Reconnect, reaffirm, rejuvenate: Wellington youth descend on Niue

As Niue welcomes thousands of people back to the island ahead of the 50th Constitution Celebrations, a youth group from Wellington is on a mission to “reconnect”.

Nearly 50 members of the Ofaga ha Keriso are in Niue, eager to reconnect with their culture.

Youth coordinator Gaylene Wilson says the trip is a special chance for the young members to experience the homeland.

“We’ve come all the way from Wellington with our youth group, we’ve brought them over to experience Niue.

“It’s been a plan in the last 10 months of preparation in Wellington, and we’re finally here. It’s been so good.”

Youth members during a tour of a historical site in Mutalau, Niue. Photo/Rebecca Wilson.

The group has engaged in several activities around the island, including tours of historical sites, learning the traditions, and a visit to the Niue Parliament.

Wilson explains the theme of their trip.

“We call it the three ‘r’s’: reconnect, reaffirm, and rejuvenate. It’s something we’ve been talking about for a long time, not only reconnecting but interweaving that with our Christian life, and also how that connects back to our homeland here in Niue.

“That’s been the most important thing is teaching these kids that throughout the year and then hopefully the penny will drop when they get home.”

Tukitama Tutaki, 22, is on his first trip back to Niue with the group.
“Some of our other youth’s first time coming. It was a long process, all the practices, get-togethers, and planning. It's great to see it coming.

“My highlight so far has been all the ugas (coconut crab) we’ve been eating! All the food, so blessed.”

Delcine Siohane says the group held fundraising events in Wellington and Auckland in the lead-up to their trip.
“We had ako koli every Saturday, and we also did a performance in Auckland for our performances in Niue.

“There was lots of planning during the week after school, after work to come together and plan for this trip.”

The group will conclude their trip with a performance next Saturday at Niue’s 50th Constitution Day celebrations.

The island is expecting thousands of visitors to participate in the milestone event, as the country marks 50 years of self-governance in free association with New Zealand.

More than 30,000 Niueans live abroad. Returning to Niue, Gaylene Wilson says it’s been overwhelming to bring the youth home.

“It’s been fantastic. We feel overwhelmed and humbled, not just by the generosity of our people but just (be in) our homeland. To touch down, breathe the air, and soak in everything around us has been amazing.

“The kids I think so far they’ve learned so much, weaving, sight-seeing, visiting important landmarks here in Niue has been very special.

“I hope we’ve instilled the desire for them to come back to Niue more often, if not, for good. This is their home. This is where their roots start from.

“I hope we’ve set that in stone for them, or shown examples, so they can come home.”

Youth members learning to weave. Photo/Rebecca Wilson