Home, or nofo‘anga, is where the heart is
Born in the village of Kolofo’ou in Tonga, Samiu Koniseti migrated to live in Aotearoa as a young man in the 1980s. Having worked hard and raised his family, in recent times Samiu has faced some challenges, being diagnosed with cancer while living in transitional housing.
Lota Sika and Samiu Koniseti
Lota Sika, Community Social Worker for Vaka Tautua’s Aiga Fiafia Social Services in Auckland, worked with staff from the Ministry of Social Development and Kāinga Ora to find Samiu more permanent accommodation.
Lota is an experienced Social Worker and is one of Vaka Tautua’s longest serving staff members. Her cultural knowledge and fluency in the Tongan language meant she could communicate easily with Samiu to assist him in navigating the system.
Samiu Koniseti outside his new home
Not only was Lota able to help Samiu find a placement in a three-bedroom, two-story house with a large garden in Ōtara, she also supported him through the process of getting funding to fully furnish his new home.
When Samiu needed transport, Lota would often drive him to doctors’ appointments, and she still checks in on him to make sure he is ok.
Lota said, “The beautiful thing about my job, which I love, is being able to help people and see the transformation in their lives. It has been my pleasure to witness Samiu’s growth into a happy, healthy person, settled in stable accommodation and keeping active in community life.”
Visiting Samiu at home, it’s clear how content he is to have a place of his own. The sun is breaking through the clouds, highlighting the garden and beautiful reserve outside his window. The home is warm and dry, with plenty of room to welcome visitors.
With a part-time job and a new grandbaby on the way, Samiu is looking forward to enjoying his health and spending more time with his family and friends. “I am so happy in my house and I’m grateful to Lota and Vaka Tautua for everything they have done to help me get here.”
Learn more about Vaka Tautua’s Aiga Fiafia Social Services