Fijian Farmers Serenade Tinui

A group of Fijian workers recently caused an unusual disturbance by gathering to pray and sing hymns behind a farmer’s home in the Wairarapa. The group were harvesting pine nuts on a neighbouring farm, and congregated at the same spot at the end of each day—the nearest place with cell phone reception. There, they would call their families back in Fiji and spend time worshiping together.

Rev. Steve Thomson, the priest in charge in our Tinui parish, initially heard about the group when his farmer friend—who was hosting them—called him to say that the workers wanted to go to church. Their request came in the midst of moving towards lockdown, so Thomson directed them to Movement Online to watch live-streamed services.

With no internet access in the shearers quarters where they were staying, the group instead watched the services on the farmer’s TV in his lounge. Soon after, the farmer’s neighbour started to complain about hearing unfamiliar singing coming from behind his house. “Long story short, they weren’t causing any trouble. All it was, was they were praying and singing hymns in the evenings behind this guy’s house,” said Thomson.

Steve suspected their hymns were inspired by the Diocese's live-streamed services, but he couldn’t be sure. After an explanation was provided, the disgruntled farmer was relieved, and the group carried on with their usual rhythms.

The group of 10, who are still working on the same farm, are part of a larger Christian group from Fiji who travelled to Aotearoa to work under a number of different contracts. Their families were affected by Cyclone Harold, which initially caused the stressful dilemma of staying in Aotearoa, or returning home. But as Steve explained, “They decided that the best thing they could do for their families was to stay and finish the contract, and bring home some money to their village.”

While lockdown has invoked feelings of homesickness, the group are grateful for the opportunity to support their families, and have been shown support by their Aotearoa whānau.

By Tessa Guest