The Hawke’s Bay Tongan Community Langafonua Society is excited to share the progress of our Fale Fakakolo project — a dream grounded in our collective vision, cultural values, and the future of our community. We are proud to update you on key milestones we have reached.
1. Securing Broad Community Support
From the beginning, Fale Fakakolo has been about all of us — our elders, youth, and families. Through focused talanoa and meaningful stakeholder engagement, we’ve listened to our people’s hopes, ideas, and concerns. Your voices have shaped the heart of this project, ensuring it remains deeply rooted in community ownership and cultural integrity.
2. Site Identification and Feasibility Scoping
Finding the right place to bring Fale Fakakolo to life was a crucial early step. Thanks to the support of the Hastings District Council, we were guided toward an incredible opportunity: Chatham Park in Flaxmere, Hastings, has been suggested as the site where our future Tongan Centre can be built. Following this recommendation, we undertook initial feasibility scoping to ensure the site can support our long-term vision. We are incredibly grateful for the Council’s partnership and encouragement throughout this process.
3. Early Concept Design
We are thrilled to work with Graham Linwood Architects Ltd, a talented and locally based architectural team, to draft the early concept designs for Fale Fakakolo. Through collaborative design sessions and community input, we ensure that the Centre will reflect both our Tongan cultural heritage and our people’s future aspirations, creating a beautiful, functional, and welcoming space.
4. Project Management and Implementation Planning
Building something of this significance requires clear, strategic leadership. We are proud to partner with The Mortgage Hub to lead our Project Management and Implementation Plan. Together, they bring a wealth of experience, prioritising Pacific capability, cost-efficiency, and strong community engagement. With their guidance, we are setting up a clear roadmap for the successful delivery of Fale Fakakolo.
5. Engagement with the Ministry of Pacific Peoples
Recently, we had a positive and encouraging meeting with representatives from the Ministry of Pacific Peoples. Their support, advice, and partnership will be key as we progress, particularly in strengthening funding opportunities and building wider connections across Aotearoa’s Pacific communities. We are grateful for their encouragement and look forward to working closely with them.
What’s Next?
As we move forward, we will keep our community informed and involved. We are excited for the journey ahead and invite everyone to stay connected, share your ideas, and walk with us as we bring Fale Fakakolo to life.
Mālō ‘aupito to everyone who has contributed so far — this project reflects our unity, resilience, and vision for a vibrant future!
