'Pacific offers solutions': Collin Tukuitonga leads global charge as Niue Language Week begins

As Niueans across Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific mark the start of Faahi Tapu he Vagahau Niue (Niue Language Week), one of the island’s most distinguished sons is reminding the world that small island nations hold big answers to global challenges.

Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga, co-director of Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa at the University of Auckland, says Pacific people are not just victims of climate change or public health crises. He says they are innovators leading the way.

His message lands as Niue Language Week launches with the 2026 theme "Gahua auloa ke fakaako fakamalolō e Vagahau Niue" - Working together to diligently teach and strengthen Vagahau Niue.

"We want to support healthier and more resilient Pacific communities while ensuring Pacific voices help shape the future of global health," he said in a university report.

Niue lies roughly 2400 kilometres northeast of New Zealand. Today, the diaspora of nearly 35,000 Niueans living in New Zealand far outnumbers the island's resident population, yet only about 11 per cent can speak Vagahau Niue, making every effort to hold onto the language vital.

Born in Alofi, Tukuitonga has spent the past year travelling internationally to promote Pacific-led solutions, from climate resilience and health equity to regional marine conservation.

Kia monuina e Faahi Tapu he Vagahau Niue! Join us as we celebrate and preserve the rich culture and language of Niue. Photo/Ministry for Pacific Peoples

Speaking ahead of COP31 discussions in Fiji, he emphasised that Pacific stewardship and collective responsibility are crucial as the world faces rising temperatures, food insecurity, and health disparities.

His leadership spans major global roles, including his appointment as President-Elect of the World Obesity Federation and his position as Chair of the Pacific Academy of Sciences.

Across all his work, Tukuitonga advocates for research and policies that reflect Pacific values and directly serve local communities.

The future of Vagahau Niue: Proud young storytellers carrying their culture forward. Photo/PMN Niue

At the 2026 Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa Research Symposium, he highlighted how community-driven research is transforming outcomes across the region, from cervical cancer elimination initiatives to mental health support.

"Pacific research is increasingly being shaped by Pacific values, accountable to Pacific communities and focused on real-world impact," he said.

Beyond global diplomacy, Tukuitonga remains a staunch advocate for equity at home, repeatedly calling for stronger investment in the Māori and Pacific health workforce to address deep-seated health inequities.

Reinforcing the importance of preserving language and cultural identity as a foundation for wellbeing, Pacific community leaders say keeping Vagahau Niue alive in Aotearoa is vital for the 34,944 people of Niuean heritage living in New Zealand.

Ministry for Pacific Peoples representatives also emphasised that language preservation relies on collective community effort across generations.

"Working together to diligently teach and strengthen Vagahau Niue is about ensuring our language, culture, and identity thrive for our children and future generations," the Ministry said in its launch message.

Watch Niueans launch their language week in Aotearoa below.

For the Niuean diaspora, Tukuitonga’s journey demonstrates how culture, service, and leadership interweave on the world stage.

While Niue remains one of the smallest island nations, its voices continue to punch well above their weight globally.

Faahi Tapu he Vagahau Niue - Niue Language Week - runs from Sunday 18 October to Saturday 24 October 2026.

Niue marks Constitution Day each year on October 19, commemorating the 1974 signing of the Niue Constitution Act and the beginning of self-governance in free association with New Zealand.

For more information, resources, and event details on Niue Language Week - Faahi Tapu he Vagahau Niue, visit the Ministry for Pacific Peoples website or follow the official Niue Language Week Facebook page.