TONGA Expatriates

10/07/2018

RE: 2018 REUNION
Rob McClory has sent an email to contacts on his mailing list regarding organising a small get together.
It would appear that the Gold Coast and the dates previously mentioned are not suitable and he is now considering Brisbane.
New dates considered. 19th - 21st October.
No bookings have been made.
As many of us cannot attend at that time any interested expats should contact Rob McClory directly via his email address.

26/06/2018

2018 REUNION.
Rob McCLORY has indicated an interest in a reunion on the Gold Coast in September this year. Approx 29th September Or first weekend in October.
We will need an indication of interest in organising another event.
Our previous reunions have been immensely successful drawing large numbers.
Please indicate if you are interested in attending, on this page or
You can text me Laures 0412918208 or email [email protected].

31/03/2018

R.I.P. Alistair McLeod (31/3/2018)
We are very saddened today to hear the news that Alistair has passed away yesterday in Christchurch, New Zealand.
He was an Airline Captain Extraordinaire, a true Gentleman and he won the love and respect of all of us. He was great company, enjoyed a great sense of humour, and his wicked laugh will remain in our memories as well.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Doreen and the family and this very sad time.

16/02/2018

It would be wonderful if as many of us as possible made a donation, remembering what Pangaimotu Island gave to us when we lived in the Kingdom. Such good times we enjoyed there. Any amount you can spare would help.

in 1972, my youngest uncle Pangia (also known as Earle) returned to Tonga to take care of the matriarch of our family, his mother, my grandmother, Matila...at that time tourism in Tonga was in it's infancy and so started Pangaimotu Island Resort. With limited financial resources, Pangia and Ana (...

01/12/2017

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing Bob Allen. Bob and Marilyn were in a Tonga whilst Bob worked for Royal TONGAN Airlines. (1997-2000)
Our sincere sympathy goes to Marilyn and the family.

09/01/2017

R.I.P Gloriana. Photo taken at TWISC Christmas Party 1996

TWISC (Tonga Womens' International Social Club) Christmas Party 1996, lovely ladies

27/12/2016

R.I.P. JEFF LeSTRANGE . 25/12/2016
We are very sad to inform you all that Jeff has lost his battle and passed away on Christmas Day at home surrounded by his much loved family.
We extend our sincere sympathy to Janine, their children and grandchildren. Jeff will be sadly missed by all who loved him, were friends and acquaintances and business associates. He was a kind, funny, generous and caring Gentleman.
FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS.
This Friday, 30th December, 11a.m. at Innes Garden Crematorium, Port Macquarie.
Janine has invited those who can attend to join the family for a gathering and light refreshments at their home, 7 Park Street, Wauchope NSW 2446 from 12.30p.m.
Please advise Janine if you can attend for catering purposes,
Or email Laures Tinworth at [email protected]
(Jeff in this photo at the Sydney Tonga Expats reunion, front right holding the Tongan flag)

27/12/2016

R.I.P. JEFF LeSTRANGE . 25/12/2016
We are very sad to inform you all that Jeff has lost his battle and passed away on Christmas Day at home surrounded by his much loved family.
We extend our sincere sympathy to Janine, their children and grandchildren. Jeff will be sadly missed by all who loved him, were friends and acquaintances and business associates. He was a kind, funny, generous and caring Gentleman.
FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS.
This Friday, 30th December, 11a.m. at Innes Garden Crematorium, Port Macquarie.
Janine has invited those who can attend to join the family for a gathering and light refreshments at their home, 7 Park Street, Wauchope NSW 2446 from 12.30p.m.
Please advise Janine if you can attend for catering purposes,
Or email Laures Tinworth at [email protected]
(Jeff in this photo at the Sydney Tonga Expats reunion, front right holding the Tongan flag)

25/09/2016

TONGA REUNION 2016.
A wonderful experience for everyone who attended, a large group of expats some of whom lived in Tonga in the 80s. We were also privileged to have guests living in Tonga now attend some functions. These pics show our first day at TWISC morning tea. A Big Thankyou to the current Committee for welcoming us.

07/09/2016

Some good times here, who remembers making these costumes at the Bank of Tonga Residence, we were very creative.

06/09/2016

TONGA EXPATS REUNION IN TONGA
16th, 17th and 18th September.
Programmes are ready.

03/09/2016

ANOTHER TONGA EXPAT REUNION - ONLY 2 WEEKS NOW
Some wonderful memories of our huge Sydney Reunion in 2014.

21/08/2016

20YR ANNIVERSARY EXPATS REUNION - TONGA
Thankyou for wonderful responses.
If you are NOT attending this reunion and would like your apology on the programme please notify us.

18/08/2016

GOLFERS - we need you to register for the Ambrose 4 on Saturday 18th September. We have some but need more. Please email me on [email protected] or reply via this page.

17/08/2016

20YR ANNIVERSARY TONGA REUNION - Sept 16-19, 2016

Some up to the minute information regarding functions/events.
TWISC MORNING TEA - Friday 16th 10am- at The Waterfront - Cost TOP$16
COCKTAIL FUNCTION - Friday 6pm - at Davina House and Conference Centre , Vuna Road, Nuku'alofa.-Cost A$26 or TOP$40 for locals.
GOLF - Saturday 17th - 12.30 - 1pm , Ambrose 4. Please advise so that you can play in your preferred group. Sponsored by National Reserve Bank of Tonga (Crown Prince's Birthday).
PANGAIMOTU ISLAND - SUNDAY 18th - Birthday Bash for our Chairman Rob McClory (ex Australian High Commission).
We will need to let the restaurant know of numbers ahead and also for launch transfers from town, Cost TOP$20 launch + $15-25 for lunch.

PANGAIMOTU ISLAND - Sunday 18th - B

16/08/2016

20YR ANNIVERSARY REUNION IN THE KINGDOM OF TONGA - 1 MONTH AWAY

14/07/2016

GRANDE TONGA REUNION - 15TH - 18TH SEPTEMBER 2016
Keep the communication coming, we have just added another 6 to our list to attend this fantastic reunion.

Should anyone have friends living in Tonga, and you wish to invite them to join us please feel free. Any expats and locals are very welcome.

07/07/2016

ONLY 10 WEEKS TO GO FOR THE GRANDE TONGA REUNION IN TONGA - SEPTEMBER 2016

We are now on the final countdown for our reunion in Tonga and are looking at numbers to finalise our functions.

This will be the best of our reunions so far, so if you are still considering coming it is not too late. Remember we are geting older not younger and it would be a great pity to regret not attending.

Liz Sullivan will kindly cater for our Cocktail Party/Meet and Greet at Davina House on Friday evening 16th September, and this will include Buffet Dinner, Singing and Dancing and a two piece Band for A$26p.h.

We have been invited to a TWISC morning tea on Friday morning 16th September, and details of venue and time will be sent out later.
GOLF on Saturday for the golfers, day trips, get together at Nuku'alof Club, Seaview, Little Italy and our favourite Billfish Bar are all on the agenda.

This will be a wonderful time together to reminisce on great times spent in the Kingdom.

Please dont miss out, contact me now, on this page or by email
Laures Tinworth email address: [email protected]
or phone 0412918208

11/02/2016

THE GRANDE TONGA REUNION - SEPTEMBER 2016
Congtratulations to the new Owners of THE WATERFRONT LODGE, Liz and John Sullivan. The Waterfront offers luxury private accommodation with beautiful seaviews.
If you have not booked your accommodation yet, there may still be some rooms available.
THE ROYAL NUKU'ALOFA CLUB.
The President of the Club Hon. Lord Ramsay Dalgety, has been in contact with us and the Club would be happy for any of us to visit whilst in Nuku'alofa.
The Club has undergone extensive renovations since we lived in the Kingdom and now welcomes Ladies.
Please email your booking and flight arrangements once you ave finalised, as we will be looking at numbers and reception room size in the very near future.

04/02/2016

THE GRANDE TONGA REUNION - TONGA SEPTEMBER 2016
Thankyou to those who have already emailed your booking arrangements. We will be looking at numbers soon so that we can decide on the size reception room we will require for our Cocktail Party/Feast.
The Golf Club President has been in touch with me and has invited our golfers to take part in the Crown Prince's Birthday Tournament on Saturday. Those interested please advise us as well.
Keep those emails and phone calls coming, and also to any expats not on our mailing list please make contact via this page or email Laures & Don Tinworth at: [email protected]

23/01/2016

Beautiful Venue for our first night at the Tonga Reunion, Meet & Greet/Cocktail Party/Feast 16th September, 2016.
Please keep sending me your booking dates and accommodation details. Laures - [email protected]

22/01/2016

Tonga Expatriates, worth a look, very different to the Little Italy we used to frequent. 5 Star accommodation, Get in quick, Contact Angelo.

Call us today to make a reservation Ph(676)25053 or email us on [email protected]

20/01/2016

UPDATE ON TONGA REUNION SEPTEMBER 2016
Our sincere thanks firstly to those who have contributed to the organization of putting together this exciting trip to Tonga in September. Liz Sullivan is our right hand girl on the ground in the Kingdom and has given freely of her time to answer our questions and assist with our bookings. We have given her a title as a member of our Committee now, she is our Tour Adviser. We greatly appreciate the time she is giving us. Also Di Warner, and Mike Jones and of course our devoted Expats. Committee.

Liz Sullivan has the Davina House Conference and Reception Centre in Nuku'alofa, a really beautiful venue, and she has put together a terrific package for our first night, which will be a Meet and Greet come Cocktail Party/Dinner. Details are outlined below. Liz and John Sullivan are also about to take over the Waterfront Lodge.

Thank you Expats, for the emails, telephone calls and facebook messages and "likes", we didn't expect such good response so early.

We are looking for an indication of your intention to come to Tonga. If you are seriously considering coming could you please email us and let us know. Even if you are a little unsure, let us know if you are a "possible". If you feel you definitely cannot make it, please advise us also for apologies on the programe.

This is important for bookings and catering purposes.

Also, invitations will be going out to Expats. currently living in Tonga, as well as some VIP's. So numbers are now becoming important.

TO ASSIST YOU:
AIRLINE BOOKINGS - I have done some research and some flight information is listed hereunder to assist you. We are pleasantly surprised at the low cost at the time we are travelling.

SYDNEY - TONGA (return) $660 choice of two airlines and times.
AUCKLAND - TONGA (return) $414 as above
CHRISTCHURCH - TONGA (return) $634 choice of 4 flights
GOLD COAST - TONGA (return) $950 choice of 6 flights
All of the above are on Skyscanner and arrival date 15/9/2016 departure date 19/9/2016

ACCOMMODATION IN NUKU'ALOFA
All priced listed are in AUD$ and are for 4 nights, some include breakfast.
Check out - Booking.com
Again we are amazed at the low cost as compared to other tourist destinations.

From cheapest.
NOA Guest House A$220 (4nights) `10 Bed Dorm. NZ$80 (4 nights)
Malau Lodge $251
Simon's Place $287
Little Italy $456
Robyanne's Lodge $581
Emerald $667
Seaview Lodge & Restaurant $734
Waterfront Lodge $764
Villa Lodge (Liz has suggested)
Villa McKenzie (Liz has suggested

All of the above prices are for 4 nights.
Don't waste time, I noticed today that all of the above are filling up fast for those dates.

THE MENU FOR DAVINA HOUSE COCKTAIL PARTY - Liz Sullivan has put this together for us.
Ota Ika marinated fish in limes and garnished with coconut cream
Octopus steamed cooked and drizzled with a soya/sesame oil - coriander and chillies
Suckling pig on the spit glazed with green coconuts
A Chicken dish
Seafood - Mahi Mahi
Vegetarian
Luu - taro leaves cooked in coconut cream and filled with corn beef
Haka: kumara - yam or bananas
Salad
Seasonal fruit platter served with whipped cream
Cocktail on arrival.
Drinks at own expense

AUD$26.00 per head.

Liz will also provide a 2 piece Band
Tongan Dancers - Savi McClory is organizing this.

Should you wish to phone for any further information or assistance,

Laures & Don Tinworth 0412918208
Rob McClory 0410141631
Jim Bradfield 0402418460
Malo,
Laures Tinworth
Girl Friday
(For the Chairman - Rob McClory)

People of all Nationalities from all over the Globe who have lived and worked in the Kingdom of Tong

20/01/2016

Here are some recent photos of Davina House, previousy Davinas (David Foy)
the beautiful presentation of Tongan Food and for old times sake, the Billfish Bar & Restaurant

15/01/2016

Less than 8 months for THE GRANDE TONGA REUNION IN TONGA.
Keep those emails and phone calls coming in.
Huge Thanks to our Expats on the ground who are excited and helping with our activities whilst there, namely, Liz Sullivan, Di Warner, Mike Jones and the Royal Nuku'alofa Club Manager Talifolau Koto.

14/01/2016

Very good response to our GRANDE TONGA REUNION to be held in the Kingdom of Tonga this September.
Thankyou for the excited emails and offers of assistance and also to those who have contributed suggestions, for activities and Hotel Bookings. Keep them coming.
A little taste of what we can expect in 2016 in the beautiful unspoilt part of the world.
Sunday day trip to Pangaimotu Island Resort to relax in the sun, explore the pristine beaches, snorkel, kayak, sail , kitesurf, fish and a wonderful lunch at Big Mamas Yacht Club.
Boat leaves Faua Wharf at 10, 11 and 12 midday returning at 4,5,6pm. Cost $20 Adults $10 children.
Lunch between $15 - $25
Accommodation on the Island $60-$100 pn. Meal Package available.

11/01/2016

THE GRANDE TONGA REUNION - IN TONGA - SEPTEMBER,2016

Plans are now well underway for the 20 Year Anniversary Reunion to be held in Tonga this September.

DATES: 16th, 17th, 18th September 2016.
FUNCTIONS: - Friday 16th, Cocktail Party/Feast at
Davina Function Centre (Liz Sullivan)
Saturday 17th, Day trip to Pangaimotu Island
Evening at Billfish
Possible Tonga Golf Club
Sunday 18th, day trip to Fafa Island
AIRLINE BOOKINGS - suggest Skyscanner Online Site for
all airlines and best prices.
HOTEL BOOKINGS - Booking.com.
John and Liz Sullivan are willing to assist with bookings if required.

We would appreciate your response asap, either via Facebook or to Laures Tinworth, email address: [email protected]

An email has gone out to those on the mailing list.
If you are not on that list and wish to be added please advise us via email.

05/01/2016

Some of us may like to take part in this survey. Many having spent 3, 4 or more years as an expatriate could certainly contribute some good experiences and bad into adjustment process also re-adjustment syndrome on return home

27/11/2015

THE NEXT GRANDE TONGA REUNION
Plans are on the drawing board for our next Re-union to be held in Tonga. At this stage September 2016 is the preferred time, and will be planned around off peak air fares and accommodation

We have many friends on the ground in Nuku'alofa who have offered to assist with bookings and reception venues.

An email will also be sent out to everyone on our mailing list, but you may like to indicate your interest here if you wish.

More details will be sent out in the near future.

Malo

06/06/2015

Tongan family, another one, especially reinforce schooling there, may need to look at alternatives in NZ and Australia