Niue Language Week: Pacific Music Awards star performers honoured to represent Niue on the big stage

Leveki moe puipui he magafaoa katoa- guide and protect the entire family

That was this year’s theme for the Pacific Music Awards honouring the host nation of Niue at the celebration. The night opened with the Three Star Nation group, comprised of Auckland-based tagata Niue (Niue people) from the village Hakupu Atua.

The group graced the stage with traditional songs, dances and a powerful war dance from the Niue toa (warriors).

Three Star Nation member Kenrick Manatau Viviani-Tanuvasa says the opportunity to represent Niue at the awards helped him reconnect with his culture.

“Being a New Zealand born Niuean, I’ve finally grown to reconnect with my Niue culture. So it’s great to be part of the Three Star Nation.

“Yes we are a small nation, but we have the pride of a thousand nations! Not only that but we’re strong, prideful and we love our families.

“And I guess that’s what makes us strong as people, as individuals and as Niue people as well.”

Niue music artist, and member of the Three Star Nation group ‘Heiressofthegame’ Eunique Ikiua says their performance reinforces the idea that tagata Niue living in New Zealand can hold their Niue culture with pride.

“The opportunity is massive, this is a big honor and I feel so privileged not only to be with my maaga (village) to have the platform like Pacific Music Awards to raise the Niue flag and be proud of being Niuean.

“The language is our birthright, there’s always a time and space to reconnect with your culture, it doesn’t matter if your knowledge is small - it’s always there to reconnect with you.”