‘We started off in garages’

Rooted in humble beginnings, “proud” is how an early childhood teacher describes the journey of New Zealand’s first Tokelauan early childhood education (ECE) centre.

Estella Rimoni known to the kids as Aunty Stella, is the assistant supervisor of Mataliki Tokelau Akoga Kamata, a Māngere-based ECE that promotes Tokelau culture and language.

The centre was established in the late 1980s by a small group of Tokelauan parents and it eventually grew when two mothers received their qualifications to become bonafide ECE teachers.

Estella Rimoni from Fakaofo in Tokelau holds a bachelor's Degree in Teaching ECE, a Postgraduate Degree ECE, and a Masters in ECE leadership. Photo/Mataliki Tokelau Akoga Kamata

Rimoni reflected on the journey the school has embarked on which now has a roll of more than 100 children and 27 staff.

“We started off in garages and then we founded this place back in the late 90s and 2001 was when we got licensed.”

She’s worked at the school for almost 15 years and said her children also attended the school.

“Just to see the growth of Mataliki and the work we continue to do for our language it’s amazing. I'm so proud of the school, our children, our teachers, and our families.

“We have ex-students who are now bringing their children to Mataliki. We have ex-students who are teachers here at Mataliki so I’m proud of our work here.”

Children perform at an event celebrating 21 years since the school was licensed. Photo/Mataliki Tokelau Akoga Kamata

According to the 2018 Census, 8676 people identify as Tokelauan with a median age of 21.4 years and many of them are living in the Auckland and Wellington regions.

When it comes to language, Tokelauan has been designated “severely endangered” by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, its second-most-at-risk category.

This year’s Tokelau Language Week theme is “Tokelau, tāofi mau tau aganuku, ko tō pale tēnā” which translates to - “Tokelau, holdfast to your culture, that is your crown”.

Sticking to the theme of sustainability, Rimoni is hopeful the language will continue to be preserved for future generations.

“It’s important for us Tokelauans to celebrate and acknowledge our aganuku … My hope is that our children will continue to learn and to celebrate our Tokelauan language.”

Watch students of Mataliki Tokelau Akoga Kamata perform the traditional Tokelauan dance below.