Sukuna hoped to remain in New Zealand to pursue a university degree, but his source of funds dried up and he was forced to return to Fiji, where, in 1907, he joined the civil service as a fifth class clerk. His superb command of English, however, ensured his rapid promotion and it was not long before he became the chief translator for the government. In 1909 he was invited by his uncle, Ratu Alfred Finau Ulukalala, to return to the Lau Islands to become the assistant master of the Lau Provincial School at Lakeba. He also became visiting examiner at Queen Victoria School and Levuka Public School, at the age of 21. At Lakeba, Sukuna formed what was to be another key relationship in his life, with the young English headmaster, Arthur Maurice Hocart.