Niue Language Week: A historic celebration of ‘Stories of Niue’ from parents to children

More than 300 students from the Tokiofa Arts Academy are set to take the stage this weekend for what organisers are calling a “groundbreaking night” of Niuean cultural pride.

The Season 2 showcase, titled Stories of Niue, is part of Faahi Tapu he Vagahu Niue - the celebrations for Niue Language Week. It will be held at the Sir Woolf Fisher Arena at the Due Drop Events Centre in Manukau on Saturday.

Faahi Tapu he Vagahau Niue runs from 19 to 25 October 2025. This year’s theme, “Fakatapunu, Ofania, mo e Fakaaoga e Vagahau Niue!” translates to “Elevate, Cherish, and Use Vagahau Niue!”.

Storytellers of the Tokiofa showcase say their event aligns with the spirit of the week by bringing the language and culture to life through dance, music, storytelling, and intergenerational participation.

Speaking with Tofiga Fepulea’i on Island Time, a group of senior performers say the event offers them a deeply personal way to reconnect with their roots. Rod MacSwain, a former professional fighter raised in Manurewa, says it felt like “the missing link” in his life.

MacSwain is currently head coach and creator of Hybrid Training gym’s Fight Camp. “I’ve done the sporting thing, the family thing, now it’s time to reconnect back to my culture,” he says.

Last year’s Tokiofa Arts Academy practice. Photo/PMN News/Candice Ama

“It's been an amazing experience. I’ve done the sporting thing, the family, now it's time to reconnect back to my culture through my mum and the amazing people at the Tokiofa Arts Production,” MacSwain says.

“They've provided this platform for us to come, learn the Vagahau Niue, the song and dance, and perform on Saturday. I'm really looking forward to it.” The academy is an extension of a Niuean Youth Group based in Auckland, Three Star Nation, which represents Hakupu village.

Francis Talepita also shares MacSwain’s sentiments, saying that performing has helped him reconnect with his culture. He reflects on his upbringing in Niue.

“I didn't always see the value of the culture. It was just everyday life, but moving away and coming back through the arts has really opened my eyes,” Talepita says.

Watch PMN news’s interview with Three Star Nation on last year’s Tokiofa Arts Academy sold-out Māngere show:

“Performing has helped me to reconnect with my identity and my family in a deeper way. It's healing, it's empowering, and it's made me proud to be a Niuean in a way that I didn't fully understand before.”

Susana Foster, who comes from both Niuean and Cook Islands heritage, says joining Tokiofa has strengthened her connection to her Niuean roots as her upbringing had her closer to her Cook Islands culture.

“Joining Tokiofa helped me strengthen the way that I value the traditions, the stories of our ancestors and how I can teach my kids and the future generations the Vagahau Niue. So it's been more about how I can truly teach my younger generations on how to carry on our language,” Foster says.

For others, participating has been a family affair. Norm Taito, who is Sāmoan and represents his Niuean partner, says his daughters are also involved in the programme.

“The reason I joined Tokiofa is to be a part of something. I get to share the stage with my daughters, which is every father's dream. We can only do this once in a lifetime,” Taito says.

“It’s also broadened my vision of our whole Niue as well, learning different aspects of the difference between our Sāmoan culture and the Niue side.”

The two-hour event will begin at 6pm and will feature performances from five academy groups, from early childhood to adult learners, representing all 13 villages of Niue. This includes Anoiha (Early Childhood, Primary, and Intermediate), Tafiti (Secondary), and Motu (Adults).

Rehearsals of the Tafiti (Secondary) group. Photo/Instagram/Tokiofa Arts Academy

After the performances, there will be food, crafts, and a celebration running until 11pm. Tutors leading the different groups include Mone Lakatani, Rochelle Tonga, Mahalo Aue, and TJ Talagi Ikiua for the adult class.

Other groups are led by Renei Misiniu, Meleua Ikiua, Jaden Ikitule, Carolina Tonga, Allenzo Tamatoa, Blessed Lakatani, and Matali Kulatea-Ryan

MacSwain hopes the performance will inspire others by showing how “ordinary Niueans” can come together to uphold their culture. He adds that connecting with fellow performers and celebrating their shared heritage has been an amazing experience.

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

“Culture used to be a massive part of our lives, especially in Niue and the islands. Coming to New Zealand, it's not so much these days. We're busy, but we can still make the time. So I hope it inspires not just the youth, but the adults to go out there and hold [their culture] up there as a priority because it is.”

The arena-scale production is described by organisers as “the first Niuean production ever staged on this scale”. Tickets are available in gold, silver, and bronze tiers, and can be purchased here.