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Siutakahe’ahoafā: Navigating the Kingdom of Tonga’s national development priorities under international aid. BY Faka’iloatonga Taumoefolau A thesis submitted to the Victoria University of Wellington in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Victoria University of Wellington 2020 i Abstract The title of this thesis - Siutaka he ‘aho afā – is interpreted as ‘Day storm voyager’. This title encapsulates the journeys undertaken by the Kingdom of Tonga as it navigates the ocean of international development and the frequent challenges or ‘storms’ it encounters. This research seeks to understand better how Tonga articulates and pursues its national development priorities in the context of international aid. It focuses in particular on Country Programmable Aid to Tonga from Australia and New Zealand in the years 2013-17 and how the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness Principles are applied to Tonga. The main research question addressed is: ‘To what extent are the national development priorities of Tonga shaped or supported by international aid?’ The research is qualitative in approach and is composed of two sources of data: from in-depth interviews with a range of both Tongan and donor officials; and analysis of key aid and development documents. It examines the political and administrative context of Tonga, highlighting the political environment, changing leadership and the direction set by its strategic goals for development. It then looks in detail at the aid activities of, respectively, Australia and New Zealand, and analyses their various priorities and ways of operating. The research uses the five Paris Declaration principles for aid effectiveness as a framework to analyse the way aid relationships and interactions occurred in Tonga over the period. There was generally high-level support for the Paris principles and these supported the idea that the Government of Tonga should ‘own’ its development, by drafting and implementing its development priorities and strategies. This was supported by agreement to abide by the principles of alignment with Tongan systems and Harmonisation amongst donors as well as pursuing practices which enhanced results-based management and accountability. However, in the details of daily interactions and practices, we also saw how these high-level agreements were often diluted or confused. Although Tonga had its own set of priorities, donors continued to choose which of these they would fund, according to their own strategic goals and concerns. Furthermore, given significant issues of capacity to operate effectively in the aid environment, with much onus on Tongan officials and agencies to provide data, report on progress, consult with the public and engage closely with donors, we saw how Tonga often struggled to exert strong and consistent leadership and control of aid-supported development. In drawing broader conclusions, the Paris Declaration is found to be a step in the right direction for improving the effectiveness of foreign aid to Tonga. However, what determines the likelihood of effectiveness is multifaceted, and dependent on will, need, and, perhaps most importantly, on Tonga’s ii leadership. It is found that the most fundamental factor for Tonga – both a unique challenge and a strength - is the enduring resilience of our culture together with our leadership code. iii Dedication This PhD is dedicated to my mother Heleni Taiana Tapealava (1962 – 2005) from Mo’unga’one, Ha’apai and Kolomotu’a/Ha’avakatolo, Tongatapu. You endured being a single mother who believed in her children. You taught us how to survive but more importantly you raised me to be the man I am today. Rest in love and know I will always strive to make you proud. To my father Siutakahe’ahoafā Taumoefolau from Hunga, Vava’u. You continue to teach me every day about being content with what I have and to respect my ambitions. To my siblings Kitefakalau-e-maama my tehina you are a better man of character than I am, Tinalasa our tuofefine you embody the beautiful strength of our mother, Siosiua Matangi you have so much potential, and my son Siutakahe’ahoafā you continue to give us hope as the bedrock of our little family. Thank you for being patient with your brother/father. I love you all. “Ko e anga mo’ui ‘oku fakalakalaka ki mu’a” “Life is about progress” To my mentor and an inspiration to the country, Dr Netatua Prescott Taufatofua, who sadly passed away during my studies. A formidable woman and internationally recognized environmental scientist who dedicated her life to serving communities. iv Acknowledgement Ko e ‘Otua ‘oku ‘o‘ona ‘a e lāngilangi. Representation is important to me as a Tongan and as a researcher. I know I am the fruition of many sacrifices, dedication to duty, family, and responsibility for which generations before me laid the foundation. I acknowledge this foundation for I am immensely proud of my linage with each thread on my paternal and maternal bloodline inspiring the values for which I myself aim to live up to in character and in conduct. There is a saying in Tongan ‘oua e mo’ui ngalo which means do not forget who you are and where you came from, as in your heritage, your family, and your fatongia. This academic milestone is no doubt an important achievement but what is even more meaningful is how I honour this foundation for who I am today with who I will be tomorrow for the next generation. Taumoefolau/Vaonukonuka. I acknowledge my Taumoefolau bloodline from Hunga, Vava’u and have taken inspiration from the children of my paternal great grandfather ‘Eneasitangiholakeituai. Taunaholo, son of Pāpani, and Malakai, son of Fā’one, who revered and respected their paternal uncles; Sailosi Fā’one the eldest; Kalisi ‘Ovava and Hepisipa who were highly respected by their brothers; Rev. Tu’ipulotu Toutaiolepo the leader; Siua the gentle soul; Simione Faka’iloatonga (my grandfather for which I have taken his middle name) a man of stature; Manu-siu-mo-‘eva-he-fisi’inaua the strongest and feared but cared most to ensure success of the next generation; Tupoutu’a with her strength to endure; and Tu’ifua who was destined for more. Each have contributed to the betterment of our culture particularly in music, faith, education, and demonstrated an ethos for serving others without expectations. I appreciate better the principles of loto fakatōkilalo, uouongataha, and faka’apa’apa with my own journey in learning about them and hopefully add my contribution to the legacy they forged for the Taumoefolau bloodline. Tapealava/Kali-o-Pau. I acknowledge my maternal Tapealava bloodline from Mo’unga’one, Ha’apai who have moulded and shaped me to embrace my responsibility. With the mantra of ‘we serve to fulfil our responsibilities’, I think a lot of the sacrifice my great grandfather Siosaia Tapealava made when he heeded the call by the Church (Siasi Tonga Hou’eiki) to serve at the Fua’amotu congregation. He built a boat and sailed with all his children from Mo’unga’one to Tongatapu. Education was and continues to be a hallmark for the family. A special place in my heart, given he is an alumnus, is for my great uncle Tafokitau Tapealava who is a Maamaloa Loumaile (the Honour Board with distinction) and Dux 1946 of Tupou College when it was still located at Nafualu. Toakase Fe’ao, Mele Fe’ofa’aki, and Hu’aniu as sisters all led their siblings from Makineti, Nehasi Moi, Malakai, Longo, and the twins Siosi and Sauni through school and in life. On the other side of this multifaceted family, to great uncle v Muli ki Ofolanga Tu’anaki, Sione Tu’anaki, ‘Isileli together with great aunts ‘Oliva, Meliana, Puli ki Vaiola, Sofaia and Uila (children of Siale) and siblings of my mother Sateki, Valenisia, Ioane, ‘Ilai, and Taufia I remember and acknowledge the love you showed my mother. The dedication to fatongia, ako, lotu, and ngāue mālohi motivated me growing up and to continue striving for a brighter future. Prescott/Sia ko Veiongo. Grandpa and Grandma, Viliami Vea ‘o loto Neiafu Prescott (Vanaa) and Mele Fe’ofa’aki Prescott (née Tapealava) who embodied the qualities and spirit to succeed. Vea was a man steadfast and unwavering in his expectations of us when it came to education. Rightly so, for I am disciplined enough to embrace the challenges in life because of his akonaki (teachings). Mele Fe’ofa’aki always pushing us to be better in life. To Dr Lesieli Tongati’o who exemplifies diligence; ‘Ikani Latu, a measured man who reminds us to lead with our heart; Kolopeaua always ready for the needs of our family; Dr Netatua Prescott the most courageous woman I know and Mavae who gives supports unequivocally, thank you. I learnt a lot from ‘Ana Tu’iano a woman skilled in rhetoric who nurtured my confidence to engage in our cultural oratory at my mother’s funeral. The values that guide my work ethic and placing weight on integrity is because you have raised me to understand mamahi’i me’a, fua kavenga, and loto to’a. Uhi/Sia ko Veiongo. My mother is a great grandniece of Uhi Sione Latu (also known as Uhi Sitauni) through his sister. Part of my upbringing was growing up in Kolomotu’a with uncles and great uncles on my maternal side who had a huge impact on my life. Most notably Lopeti Uhi with a work ethic second to none in my view. I am indebted to the many experiences joining Lopeti at the siaine (banana), ma’ala ‘ufi (yam), talo (taro) and lesi (pawpaw) plantations. On these plantation fields I learned immeasurable lessons about toil which I have applied later in life. ‘Olive Uhi who personified patience and Hopoi Uhi, a staunch Tonga College alumnus and proud Hala ‘Alipate local, taught me how to be fearless.

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