Ministry for Pacific Peoples — Rotuman Language Week 2023 Ministry for Pacific Peoples - Rotuman Language Week 2022 Skip to content

Rotuman Language Week 2023

Rotuman Language Week 2023

Rotuman Webtile

Celebrate: Sunday 7 May - Saturday 13 May

The theme for Gasav Ne Fäeag Rotuạm Ta - Rotuman Language Week 2023 will be announced soon.

Last year's theme was - Vetḁkia ‘os Fäega ma Ag fak hanua - Sustaining our Language and Culture.

To support the umbrella Pacific Language Weeks 2022 theme of Sustainability, the Gasav Ne Fäeag Rotuạm Ta theme was chosen in 2022 to build on from the previous year’s focus on the Four Pillars of Wellbeing.

In launching Rotuman Language Week 2022, Minister for Pacific Peoples, Aupito William Sio said that "Sustainability aligns to New Zealand’s opportunity to build back better from COVID-19 as we reopen to the world and reconnect with one another.”

"The theme also aligns with UNESCO’s International Decade of Indigenous Languages, which started this year, and recognises the right to preserve, revitalise and promote languages."

The Hata Collective, representing many of the Rotuman communities in Aotearoa, selected the pillar that best supports the concept of sustainability - VETḀKI - which means to continuously do something without interruption.

"VETḀKI is a word rarely used in the current spoken language, so the use of this word in the theme signals the need for revival of Fäeag Rotuạm," said Minister Sio.

"With only approximately 2,000 speakers on the islands of Rotuma, to nurture the Rotuman identity in Aotearoa, everyone must work together to revitalise and maintain Fäeag Rotuạm."

Activities and events for Rotuman Language Week will be held throughout Aotearoa and online to showcase the richness of the Rotuman language, culture and traditions.

Stay connected online by visiting the official NZ Rotuman Language Week Facebook page.

Rotuman Language Week resources

Coming soon!

Calendar of events 2023

Coming soon!

Rotuman Language Week Funding Recipients

Coming soon!

Below are recipients of funding for community contributions towards Rotuman Language Week preparations in 2021:

Organisation / Group Name

Location

Approved amount

Initiative theme

Rotuman Kainaga Health and Fitness Group

Auckland

 $1,900.00

Language week: language learning through health and fitness activities

New Zealand Rotuman Fellowship (NZRF)

Auckland

 $35,087.00

Language week: Language learning through cultural performances and activities

Canterbury Rotuman Community

Canterbury

 $1,550.00

Language week: Language learning through storytelling and sports activities

HATA Committee

Auckland

 $7,832.25

Language week: Language learning through storytelling and studying Rotuman artifacts and historical resources

Rotuman Wesleyan Church

Auckland

 $1,500.00

Language week: Language learning through music activities

Victoria University Pasifika Student Council

Wellington

 $900.00

Language week: Rotuma related quiz and cultural performances