Bislama joins Pacific language weeks

The Minister for Pacific Peoples, Dr Shane Reti, announces the dates for this year’s language weeks, emphasising MPP’s commitment to celebrating these languages.

“Last year, the Pacific language week series saw an incredible response, with thousands of New Zealanders participating in events and activities,” Reti says.

“From cultural performances and storytelling sessions to engaging social media campaigns viewed over 3 million times, the celebrations highlighted the powerful role language plays in connecting and inspiring communities.”

Reti highlights the importance of the language week series to Pacific communities and the relationships with Pacific island nations.

This year’s series marks the first ever addition of Bislama, the national language of Vanuatu.

Last year, the series welcomed Papua New Guinea Pidgin and Solomon Islands Pidgin Language Week.

Reti hints at introducing the new language week during an interview last year PMN News, saying he has been in discussions with the Ministry for Pacific Peoples about expanding the language weeks.

“We'll see what they share and we'll see what the workstream for next year [2025] looks like.”

Ret spoke to PMN New last May during the Deputy Prime Minister's Melanesia mission. Photo/PMN News

Bislama, a Melanesian mix of French and English, reflects a significant Pacific cultural heritage.

Joseph Toara, the Vanuatu community’s national coordinator, says there are ongoing efforts to include Bislama in the New Zealand Language Week Series during an interview with Pacific Days’ former host, Ma’a Brian Sagala.

“Without Bislama, we wouldn’t have our independence,” Toara says.

Watch Toara's full interview here

Vanuatu celebrates its 45th independence day on 29 July, which coincides with Bislama Language Week.

Toara says that the Melanesian community seeks inclusion, adding that PNG, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu have been overlooked since the series started in 2010.

Currently, the Pacific Language Weeks series features 12 weeks of celebration.

The initiative originates in Sāmoa with the Vaiaso o le Gagana Sāmoa, founded by Fa’alapotopotoga mo le A’oa’oina o le Gagana Sāmoa i Aotearoa, which promotes teaching and learning the Sāmoan language in New Zealand.

Listen to Reti's interview here

Supported by the Human Rights Commission, the concept of Pacific Language Weeks emerges in 2009.

Since 2010, the Ministry for Pacific Peoples actively supports the initiative, with each week focussing on preserving Pacific languages for future generations.

Here is the full list of the Pacific Language Weeks for 2025