the Kingdom of Tonga who were hit by a tsunami after an underwater volcano eruption.
The tsunami mainly affected the islands of Tongatapu (where the capital Nuku'alofa is located) and Ha'apai.
A large number of Pacific 2DHB employees are from the Tongan community, who also make up eight percent of the Pacific population within the 2DHB region.
2DHB Director of Pacific Peoples Health Dr Junior Ulu said the news was heart-breaking.
"There are many who cannot connect with their loved ones back home, but Tongan people are very resilient and strong. Our prayers go out to all who have been affected."
Hutt café menus clerk Milika Lātū, who has worked at the Hub for 17 years, said she has been in tears for the past few days, not having any communication with close family members in Tonga.
Lātū said, "Ko 'emau lotu pē ke tokoni atu e 'Eiki 'o fakahaofi e kakai 'o Tonga he faingata'a kuo tō ki he fonua. Our hearts and prayers go out to all our families."
Pacific Equity Lead 2DHB COVID Response Alfred Soakai is relieved to have found out his parents in Tonga are alive and well.
"It's a frightening time, a lot of uncertainty, but Tonga is a country of faith and I know this is helping them pull through these challenging times. 'Ofa atu ki he Tonga kotoa 'i he taimi faingata'a ni."
We'll get through this together, ‘ofa lahi atu.
