Langafonua — Building a New Life

Documenting the Cultural Life of Polynesians in Redland Shire

Abstract

Redland Shire lies between the Brisbane City limits and the waters of Moreton Bay and is named after its red soil, which has provided fertile farmland since the establishment of the City of Brisbane. The photographic collection entitled ‘Langafonua’ pictures Pacific Islanders building a new life in Redland Shire. In 2002 it was exhibited in the Redlands Gallery from 16 March to 12 April, and then at the Australian Historical Association Annual Conference in Brisbane in July. The photographs and text explore aspects of cultural life of the Polynesian families who immigrated from the South Pacific in the 1970s. The title ‘Langafonua’ connotes the aspirations of this community as it attempts to build a new life in Australia. The migrant families pictured here work in fields that are often on the cusp of rezoning for residential development. Much of the land is still owned by retired Italian farmers who lease the farms to Tongans and Samoans. In the hands of the Islanders, the farms produce the yams, sweet potatoes and bele so beloved by the Polynesian community.