Celebrating Vagahau Niue: Language Week kicks off in Aotearoa

New Zealand’s Niuean community is celebrating Faahi Tapu he Vagahau Niue, Niue Language Week, with this year’s theme calling on people to elevate, cherish, and use the language.

From Auckland festivals to nationwide language workshops, organisers say the weeklong celebrations shine a spotlight on preserving Vagahau Niue for future generations.

Running from 19 to 25 October, this year’s theme is “Fakatapunu, Ofania, mo e Fakaaoga e Vagahau Niue!” - translated as “Elevate, Cherish, and Use Vagahau Niue!”

The theme is a powerful call to action, particularly for younger generations, to value and actively use the language in their daily lives.

Supported by the Ministry for Pacific Peoples (MPP), Faahi Tapu he Vagahau Niue is one of 12 Pacific Language Weeks celebrated annually in Aotearoa.

The MPP has provided a wide range of resources this year, including language booklets, posters, virtual meeting backgrounds, and online event guides to support learning and community engagement.

Miss Niue Aotearoa Mazing Milouollin, third from left, with guests and Niue community leaders, including PMN Rotuma producer Alfie Prasad, second from left, Labour Party deputy leader Carmel Sepuloni, fourth from left, and Ministry of Pacific Peoples' Secretary Gerardine Clifford-Lidstone, fifth from left. Photo/Miss Niue Aotearoa

Voices of support

Minister for Pacific Peoples Dr Shane Reti praises the community's efforts to protect and promote the language.

He says, “Vagahau Niue is a taonga - a treasure that connects generations, strengthens identity, and enriches Aotearoa as a whole.

"This year’s theme is a timely reminder of the importance of not just celebrating the language during this one week, but weaving it into everyday life.”

Niuean community leaders and educators echo his sentiments, highlighting the importance of visibility, pride, and passing knowledge forward.

“Every phrase spoken, every song sung, every young person learning their gagana - it all keeps Vagahau Niue alive,” Renei Misiniu, an Intermediate-level tutor at Tokiofa Arts Academy, says. “The growth we’re seeing in our students this year is incredible.”

The Ministry for Pacific Peoples (MPP) supports the week by working with Niuean community leaders. Photo/MPP

In an earlier release titled “Promoting Pacific languages in New Zealand”,  Reti commented on the broader Pacific Language Weeks series, saying: “Last year, the Pacific language week series saw an incredible response, with thousands of New Zealanders participating in events and activities.

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

“I have heard firsthand how important the language week series is to Pacific communities and how it affirms the relationships we have with Pacific island nations.

“Each community embraces their Pacific language week in unique ways. … We’re excited to celebrate Bislama for the first time in 2025, bringing the total number of language weeks to 12 this year."

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

Festival season in full swing

Niue Language Week was unofficially launched on Saturday, 18 October, with the 51st Pule Fakamotu Festival at Fergusson Domain in Onehunga, Auckland.

Thousands gathered to enjoy traditional food, crafts, sports, and performances from Niuean artists and school groups, including Rosebank Primary, Tau Malolo ha Niue, and Miss Niue Aotearoa.

One attendee, Sione Talagi, described the event as “a beautiful reminder of who we are and where we come from".

During the week, cultural events include singing, dancing, cooking, arts and crafts, and language learning (classes and sessions) to help people speak and understand Vagahau Niue. Photo.MPP

Showcasing Niuean stories on stage

A major highlight of the weeklong celebrations is the Tokiofa Arts Academy Season 2 Showcase at Due Drop Events Centre in Manukau on Saturday, 25 October.

The arena-scale event will feature 336 performers, nearly doubling last year’s turnout, across five academy classes: from early childhood to adult learners. The show’s theme, Stories of Niue, will bring to life legends, values, and personal journeys through dance, drama, and music.

“This is history in the making,” Mone Lakatani, lead tutor for the adult class, says. “It’s the first-ever full-scale Niuean arena showcase, and every performer carries the hopes of our culture.”

Crafts, food stalls, and merchandise will be available on the night, making it a true celebration of Niuean identity and creativity.

Get involved

Whether you're Niuean by blood, by heart, or want to support, everyone is welcome at events throughout the country.

Online resources, including key phrases, event schedules, and learning tools, are available through the Ministry for Pacific Peoples' website and the Niue Language Week Facebook page.

As the saying goes, Ko e vagahau ko e atefua he tagata - Language is the heart of a people.

Faahi Tapu he Vagahau Niue - Happy Niue Language Week!