Auckland Welcomes Tongan Workers: Fulton Hogan and Community Join Forces in Post-Disaster Recovery and Empowerment
It was a cold morning in Auckland as we gathered to warmly welcome the new workers recruited from Tonga to join Fulton Hogan for a full-time employment period of two years. This momentous occasion held special significance for those who had worked tirelessly over the past 12 months to transform a mere idea into reality. The journey began after the Kingdom of Tonga was struck by a massive undersea eruption in January 2022, causing widespread devastation. In response, the Tongan community in Aotearoa launched an extraordinary relief effort, and Fulton Hogan, a leading infrastructure construction and supply company in New Zealand, not only supported their Tongan staff but also embraced a visionary idea from community leaders—to recruit skilled workers from Tonga to contribute to the recovery efforts.
The Tongan community’s response to the disaster was remarkable. Their unity and unwavering commitment to their fellow Tongans were evident as they mobilized the largest relief effort ever seen. Recognizing the urgent need for assistance, Fulton Hogan stepped forward to support their Tongan staff and actively participate in the relief efforts.
In a show of incredible generosity, Fulton Hogan donated three empty 20ft containers to the community. These containers became symbols of hope, signifying the solidarity between the Tongan community and Fulton Hogan. Filled with essential supplies and goods by community members, they were sent to families in Tonga, offering critical relief and support in the aftermath of the disaster.
However, Fulton Hogan’s commitment did not end with relief efforts alone. Understanding the long-term challenges faced by Tonga in rebuilding and recovering, the company responded to the visionary idea put forth by Tongan community leaders. Fulton Hogan recognized the importance of skilled workers in the reconstruction process and decided to recruit workers from Tonga for a period of two years.
This decision meant that the newly recruited Tongan workers would have an opportunity to work full-time with Fulton Hogan, utilizing their skills and expertise to contribute to various projects. The employment provided not only a source of income but also facilitated knowledge transfer and capacity-building within the Tongan community. These workers would play a crucial role in rebuilding critical infrastructure and restoring essential services in their homeland, fostering sustainable development in the process.
To ensure a smooth transition and integration into their new work environment, Fulton Hogan made arrangements for the workers to rent two houses. This step aimed to facilitate their induction process and enable them to focus on their work with the company. Recognizing the challenges faced by individuals relocating to a new country, the Tongan community rallied together to provide pastoral care. They supported the workers in setting up tax numbers, bank accounts, telephones, and other essential services, ensuring their initial needs were met. This comprehensive support was intended to enhance productivity and enable the workers to settle comfortably, as highlighted by a community leader with prior experience in this area.
As the workers settle into their new accommodations and begin their employment with Fulton Hogan, they can rely on the support and care extended by the community. The collaborative effort between Fulton Hogan, the Tongan community, and the workers exemplifies the power of unity and compassion in creating positive change. It serves as a testament to the strength of businesses and communities working together to uplift and empower one another during challenging times.
As the sun rises on this new chapter, it illuminates not only the faces of the Tongan workers and Fulton Hogan representatives but also the hope and promise that lie ahead. This extraordinary collaboration between a company and a community sets a powerful example of the transformative potential found in unity and compassion. Together, they will forge a path towards recovery, resilience, and a brighter future, both for Fulton Hogan and the Tongan community.
