Viliami Alipate Niupalau

Viliami Alipate Niupalau born June 30, 1952 in Kolofoou, Tonga to Tevita Sitani Niupalau and Mele Seini Louniukava Vaitai Niupalau number 4 of 16 siblings. Grew up in Haateiho, Matangiake, Liahona, Kahoua baptized and confirm a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 8 years of age. When the boys Scouts program was introduced to Tonga Alipate joined receiving an award equivalent to an Eagle Scout. Attended Liahona High School his passion for music led him to join the marching band for 2 consecutive years he was chosen to be a drum major his brass instrument was the Euphonium. Alipate enjoyed the kava brotherhood at an early age. He was drawn by the music and bands it was those gatherings that he grew to love and appreciate Tongan composers and artist. Playing the guitar came naturally and through the years continued to prefect with time. Alipate was called to Serve a full time mission in Vavau, Tonga after which had the opportunity to go to New Zealand in hopes to build a secure future. In New Zealand he met Havaha Paea and after 2 weeks of courting they decided to get married in the Hamilton, New Zealand Temple for all time and Eternity August 6, 1974 they were both 22 years of age young and in love! May 7, 1975 they welcomed there first born Mele Seini Louniukava named after Alipate's mother. On November 15, 1976 had there second child a son Semisi Niupalau named after Hevaha's son. In the same year Alipate was called to be the branch president in the very first Tongan speaking dependent branch, unfortunately no church facility was available therefore they congregated in Otahuhu at the St. Johns ambulance building with 20 plus other families. Alipate continued to work odd jobs to provide for his family. In 1978 Alipate and Hevaha decided to migrate to Australia. Viliami Kaliopasi (1979),

Manu Lea-ifanga (1982), Sateki Mataanga Vailahi (1987) were all born in Australia. It became home for the next 16 years. Being one of the first few Tongan families to reside in Sydney Alipate started work in automotive and a vast variety jobs to help his family. In 1981 Alipate and Hevaha were able to buy there first home 60 Napoleon Street Mascot this humble house became home not only for the Niupalau family but also for many others its doors were always open even when there was no one home. Alipate always enjoyed helping people not only his family but also church and community. The Tongan community grew and a Tongan speaking branch was established Alipate became a branch president for several years. Alipate was very active in the Tongan community aiding anyway he could he shared all he had. Alipate is one of the first Tongan to become a registered concrete contractor In the city of Randwick. He worked hard and took pride in it. Alipate was very close with his mother Mele he moved her from Tonga to Australia in 1985 he was definitely a "mama's boy" In 1993 Alipate's eldest sister Seini Pepe came to visit which was one of her many but this time decided this time she was returning with grandma Mele. In 1994 Alipate together with his family made the decision to migrate to the United States. Selling there home and everything else packing only the necessities.