Tongan junior officers graduate from Royal New Zealand Navy course

The warmth that comes with New Zealand camaraderie and moral support is more than enough against a touch of homesickness and colder weather, say two newly minted Tongan Navy officers.

19 December, 2025

Midshipman Sisilia Maue, from Tokomololo, and Midshipman Ray ‘Akauola, from Kolovai, graduated on Saturday from the Royal New Zealand Navy’s Junior Officer Common Training course at Devonport Naval Base, among eight women and 16 men.

The pair, serving with His Majesty Armed Forces in Tonga (HMAF), come under the New Zealand Defence Force’s Mutual Assistance Programme (MAP), which provides instructional support and training to the militaries of Fiji, Tonga, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu.

Midshipman Maue, 23, says graduating as an officer fulfils a dream for her mother, who couldn’t accomplish that dream herself.

“I wanted to make her proud and let her see herself through me with all the accomplishments I make in the Navy.

“If you were to ask my mother about my graduation, she would say: ‘Fakafetai he au’au ‘a hoto tangata kakato, Te Taua Moana o Aotearoa’ – thank you Royal New Zealand Navy for shaping and installing values, discipline and all there is for a good leader in me.”

Midshipman ‘Akauola (centre left) and Midshipman Maue stand with the Commander of the Royal Tongan Navy, Commander Sione Lino (left) and his Staff Officer WO1 Uluaki Falealea after their graduation

Midshipman ‘Akauola (centre) and Midshipman Maue (right) stand with the Commander of the Royal Tongan Navy, Commander Sione Lino (left), WO1 Uluaki Falealea (far right) and family members

Midshipman Ray ‘Akauola receives the Vice Admiral Sir Peter Phipps Trophy from New Zealand Defence Minister Judith Collins, KC

Homesickness was a particular challenge, but she said the best thing about the 20-week course were the people – her fellow sailors and her instructors.

“They gave me the support I needed mentally and physically. No matter where I go, when my ‘oppos’ and instructors are there, it feels like home.

“I also had a saying from my grandfather: with faith, even if it’s as small as a mustard seed, you will move mountains. That helped carry me through those homesick moments.”

She said she was looking forward to build on her Junior Officer training with more New Zealand courses.

Midshipman ‘Akauola, 23, agreed that the support from his comrades and instructors helped him succeed.

He earned the Vice Admiral Sir Peter Phipps Trophy, awarded to the junior officer considered most deserving of recognition for their application, perseverance and positive attitude to training, as voted by the instructors and his class.

He looked forward to commanding a ship in the HMAF in the future and the privilege of escorting members of the Tongan royal family at diplomatic events.

“If I was to give advice to anyone wanting to join the Navy, I would say, trust me, that’s going to be the best decision you’ve ever made. It’s where I belong. Also, wear two to three layers of clothing and don’t copy the Kiwis by only wearing one layer.”

New Zealand’s colder climate was a challenge, he said.

“The air is warm, but the water is freezing! It’s like I’m swimming in Antarctica. I’d rather do physical training all day than go for a swim at the beach in New Zealand.”