Growing up far from her ancestral home of Niue, Miquel Sietu often felt the distance in more ways than one.

Today, she is turning that feeling into purpose. She is dedicated to helping young Niueans in Australia rediscover their roots through dance, storytelling, and film.

Born in the village of Mutalau Ululauta Matahefonua, Sietu reflects on her journey from The Rock to the bustling city of Melbourne. One thing remains constant: her deep love for Niue, its people, and its stories.

Speaking on Island Time, Sietu says that while Australia offers many professional opportunities, she yearns for a stronger connection to her heritage.

“The challenges of living here, as much as the opportunities are great, it really did shape me into being the woman I am today in terms of wanting to dive deeper into my Niuean culture.

“I think the lack of having our Pasifika culture in the space of Melbourne was really difficult. Having that made me really hungry and really eager to want to create a space for people like myself that grew up away from home.”

Creating a sense of belonging

As the founder of Nesian Heimana, a Melbourne-based Niuean koli (dance) group, and the creative director of the short film, Beyond The Rock, Sietu has become a cultural connector.

Sietu says the lack of Niuean spaces in Melbourne inspired her to build something meaningful for Niueans living abroad.

“I wanted to create a safe space for Pasifika kids, especially Niuean kids like myself, to be able to feel connected to the Niuean culture,” she says. “It’s been an honour to live in Australia but still be able to call Niue my home.”

Watch Miquel Sietu's full interview below.

Through Nesian Heimana, Sietu has created a platform where Vagahau Niue, koli, and lologo (song) thrive within the diaspora.

Nesian Heimana kicked off in 2024 and has grown to 41 members, their biggest team to date, who recently performed at the 51st Niue Pule Fakamotu - Constitutional Day celebration at the Brunswick Town Hall.

She believes storytelling extends beyond words, it resonates in the rhythms of Koli Niue, the lyrics of songs, and the quiet wisdom of tupuna (elders).

“Storytelling goes back many years,” she says. “It’s up to us to continue to share those stories. When we choose songs, it’s not just about the beat, it’s about sharing a message that the kids can take home and tell their parents.”

Alongside her work at the Royal Children's Hospital and service on the Niue Community Council of Victoria, Sietu collaborates with other Pacific creators and advocates, including Tamm Kingi from Nui Tupu Vagahau Niue.

Sietu says connecting with local Kiribati, Tongan, and Sāmoan communities has helped strengthen Pacific identity across Victoria.

The birth of ‘Beyond The Rock’

What started as a simple dance video project for YouTube quickly evolved into something much greater.

Released in May, Beyond The Rock is a heartfelt film that captures Sietu’s journey as a Niuean raised overseas and her longing to maintain a strong connection with her island home.

“Initially, it was just meant to be like a dance and singing kind of video, which then my family and I were just so extra, we were like, ‘hey, why don’t we also add interviews?’”

The film features Niueans from different generations - children as young as five years old to mamatua (elders) - sharing their experiences of living abroad, the challenges of distance, and the pride in their heritage.

Sietu dedicates the film to her grandparents, Pete Tohitau Sietu and the late Etuata Sietu, and her aunty Kayleen and uncle Aki Sietu, thanking everyone who has helped her stay grounded in her Niuean roots.

Sietu’s journey doesn’t stop there. She already has a sequel in mind. She hopes the next project with the working title On The Rock, will take her back to Niue to capture lived experiences.

“I would love to expand and extend Beyond the Rock to a part two. I would love to actually go back home and do this one in terms of speaking to our matua on the island.”

Pride, power, and perseverance

As her creative cultural expression grows, Sietu remains grounded in the values that shaped her: family, faith, and culture. She hopes her story of reconnection encourages Niueans worldwide to proudly represent their heritage.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for more knowledge about where you come from,” Sietu says. “It’s OK to not know as much and want to learn more. Be brave, be bold to want to know where you are from.

“Our home is so small, our nation is tiny, but we’re so mighty. We love big. When you love to do something and your family supports you, you can do anything.”