‘Don’t forget language’: 79-year-old Niuean educator honoured for her lifelong service

For Tina O’Halloran, protecting the Niuean language hasn’t been a job - it has been a lifelong calling.

Her more than 60 years of service to education and the Niuean community were officially recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours, where she was named as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM).

It is a prestigious nod to a woman who has spent her life making sure the sounds of "The Rock" are never lost in Aotearoa.

Despite her contribution to cultural and language preservation, the news came as a total surprise to the humble grandmother.

“I was a little shocked - thinking, me? That was my reaction when I heard,” she told Inangaro Vakaafi of PMN Niue. “My son received the email at work and he rang to say ‘Mum! Look at what you got'.”

O’Halloran’s journey began as one of the very first Niuean primary school teachers. Over the years, she moved from the classroom to the community, leading voluntary classes to teach conversational Vagahau Niue to anyone willing to learn.

Niuean language champion Tina O’Halloran says the voices of her elders continue to inspire her work teaching Vagahau Niue and helping future generations stay connected to their culture and identity. Photo: Supplied

She says her drive comes from her matua (elders) who guided her early on.

“You feel like you want to contribute, so you develop something you can share.

“You can hear the old folks say, lagomatai (help), ua nimo (don't forget), fakaako e Vagahau Niue (teach or learn Niue language), tohi mai taha tala ke totou e tama (write stories for the child to read). It gets to you and you feel like helping out, that’s how I got into it.”

Listen to Niuean weaver, arts advocate and healthcare worker, Molima Molly Pihigia's full interview following her Queen's Service Medal in 2020 below.

As a published author and member of the Niue Writers Group, the 79-year-old has dedicated herself to creating the tools Niuean families need to keep the language alive.

She has developed a number of learning resources and is currently working on a Niuean thesaurus - a viral project for a language classified by UNESCO as “definitely endangered”..

Her influence stretches across the Pacific community in New Zealand. She was one of the first Niuean language advisers for Polyfest and has co-authored academic research looking at the challenges of language and cultural loss among Niueans living away from home.

Beyond the classroom, she is a songwriter and a key part of the ‘Mind Your Language’ platform.

Tina O’Halloran also continues to work with Nga Vaka o Kāiga Tapu, supporting efforts to address family violence among Pacific families.

She is one of 178 New Zealanders named in the 2026 King's Birthday Honours, 12 of whom are of Pacific heritage. The group has been recognised for their service to their communities and Aotearoa.