It has been over eight years since 33-year-old Rota Waqaituinayau took over operating her father’s fish market business.

Growing up as a child seeing her father, Jone Waqaituinayau, struggle, budget and commit to the fish selling industry for more than 37 years motivated Ms Waqaituinayau to do the same for her family.

“From his perseverance throughout his business, his role as a father and all that he has done for us, I want to also prove to him that I also can do it for my children from the good example that he has taught me” she said.

It will be a double celebration for Ms Waqaituinayau and her family this week as they will also celebrate her father’s 63rd birthday.

“This upcoming Father’s Day is extra special to me because my father is also turning 63.”

She added, for all the things he has done for our family, I really want to show him that his efforts is forever acknowledged and appreciated within our hearts.

“What I want for this Father’s Day is to prove to him that I can do something for him, to show him that I value him and treasure all that he has done for us and also give something back to him to show him my appreciation for never giving up on us with a gift,” she said.

With a tearful eye, Ms Waqaituinayau began to reminisce on her father’s love in the family.

“My siblings and I didn’t finish school off well, we got married had children, yet he never gave up on us”

“Till this day, the money that comes from the fish market is equally shared with everyone in the family.”

Waqaituinayau described her father as a good old fashion man, and said since she has helped him take over his business she has learned many things.

“This father’s day my original intention was to take him to wananavu beach resort but since it is also his birthday it will be a double gift from us to him, “she said.

Ms Waqaituinayau plans to gift her dad a trip to Wananavu Beach Resort.