20 December, 2025, 7:41 am Central - 24°C Rain

After 5 years, Tavatavanawai finally meets his mother

After 5 years, Tavatavanawai finally meets his mother

By Marika Rasekaseka
30/05/2022
Melania Raikuna [Photo: Moana Pasifika]

It was an emotional moment for Fiji born Moana Pasifika winger Timoci Tavatavanawai when he met his mother after five years and it was also the first time she saw her son play a professional rugby match in person.

Tavatavanawai left Fiji at the end of 2017 to further his rugby career in New Zealand.

He hadn’t seen his parents since he left and sadly, his father passed away in December.

He could not attend his father's funeral in December last year due to border restrictions.

Management of the Moana Pasifika invited Tavatavanawai’s mother Melania Raikuna to New Zealand to surprise her son before their game with the Brumbies.


FEATURE NEWS
Army Commander verbally reprimands Brigadier General Gadai, reaffirms RFMF commitment to democratic processes
The Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai has reaffirmed the RFMF’s historic decision during the Decem...
11 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Recruits reminded of the importance of accountability and urged to wear their uniforms with pride
Minister for Policing, Ioane Naivalurua reminded the Batch 68 recruits during their passout today of the importance of accountability, urging ...
14 hours ago

Jittu Estate set to host Vuvale Fun Day to empower community and youth
Jittu Estate will come alive tomorrow during Vuvale Fun Day, a community event hosted by Inspire Pacific which is designed to unite families and ...
14 hours ago

Govt doesn't interfere in electricity pricing decisions - PM
Following the announcement in the increase in electricity tariff rates from January 1st, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has stressed that while ...
14 hours ago

New e-ticketing system complies with legal receipt requirements - LTA
The new e-ticketing system fully complies with all legal requirements for issuing fare payment receipts, which are now provided electronically and ...
15 hours ago

$8.8M bridge upgrade to improve accessibility for Taveuni
Accessibility for the people of Taveuni is expected to improve as work on four key bridges worth a total of $8.8 million has begun.While ...
16 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Fiji needs to act on human trafficking indicators associated with Grace Road Group
The United States has expressed serious concern about human trafficking indicators linked to the Grace Road Group in Fiji, as highlighted in the 2025 ...
2 days ago

Human trafficking allegations and issues relating to Grace Road Group
Human trafficking allegations and concerns linked to the Grace Road Group/+ARTICLE-311061+ARTICLE/PM says Govt cannot interfere into any human ...
2 days ago

Sonia Shanaaz says silent treatment hurts as she waits for assistance for her daughter with cerebral palsy
Sonia Shanaaz, the mother of 10-year-old Aarna who was born with cerebral palsy, says silent treatment hurts after she reached out to the ...
8 days ago

TOP