This article discusses two Tongan social work concepts - fakafekau'aki(connecting)
and fakatokilalo(humility) - that have emerged out of qualitative research exploring
the practice of Tongan social workers in New Zealand. It is argued that social work
is socially constructed and that positive social change for indigenous and migrant
groups in western countries requires the utilization of relevant cultural concepts
as foundations for practice. The use of Tongan concepts such as fakafekau'akiand
fakatokilaloimply Tongan-centric conceptualizations of professionalism and
relationship in social work. Finally, it is noted that these concepts must be viewed
holistically in relation to the lived reality of Tongans.
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