In the gracious presence of the Almighty, the Creator of all that exists, we gather today. I extend my deepest respects and heartfelt acknowledgment to the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people, past and present, the traditional custodians of this land.
With profound humility, I also pay homage to Her Majesty Nanasi Pau’u Tuku’aho, the Queen of Tonga. Your presence here is a profound honor, and we are immensely grateful for the time you have graciously bestowed upon us.
I gratefully recognize the President of the Siasi Uesiliana Tau’ataina ‘o Tonga and the President of the Uniting Church in Australia. Your presence here today is deeply valued, and we are intensely thankful for your support.
I also extend my gratitude to all the community leaders, both secular and religious, who have joined us today. Your commitment enriches our community profoundly.
To Siupeli’s friends and acquaintances, whose relationships span the rich tapestries of Tonga, Australia, and beyond, your presence here intertwines with our collective history in meaningful ways.
We are blessed with the presence of many members from both Siupeli’s paternal and maternal families. I hold you all in great esteem and offer you my heartfelt respect and love.
Special recognition is due to Siupeli’s brother-in-law, his sisters-in-law, Roger and Sue Woodgate, Leith Woodgate, along with nieces and nephews who are with us today.
Finally, I extend a warm and inclusive acknowledgment to each one of you here, whose lives have been touched by Siupeli in myriad ways. Your presence today is a testament to his enduring impact, and for this, we are immensely grateful.
Siupeli Taiamoni Taliai was born on the 17th of February 1926, within Tupou College in Nuku’alofa, the beloved son of Sione ‘Ikani Taliai and Neomai Lata-‘i-‘onetapu Helu.
His name, Siupeli Taiaimoni, was chosen in celebration, as his birth marked the auspicious 60th anniversary of Tupou College’s founding.
As the son of a minister, Siupeli’s upbringing was shaped by the church, with the family’s postings across Tonga dictating his early education. From 1931 to 1938, Siupeli was educated at Free Wesleyan Primary Schools in various locations including ‘Eua, Niuatoputapu, Ha’afeva, Pangai Ha’apai, and Nuku’alofa.
In 1938, Siupeli began his studies at Tupou College in Nafualu, marking the start of a formative period in his academic life. By 1942, he had distinguished himself academically, matriculating with honors and earning a place on the Maamaloa, a roll of honor for outstanding students. In his final year there, 1943, he commenced teaching at the young age of 17, demonstrating early on his dedication to education.
In 1944, Siupeli’s journey in education took him to Neiafu, Vava’u, where he continued to teach and began to study Greek under the esteemed Rev. Fred McKay. The following year, in 1945, he returned to Tongatapu to teach at ‘Utulau, further broadening his experience and impact as an educator.
Between 1946 and 1951, Siupeli was appointed as a tutor at Tupou College in Nafualu, transitioning with the college to its new and current location in Toloa. Following this period, he pursued theological studies from 1951 to 1954 at Sia’atoutai Theological College, where he successfully obtained his Licentiate of Theology.
The pursuit of advanced education continued for Siupeli when he was granted a scholarship to study at Queensland University from 1955 to 1958. Alongside his colleague, Sione Latukefu, Siupeli returned to Tonga, each enriched with a Bachelor of Arts and a Diploma of Education.
From 1959 to 1962, Siupeli once again served as a tutor at Tupou College, continuing his passionate commitment to education.
On the 1st of July, 1960, Siupeli was ordained into the ministry at Pangai, Ha’apai. Three years later, in 1963, he was appointed the Head Tutor of Tupou College, a role he assumed at the age of 37 while still unmarried.
In 1965, Siupeli married Helen Woodgate, marking the beginning of a lifelong partnership. By 1970, Siupeli was appointed Principal of Tupou College during the church conference. His responsibilities continued to increase as he was elected Secretary of the Free Wesleyan Conference in 1972.
These years were marked by arduous and challenging work, yet they were equally rewarding and fruitful, enriched by his cherished relationships with staff and students. During this time, Siupeli’s profound Christian faith resonated deeply with the cries for justice around him, awakening a staunch advocacy for social justice, equality, and liberty for all of God’s people.
Thus began the earnest and tangible manifestation of Siupeli’s broader mission. His sermons echoed from the pulpit, while his involvement in conferences and unwavering advocacy for the downtrodden became hallmarks of his ministry. His voice became an indispensable force for those in need, embodying a commitment that could not be overlooked.
As a result of his steadfast commitment to these principles, Siupeli faced significant repercussions. In 1979, he was removed from his role as Principal of Tupou College.
The following year, further actions were taken against him; he was relieved of his duties as Secretary of the Free Wesleyan Conference, and his ordination from the Siasi Uesiliana Tau’ataina ‘o Tonga was revoked.
This period proved immensely challenging for the family; however, in 1980, a new chapter began as the Uniting Church in Australia extended an invitation to Siupeli and his family to continue his ministerial work in Australia.
For the greater good and because of his great love for the Tongan church and college, Siupeli chose to not become a catalyst for division within his community.
Consequently, in 1981, Siupeli and his family made the decision to leave their beloved Tonga and start anew in Australia.
At this juncture, I am compelled to extend a special acknowledgment and heartfelt tribute to two families whose profound influence and enduring bond with our family trace back to the early days of Christianity in Tonga.
Siupeli often expressed his gratitude for how these families significantly shaped his development for service.
As a young boy, Siupeli was entrusted by his father to spend considerable periods of his formative years with Lopeti Faupula and Sione Havea, experiences that, alongside the direct influences of his own parents, were instrumental in molding his character.
His later collaborations under the guidance of Sau Faupula and Amanaki Havea, and his special relationship with Haloti Faupula, further solidified these deep connections.
We are greatly honoured today to have Tevita Havea and Salesi Faupula among us, representing their esteemed families.
Tevita and Salesi, the tributes you offer Siupeli from the respected positions you occupy are deeply humbling for us.
Yet, you would understand perhaps more than anyone that Siupeli placed immense value on the personal fellowship and guidance your families generously extended to him and to our own.
This is a legacy of kindness and mentorship our family acknowledges with immense gratitude and a sense of indebtedness that we can never fully repay.
From 1981 to 1990, Siupeli served as Minister at the Mt Waverley Uniting Church.
In 1987, Siupeli embarked on a significant journey within the Uniting Church, becoming deeply involved in its multicultural ministry. He was honored to serve as the inaugural chairperson of the Tongan National Conference, a position he held for 15 years.
Additionally, he played a pivotal role in fostering connections among the various Tongan churches in Melbourne, establishing a quarterly combined service.
This initiative blossomed into a vibrant fellowship that bridged denominations within the Tongan community.
He continued his pastoral duties from 1991 to 1996 at the Glenhuntly Uniting Church.
In 1997, after a fulfilling and impactful career, Siupeli retired from his ministerial role within the Uniting Church in Australia at the age of 71.
Retirement from active ministry in the Uniting Church did not signify an end to Siupeli’s lifelong dedication to service. His profound love for Tonga and his deep commitment to the diverse mosaic of God’s people spurred him to continue his contributions and service.
Accompanied by Helen, Siupeli embraced opportunities to travel extensively across Australia and beyond, warmly accepting invitations from those keen to engage with him, including invitations to alumni functions.
One of the more significant endeavors he undertook was hosting a comprehensive series of weekly radio programs that spanned over six years. These recordings continue to be widely utilized and cherished to this day.
Siupeli warmly welcomed many from various walks of life into their home, Afe Mai, offering counsel and hospitality to all who sought his guidance.
Recognizing a significant void in published works in the Tongan language, Siupeli dedicated himself to enriching the literary landscape with a series of publications. His contributions included a diverse array of titles that resonate deeply with Tongan culture and spirituality:
- ‘E ke u ‘elelo afe mai
- Sila ki vai
- Ke ke Tāniela
- Fakatau’aki ‘a e Toto
- Ko e ngaahi malanga fa’ahita’u Pekia
- Ko e kakai ‘o e Tohitapu
- Ko e ngaahi lotu
- Hofangahau
- Ko e Politikale mo e Tohitapu
Each work reflects his profound dedication to preserving and celebrating Tongan heritage through the written word.
Siupeli was celebrated for his eloquent oratory, his athletic prowess, his profound connection with the land, and his extensive knowledge of the collective wisdom that has been a beacon to his people for generations.
His life is a tapestry rich with stories and accomplishments, too numerous to recount without seeming to boast.
These tales are left for those who seek to discover them. Should you feel compelled, visit the grounds of Tupou College at Toloa, seek out a kasia tree, and rest in its welcoming shade.
There, where Siupeli once prayed for a thousand tongues to sing his Redeemer’s praise, you might just hear the echoes of a thousand voices, each whispering a fragment of his enduring legacy.
Siupeli leaves behind his cherished wife, Helen, their three devoted children, Ikani, Lesieli, and Henry, and six beloved grandchildren: Jordan Siupeli, Neomai, Madeleine, Amelia, Jordyn-Elizabeth, and Layla-Grace.
We offer our heartfelt thanks and praise for his remarkable life and hold deep gratitude for the legacy he has bestowed upon us.
