How Do You Solve a Problem Like Joey?

By Farz Edraki - ABC Pacific - July 11, 2023:

Joey Joleen Mataele might make an excellent Maria in a school production of The Sound of Music, but rigid expectations threaten to destroy this songbird’s spirit.

A story about royalty, tradition and reputation, and how having just one person in your corner can let you lead a life that’s truly yours (and meet Sean Connery in a castle while you’re at it.)

Thanks to Faleagafulu Inga Stünzner from ABC Radio Australia, and Anaseini Ulakai, for their generous input into the story.

Many thanks also to Joe Wilson for permission of audio from the Leitis in Waiting documentary, which features Joey and the leiti community in Tonga. You can find out more at leitisinwaiting.com.