Monuina e Faahi Tapu he Vagahau Niue - Happy Niue Language Week! Online activities and events will take place from Sunday 17 October to Saturday 23 October.
Despite the uncertain times we face with the challenges of COVID-19, our cultural knowledge, values and language remain constant, helping us progress towards goals in life.
For this yea’s Faahi tapu he Vagahau Niue - Niue Language Week, the Niuean community in New Zealand decided on the theme, Kia Tupuolaola e Moui he Tagata Niue, which means, May the Tagata Niue thrive.
The theme stems from the umbrella concept of wellbeing, for this year’s nine Pacific Language Weeks.
Minister for Pacific Peoples Hon Aupito William Sio says if we look at the challenges which our people have faced due to the impact of the global pandemic, it can be completely overwhelming.
“However, if we turn to what is constant in our lives, which for Pacific peoples is faith, cultural knowledge, values and language, the unknown does not seem so daunting,” he says.
“By combining the complex elements of spiritual, emotional, physical and social wellness, it ensures prosperity and wealth in the home, community and nation.
“It is vital people develop and embrace goals and opportunities despite the distractions of life.”
Instead of worrying about what we cannot control, we look to what we can, and we can start to move forward again, and even thrive, the Minister adds.
Niue Language Week is the second to last of the Ministry for Pacific Peoples (MPP) supported 2021 Pacific Language Weeks series.
Activities and events will be delivered online due to recent COVID-19 restrictions.
Hosted by Vagahau Niue Trust, Niue Language Week opens online on October 17, and concludes on October 23.
The number of people in New Zealand, who identify as Niuean is 30,867, according to the 2018 Census, with the population increasing steadily over the past two decades.
“With more Niueans living in Aotearoa than in Niue, revitalising the culture and language is more crucial now than ever,” Minister Sio says.
“We are inspired by Niue achieving 97 percent vaccination of its eligible population.
“Following the leadership of our families and friends in Niue, I encourage the Niue people of Aotearoa to get your COVID-19 vaccination.
“Do it to keep yourselves, your families and communities safe.”