About Us — Pukepuke ‘o Tonga

About our Organisation

Pukepuke ‘o Tonga

Pukepuke ‘o Tonga translates as “The Preservation of Tonga”. As the 4th generation from Vili Pusiaki, we are proud to continue his legacy in preserving, teaching and sharing the knowledge that has been passed down to the wider Tongan community here in Aotearoa and abroad.

Community, culture and creative arts

As a community organisation in Auckland, we are dedicated to preserving and showcasing the beauty of Tongan culture through creative arts, events and an online shop.

We work closely with Tongan communities in Auckland to produce and develop programmes that demonstrate the power of creative arts — empowering and growing future practitioners and leaders. We research and advocate for arts-based community development to help connect people, ideas, resources and communities together in a meaningful way.

Teaching and preserving Tongan arts & rituals
Growing future practitioners and leaders
Research and advocacy for arts-based development

Our Journey

Four generations of preservation

A legacy carried from the royal court of Tonga to the communities of Aotearoa.

1874 – 1950

Vili Pusiaki · Great Grandfather

Viliami Kaufusitu’a Toutaiolepo Pusiaki was blessed with the duty of working alongside the Late Queen Sālote Tupou III, who gifted the Lomipeau singing group from the village of Lapaha with 9 poems. As leader of the Lomipeau, Vili created the composition and choreography for her poems.

1921 – 2000

Tuila · Grandfather

Soane Ngutukoula Tatuila Pusiaki carried on the work in Tonga until migrating to Auckland in the mid-90s, where he continued to teach Faiva Faka-Tonga. In early 2000, Tuila and his children established Pukepuke ‘o Tonga.

1952 – 2014

‘Alusa · Father

Paulo Ahosivi Tatuila continued his father’s work here in Auckland, keeping the teaching, performance and preservation of Tongan culture alive for the next generation.

2001 — Today

Pukepuke ‘o Tonga · 4th Generation

Established in 2001, we continue Vili Pusiaki’s legacy — preserving, teaching and sharing the knowledge passed down to us with the wider Tongan community here in Aotearoa and abroad.

Meet Our

Professional Team

The roles they play, like the art they care for, is constantly evolving. As culture shifts — moving with changes in the social and political landscape or technological innovations — so does the art being produced.