Tagata Pasifika

The Pacific voice on
New Zealand television
since 1987

Tagata Pasifika

The Pacific voice on
New Zealand television
since 1987

Tuvaluan who thought she was Samoan reconnects with her Tuvalu family

Tuvaluan Palele Faataape in Christchurch

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Marama T-Pole | Presenter

Palele Faataape was 3 when she arrived in New Zealand from Tuvalu. She was adopted to an uncle and was raised believing she was Samoan. She’s spent her whole life in Canterbury and has never been back to Tuvalu. It’s left a hole in her heart that has never been filled. This week she met Tuvalu kaiga (family) in Christchurch as part of Tuvalu Language Week celebrations.

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