Auckland fono weaves knowledge for future Niue generations

Niuean academics and community voices will gather for a two-day fono at Fale Maama, Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Headquarters in Mt Wellington.

The event aims to showcase projects that strengthen Vagahau Niue, improve health and education outcomes, and celebrate the collective spirit that defines Niuean life.

It also aims to highlight Niue-led research, recognise cultural leadership, and share strategies that support the next generation.

Sir Collin Tukuitonga, Co-Director of Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa, Centre for Pacific and Global Health, says the event’s theme, Lalaga e tau Pulotu ma Niue Anoiha, captures the vision of the free event.

“It’s about weaving together knowledge, culture, and community to guide Niue’s future, both in the homeland and across Aotearoa,” he says in a statement. “The fono is a cornerstone for Niuean scholarship in Aotearoa. It ensures our people lead the conversations about our health, education, and language.”.

Niue Prime Minister Dalton Tagelagi and Minister Sonya Talagi will deliver the opening addresses.

Watch Tokiofa Arts Academy's senior students Rod MacSwain, Francis Talepita, Norm Taito and Susana Foster on Island Time Talanoa with Tofiga below.

The current population of Niue is estimated at 1822. But the 2023 Census shows more than 34,000 people with Niuean heritage live in New Zealand.

Dantzel Tiakia, a doctoral candidate at the University of Auckland, says her research on youth mental health is guided by cultural values.

“One of the things I deeply cherish about my culture is the way we live collectively,” Tiakia says in a statement. “Whenever there’s a significant event in the village, be it a funeral, wedding, huki teliga (ear-piercing ceremony), hifi ulu (hair-cutting ceremony), or an unveiling, the entire village comes together in support.

A choir performs at Hologa Niue festival in February 2025. Photo/File

“I carry that same approach into my work. It’s about listening, being accountable, and making sure the research reflects the values and needs of the people it’s meant to serve,” she says.

Tiakia, whose roots trace back to Lakepa and Maleloa in Niue, as well as Ngāti Wai, Ngāti Rehua, and Ngāti Wai ki Aotea in Aotearoa, says her cultural identity influences every part of her research. She recalls examples from her aunt’s unveiling in Lakepa.

“Some people gifted pigs to be prepared for the guests, others arrived as early as 3am to help prepare and put down the umu,” she says. “Men came to assist our family in pouring concrete for her grave and headstone, and many dropped off food to contribute to the feast.”

She finds constant examples of generosity and hospitality inspiring and is committed to honouring people’s stories with integrity and care.

The fono builds on a strong year of Niuean representation at the University of Auckland, where Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga (from Alofi) and Professor Vili Nosa recently delivered inaugural lectures after being promoted to professorship.

Nosa, from Avatele and Hakupu, focused on Pacific mental health and culturally grounded approaches to well-being. His work, alongside Tukuitonga’s leadership in public health, continues to advance Niuean voices in research and policy.

The fono builds on the success of last year’s Niue Research Symposium and will take place from 7 to 8 November.

Register here to attend in person or online.