Meleane is a community-minded single mother of five on a mission to create opportunities for New Zealand-based Tongan artists and creatives to find success. It’s also in the community where Meleane has discovered the benefits of accessing help and support services for her family. 

As a single working mother, Meleane Tuakalau knows the importance of asking for help – and it has nothing to do with pride. The mother of five is a passionate community worker and business student at Unitec. She is also pregnant with her sixth child and lives in Mt Roskill with four of her children, daughters Trinity (13) and Kaho (2), and sons Sione (7) and Vili (5). 

Meleane says being a solo parent while working and studying is a challenge, particularly because she doesn’t have family living nearby to call on when she needs support.  “A typical day for me involves preparing lunches and running the kids to school – primary and high school – and daycare. I’ll then get myself to uni before picking them up again.  “At home I’ll do little chores here and there, sit down to get assignments done or spend time with the kids before making dinner, then bedtime. That’s basically the day for us. The only time that I get for myself is when the kids are asleep.” 

Older siblings have a role

At home, she is also grateful for the support of her daughter, Trinity.  “Trinity is a great support for me, watching the kids while I study and do work around the house. She’s awesome,” says Meleane. Trinity says it feels good to be able to help her mum out with the kids. “I can see how much work she has to do, and I’m glad I am here so I can help out.” 

“I admire how committed she is to working – she does a lot of community work – and how strong she is, to look after four kids with one on the way,” says Trinity. Trinity’s advice to other older siblings is to help out with the younger kids; “read a book or put them to sleep because that would give mum and dad time to rest.”