The 1995-1997 Tongan Lapita project has been supported by a grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. This support is gratefully acknowledged. The government of Tonga is also recognized for its long term endurance of my archaeological studies in Ha`apai, through the issuing of research permits, and through the assistance of its staff. In these latter respects, I am particularly indebted to the Honourable Tu`ivanuavou Vaea, Secretary to the Tongan Traditions Committee, Mrs. Susana Faletau Fotu, Prime Ministers office, Mr. Uilou Semani, Ministry of Lands Survey and Natural Resources, Mr. Sione Mone, former secretary to the Governor, and Mr. Sione Fakaosi, Conservation Officer for Ha`apai.
The 1997 field project was undertaken with the assistance of numerous individuals. Overseas assistants included Sonia Waite (Simon Fraser), Richard Shutler Jr. (Simon Fraser), David Steadman (Univ. of Florida), Andrew Barton (Simon Fraser), Aubrey Cannon (McMaster Univ.), Debbi Cannon (Hamilton Ont.), Jeff Sailer (Univ. of Florida), Scarlet Chu (Univ. California, Berkeley) and Kimi Pepa (Simon Fraser). As listed below, many local individuals participated as field or laboratory crew members and I am also grateful for their efforts and skills. Most importantly I am indebted to the project's logistical co-ordinator and translator, Vasa Vi. Without her assistance the the project would have been much more difficult if not impossible to implement in the form it took. Similarly, the loyal support, hospitality and assistance of Siaosi, Nipa, Mele, and Pita Vi made our stay in Ha`apai all the more enjoyable. To all of the above Malo 'aupito, 'aupito.
Pukotala Field Crew: Paula Lui, Sione Langi Taufa, Samiu Vaitohi, Semisi Fehoko, Apiesa Puleka, Ilaiasi Fehoko, Paula Tamale, Pisopi Vaitohi, Esafe Ngahe, Kimi Pepa, Jeff Sailer.
Faleloa Field Crew: Donolo Taufa, Pahlu Tavake, Viliau Langi, Mosese Talakai, Kimi Pepa, Aubrey Cannon, Debbi Cannon.
Tongoleleka Field Crew: David Steadman, Mosese Tuifolau, Melika Siakumi, Ana Paletu'a, Scarlet Chu, Jeff Sailer, Andrew Barton.
Vaipuna Field Crew: Tualau Lautaimi, Aisea Vaitaiki, Palei Fahiha, Solo Tonga'onevai, Maka Vailea, Ma'afu Katafi, Richard Shutler Jr., Scarlet Chu, Andrew Barton.
Mele Havea Field Crew: Tevita Siale, Sione Moala, Saia Vea, Samiu Afu, Viliami Fefita, Epoke Havealeta, Pita Taufui, Vasa Vi, Andrew Barton.
Laboratory Crew: Sonia Waite, Vasa Vi, Melika Siakumi, Ana Paletu'a, Aubrey Cannon, Debbi Cannon, Jeff Sailer.
Logistical Assistants: Vasa Vi (translator, logistics), Virginia Watkins (Cook), Pita Vi (back hoe).