Social space and cultural identity: The faikava as a supplementary site for maintaining Tongan identity in New Zealand

Abstract

Both previous research and anecdotal evidence have found the commonplace activity of kava-drinking to be ‘a recreational activity for older males’ and a complete ‘waste of time’. This paper presents a summary of my Master’s research1, an exploratory study of the experiences and perceptions of a group of NZ-born Tongan males living in Auckland and their participation in the Tongan cultural practice known as the faikava. Further, it is hoped that their livedexperiences of the faikava and how they value this cultural practice generate and reinforce feelings of identity and security for other New Zealand-born Tongan males today and in the future. A methodological framework combining phenomenology and talanoa was employed. Twelve members of faikava clubs in the Auckland region were selected as research participants. The clubs they belonged to were mainly linked to churches, villages and old boys’ associations. The talanoa was conducted in Tongan and English, and was recorded. Findings suggest that faikava plays a significant role in teaching, reinforcing and maintaining the Tongan culture and language for this group. Moreover, they referred to the faikava environment as a cultural classroom in which debates, songs and music rejuvenated and maintained Tongan culture and language. It can be said that the faikava is valued as an identity marker for New Zealand-born Tongan males in Auckland, New Zealand.

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