A Canoe Before the Wind

by Vitale Lafaele

Paperback

Reviews

[Yvonne Cleverley · Rating 4 out of 5]

For me, an older pakeha, Vitale's story provided a useful perspective on the experience of Pacific Island families, specifically Samoan families, who came to live in Auckland about the time I left secondary school in the South Island where the only immigrants I met were English or Dutch.
It was sobering to learn about the poverty, racism and endless grind of manual work required for the family to survive. I was impressed with Vitale's mother's confident courage and the uncomplaining determination of both parents, as well as the harsh childhood Vitale endured.
I'm shocked I was unaware of New Zealand's dismal record in Samoa as colonists and reminded of the shameful 'dawn raids'.
And yet, in spite of all this, Vitale not only survived but excelled in senior positions in the military, then in the police. The apalling lack of discussion or acknowledgment when he was made redundant from the police after a disabling stroke was heartbreaking. I had to wonder if a white man would've been treated with the same cruelty in the same circumstances.
Even then, Vitale found a silver lining - a more relaxing lifestyle, work as a motivational speaker....
I'd be interested in hearing from Vitale's wife.