Songs, faith and family: The roots of Tokelauan identity in Aotearoa

For Samantha Lafaialii, the story of her Tokelauan heritage begins with her great-grandmother, Akenese Pereira, who was born on the atoll of Nukunonu.

Lafaialii, who leads a research support team within the University of Auckland’s Faculty of Arts and Education, says her great-grandmother’s legacy lives on through the language, songs, faith and traditions passed down through her family.

"Our Tokelauan heritage comes from Ma, she's the source of our family's gagana Tokelau and hiva, as well as the Catholic faith passed down through our parents and grandparents."

Her reflections come as Tokelauan communities across New Zealand celebrate Te Vaiaho o te Gagana Tokelau – Tokelau Language Week, from 25 to 31 October.

This year's theme, "Ke mauaka taku gagana Tokelau i taku aganuku" – "My language is enriched and strengthened by my culture" – highlights the importance of keeping language alive through cultural practices.

Lafaialii recalls a family reunion about 10 years after her great-grandmother's death, when her children spontaneously performed traditional songs and dances.

Samantha Lafaialii says her great-grandmother's legacy lives on through the Tokelauan language, songs, faith and traditions passed down through her family. Photo/University of Auckland.

"I'd never heard my grandmother sing a pehe before. The joy and laughter between her and her siblings as they left their tables to join the hiva (song and dance) is something I'll never forget."

According to the 2023 Census, 9,822 people of Tokelauan heritage live in New Zealand, with almost half, 4,677, living in the Wellington region. About 1500 live in Tokelau.

Flag-raising ceremonies, traditional performances and community gatherings are among this week's celebrations, bringing together generations of Tokelauans.

The celebrations also carry historical significance, marking 100 years since New Zealand assumed administrative responsibility for Tokelau in 1926.

A commemorative plaque unveiled in Porirua marks 100 years of Tokelau’s constitutional relationship with New Zealand and honours the ancestors who established Matauala Hall as a cultural home for generations of Tokelauans in Wellington. Photo/Anita Baker, Mayor of Porirua

The Atafu Tokelau Community Group in Porirua has commemorated the centenary with a plaque honouring the ancestors who established Matauala community centre, creating a lasting home for their community.

The plaque reads:

This commemorative plaque marks the 100th anniversary of the constitutional relationship between Tokelau and Aotearoa New Zealand, 1926–2026.

With love and deep respect, we dedicate this commemoration to the memory of our tupuna and loved ones who laid the foundation o Te Kāiga o Atafu i Ueligitone. Through their unwavering devotion, they secured this land and raised the Matauala Hall, gifting our future generations with identity, unity, and belonging – our cherished home away from home.

The plaque also includes a passage from Jeremiah 29:11 in Tokelauan and a further tribute to the community's ancestors.

The plaque commemorates the centenary of Tokelau’s constitutional relationship with New Zealand (1926–2026) and honours the ancestors who established Matauala Hall in Porirua. Photo/Anita Baker, Mayor of Porirua.

For Lafaialii, the enduring strength of these family connections remains a source of pride.

"My biggest flex will always be my family. We are a sea of islands with the greatness of our oceans. I love the years of showing up for one another and the shared history that stretches back generations."

Members of the Auckland Tokelau Society celebrate Tokelau Language Week 2026. Photo/Auckland Tokelau Society Inc.

The flags of Tokelau and New Zealand fly above a community gathering at Matauala community centre in Porirua, during a commemorative ceremony marking Tokelau Language Week 2026 and 100 years of Tokelau’s constitutional relationship with New Zealand. Photo/Anita Baker, Mayor of Porirua.

Children and community members celebrate Tokelau Language Week 2026 at Pātaka in Porirua, sharing songs, cultural performances and traditions across generations. Photo/Porirua City Council.

Raising of Tokelau flag at St Thomas of Canterbury College in Christchurch