This month members marked the anniversary with a special service, a big feast, music and speeches.

St Columba was one of the first Anglican churches to offer the Tongan services in 1974.

The initiative was led by John Tamahori, a Maori missionary who had spent time living in Tonga.

Eight Tongan priests have been ordained at St Columba over the last three decades. Rev Talau-Hoeft joined in 1986 and says attending services there has become a family tradition. Continue reading