The passing of a legend
Continuing Taniela’s Legacy
Rise+Shine Josiah Mika Foundation
When announcing the news of his passing, Tonga Rugby Union described Taniela Moa as a stalwart of Ikale Tahi Tonga rugby, who will now have his name etched among the echelons of the legendary greats.
To his friends, family and the Tongan community, Taniela was a caring, passionate leader who loved to laugh and put his family, especially his three boys, first in everything.
Kava (14), Peni (12) & Tevita (10) smile when speaking of their Dad, it’s clear he was their hero. Reflecting during some kai, when asked what their favourite thing about him was? It was unanimous.
“He was always making jokes and laughing” notes Peni, with strong nods of support from his brothers.
And it’s clear the spirit of Taniela will live on through his boys, all of whom want to grow up to be just like their Dad.
For Tevita, the youngest of the three brothers – he pauses before answering the question: “What do you want to do and be when you get older?”
“I want to repay my parents and say thank you”.
Following a call from the Pacific Players Association, the Josiah Mika Rise & Shine Foundation was blessed with the opportunity to reinforce the love the Pasifika community has for Taniela and his family – and ensure they knew support was here for them.
All Black great Pita Alatini was part of a special shopping trip, that saw Kava, Peni and Tevita head into Rebel Sport and leave with everything they needed to set them up nicely for the immediate future.
All three boys received grants to purchase warm winter clothing & training gear, in an effort to alleviate pressure for their family at home and support their endeavours in school and sport.
For Pita these grants speak to what we do as Pasifika people,
“It’s really important to understand the difficulties, not only living in today for families – but also when you lose your main income earner, your Father, it is hard… this is a great story of the Josiah Mika Foundation being in a position to help this beautiful family, and these boys”
Peni looks at his older brother before answering the question – What do you want to be when you’re older.
“I want to play super rugby… I want to play for the Blues” he says with a grin, before waiting to hear from the oldest of the three boys Kava, who smiles and notes proudly –
“I want to follow in my Dads footsteps and continues his legacy… I want to make him proud”
The Rise & Shine Josiah Mika Foundation chair Jerome Mika expressed the heart of the charity “We were privileged to be in a position to provide immediate support for the Moa fanau during an extremely difficult time. We understand first-hand the challenges associated with the loss of a loved one and the impact of grief and are committed to a holistic approach to supporting the wellbeing of those impacted by adversity grounded in genuine aroha for our communities”.