In this commentary, the aim is to address in the Tongan language, the challenges of language and cultural loss by Tongan people in Aotearoa New Zealand and what Tongan people are doing about the imposition.  The comments, ideas and perspectives that are advanced here are premised on the assumption that the Tongan language and culture is knowledge and wisdom different from the philosophy of the west.  The discussion is focused on Talanoa, a Tongan social construct, conceptualized and applied as approach to good living and creating cultural relationships in social, spiritual and political contexts. 

The second half of the commentary discusses Talanoa as a Tongan pedagogical approach to educating Tongan people and their children in all levels in the education system.  Talanoa is deep and meaningful and by using the approach (Tongan) teachers, educators and researchers promotes and encourage critical and advanced thinking that leads to higher learning and deep understanding.  In academia, Talanoa is becoming a Tongan research method. 

The commentary concludes by calling upon Tongan people to further our Talanoa in the Tongan language and culture as a way to deepen our thinking and develop our critical perspectives of the relationship between the body, soul (heart) and mind, these being the ‘site’ of Tongan knowledge and wisdom.