In Fiji where the late renowned Tongan writer and Pacific scholar ‘Epeli Hauofa lived, a special tribute to honor him has been marked by the launch of a legacy book. This was held by the Oceania Centre for Arts, Culture and Pacific Studies founded by Hau’ofa, at the University of the South Pacific in Suva.
The new book is titled: “Remembering ‘Epeli Hau’ofa, His Life and Legacy.”
Acting Director of the centre, Larry Thomas said the Tongan poet, writer and academic had influenced generations of Pacific Islanders. He said the centre founded by Hau’ofa in 1977 became a world class centre for showcasing and disseminating Pacific cultural performance and artistic expression.
Epeli Hau’ofa’s literary work helped to shape the global perception of the region as a large ocean state. His books are classics, most famous are “Tales of the Tikongs”, “We are the Ocean”, and “Kisses in the Nerderends.”
Hau’ofa’s parents were Tongan missionaries. He was born in Papua New Guinea; had Tongan, Fijian, Canadian and Australian upbringing and education, and Fijian by citizenship. Hau’ofa was a member of the USP staff for 37 years.
