When Patelesio Vea moved to Niue in 2004, his journey was not just about starting over after Cyclone Heather but also about preserving his Tongan heritage. Sio, as the locals call him who is also a respected figure in Niue, has built a reputation for resilience and entrepreneurship.
Originally from Vava’u in Tonga, 49-year old Sio now owns the only grocery store on the island, alongside a bakery, providing essential services to the local community. His story speaks of the importance of hard work, cultural preservation, and family.
Born in Talau Village, Vava’u, Tonga, Sio grew up in a close-knit family where values such as hard work and resourcefulness were central. His father, Kilifi Vea, hails from Fungamisi village but originally from Niua, and his mother, Malia Niukapu, is from Makave. Their Tongan roots run deep, and Sio carried their teachings of perseverance with him when he made the life-changing decision to move to Niue after Cyclone Heather devastated much of the island.
Sio’s wife, originally from Talau and Pangaimotu, also played an important role in their relocation. She had secured work with a local shipping company owned by a relative, creating an opportunity for the family to rebuild in Niue. Together, they brought their Tongan culture, language, and values to their new home.
The first few years were tough for Sio and his family. He started working in a local bakery, baking bread for daily consumption. It was a modest beginning, but Sio’s determination to succeed never wavered. “The struggle was real for us,” Sio said, “but my upbringing taught me to value hard work, be prudent, and be satisfied with what you have.”
A few years later, when a local bakery was up for sale, Sio took a loan to buy it. His financial discipline paid off—he managed to repay the loan in just three years. The bakery’s success enabled him to expand his entrepreneurial ventures, and soon after, he started a rental car business that grew to a fleet of 40 cars, catering to Niue’s rising tourism industry.
The arrival of his younger brother, Sitani, from Tonga further added value to the family business. His brother brought mechanical expertise, maintaining the rental cars and adding another layer of support to their growing enterprise.
However, the global COVID-19 pandemic hit Sio’s business hard. Niue’s borders closed, stifling tourism and forcing him to adapt. “We had to make difficult decisions,” Sio explained. He sold most of his rental cars, keeping only six, and shifted focus. With fewer tourists, Sio decided to open a small retail shop alongside his bakery. He started selling essential goods and groceries, later expanding to frozen products sourced from New Zealand.
Despite the challenges, the Vea family stood strong. His older brother, Sione, recently moved from Tonga to assist with shop operations, while Sio’s daughters, including his eldest Ilena, based in New Zealand, contributed by helping with supplies and logistics. His youngest daughter, Malaea, a senior in high school in Niue, also plays an active role in the family business.
For Sio, maintaining Tongan culture and language has always been a priority. He ensures that his daughters, whether in New Zealand or Niue, speak Tongan fluently. “The main language we speak at home and in the business is Tongan,” Sio proudly explained. His daughters only speak English when necessary, such as in school. “When people call in from overseas, they often think it’s my wife answering the phone, but it’s actually my daughters speaking in Tongan.”
Sio’s commitment to preserving his heritage goes beyond just language. Though he is far from Tonga, he stays connected by listening to online Tongan radio and following news from Tonga through social media. “Even though we are far from home, we stay rooted in who we are as Tongans,” he said.
In addition to his business ventures, Sio has been an active leader in the Tongan community in Niue. He served as the president of the Niue Tongan Community, encouraging a sense of unity among the few Tongans living on the island. Recently, however, he passed this role on to his brother, Sitani, to allow more time to focus on his expanding business.
Sio’s journey in Niue is a testament to the importance of resilience, cultural pride, and hard work. Through the challenges of moving to a new land, building businesses, and facing a global pandemic, Sio has never lost sight of the values his parents instilled in him.
Today, his grocery shop, bakery, and commitment to his family and culture serve as an inspiration to both the local community in Niue and fellow Tongans abroad. As he looks to the future, Sio continues to be a pillar of strength, reminding everyone that success comes from staying true to one’s roots.
Tongatapu, the main island of Tonga, covers about 260 square kilometers which is about the same size as Niue but Tongatapu has a population close to 100,000 compared to Niue’s population of about 1,600.
