Can the Church do more?

05/03/07 , by Posted by: Admin

Here's some of the key summaries from my research which is based on our Census in 2001 as we're yet to receive the detailed results for the 2006 Census. Out of interest, the population of Tongans now residing in NZ, is now at 50,481 some 61% increase from the number of Tongans in NZ 10 years ago. This population size is approximately half of the population of Tongans in our homeland. I don't know about you guys, but this is a huge number of our people here in Aotearoa. I believe it's still the biggest out of all Tongans living abroad.

The Tongan population has the lowest annual median income compared to other ethnic groups. Tongans also have the lowest proportions of adults receiving income from wages and salaries. These summaries are highly detrimental to our people's trying to move forward and enjoy "better standard of living" as palangis in this land define it.

women at church Now the juicy(ier) part of this is that: The most eloquent and expensive looking churches in Auckland where most of our people are, are owned and operated by Tongans. I've also received anecdotal evidence that Tongan churches have a good substantial amount of savings in the commercial banks, we're talking 8 to 10 million dollars here per church tied up in some not so profitable investment schemes of the banks. Some 20 Tongan churches have the amount quoted above each. The amount above is very conservative as most churches don't want to make their real investments available. My simple calculation tells me that a total of 200 million dollars are tied up in banks where the rate of return is peanuts compared to the returns they would've received from business ventures for instance.

Now in Christchurch alone, one of the Tongan churches I used to attend, average their misinale on $40,000 a year for the last 5 years. With only 13 families in this church, the $40,000 is a lot of money. About $20,000 goes to the head quarter church and some $20,000 goes to the church’s trust fund. The church now has approximately $100,000 (last five years' estimate) in the bank, again earning low rate of returns. This is exclusive of its previous misinale (extra 5 years added to the life of the church)

My question is, where do these people get their money from? Given that Tongans have the lowest median income, and the lowest proportion of adults receiving income from wages and salaries. The answer cannot be "social welfare benefit" because the money from the government is barely enough to cover living expenses. I think that loans from banks and other "loan sharks" are definitely responsible for some of these extravagant giving to the church (again I've nothing against giving - this is just unpacking / dissecting the data).

kids at school One researcher suggested that Tongans operative collectively, which implies collective wealth as supposed to individual wealth. Now if this were true, then I think it would be most prudent to invest more on our young people and make sure they are well informed and educated so they can take these investments further. Taking these investment further may include things like sharing profits amongst church/communities, having centers for youth, improving health of the young and old, and also providing financial assistance to our homeland.

Tongan churches, communities here could've easily bought TEPB/Shoreline in Tonga with the amount of money they have, or develop education further back in Tonga.

 

Naki Misa lives in Christchurch with his wife Dr Tule Misa and son Dawson. Naki works for the New Zealand Statistics.

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  • July 3, 2007, 6:33 am - Naki Misa

    Here in New Zealand there's a strong focus on supporting/helping young Pacific people to a viable and sustainable career pathway.

    I fully endorse this move, and I'm passionate and believe in arming our young with options/choices so they can be productive and be able to have the luxury of giving back to the society however big or small economically.

    Naki Misa

  • May 24, 2007, 3:25 pm - jhavea

    ko e fakamatala 'aonga eni pea 'amanaki 'e 'i ai ha fakaikiiki e tokolahi hotau kakai he ngaahi fonua kehe