Access Radio 783AM - The Voice of Tonga

The Voice of Tonga - Le'o 'o Tonga

On-Demand Content (1154 hits):

		21 Sep 07 29 min
		22 June 07 28 min
		18 May 07 29 min
		13 April 07 28 min
		2 Mar 07 29 min
		16 Feb 07 29 min
		8 Dec 06 29 min
		15 Sep 06 29 min
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About the Programme

Several years ago I was approached by women from our Tongan Community to go on-air and talk to our Tongan people about health issues affecting their lives.

The airtime was paid for by these women’s organisations. When the funding ran out I was approached by the person responsible for organising the Voice Of Tonga. This programme was set up by the Tongan Society in Wellington and funded by Mr. Niuselu Uesi.

From there I was on-air every Friday talking about health. I focused mainly on diabetes and obesity - providing education and highlighting the disadvantages and complications of these health problems.

When Mr Niuselu Uesi shifted to Australia with his family I was left to continue the programme. Twice I applied for funding from the Lottery Grants Board . Since then I am self funding the programme.

In 2005 I was approached by the Everyday Community Service who asked if I could spend 5 to 10 minutes talking about family, youth and child safety – addressing in particular the issue of child abuse. This service has helped me with some of the programme expenses which I appreciate very much.

My programme has helped many of my people - not just Tongans but other Pacific communities. The programme is in the Tongan language but some Pacific nations do understand what I am talking about. From time to time I also talk in English.

As you know diabetes and obesity are of great concern in this country. I am currently employed by the Pacific Health Service in Wellington as a Primary Health Nurse doing diabetes education and health promotion among Pacific community groups, churches and so on.

The Voice of Tonga is an important way of reaching out to our communities.

Rachel O'Brien