Language assists Tagata Niue to thrive

Despite the uncertain times we face with the challenges of COVID-19, our cultural knowledge, values and language remain constant, helping us progress towards goals in life, said the Minister for Pacific Peoples Aupito William Sio.

This year, the Niuean community in New Zealand decided on the theme, “Kia tupuolaola e moui he Tagata Niue” which means “May the Tagata Niue thrive” for Faahi tapu he Vagahau Niue – Niue Language Week 2021.

The theme stems from the umbrella concept of wellbeing, for this year’s nine Pacific Language Weeks.“If we look at the challenges which our people have faced due to the impact of the global pandemic, it can be completely overwhelming,” Aupito William Sio said. 

“However, if we turn to what is constant in our lives, which for Pacific peoples is faith, cultural knowledge, values and language, the unknown doesn’t seem so daunting.

“By combining the complex elements of spiritual, emotional, physical and social wellness, it ensures prosperity and wealth in the home, community and nation.

“It is vital people develop and embrace goals and opportunities despite the distractions of life. 

“Instead of worrying about what we cannot control, we look to what we can, and we can start to move forward again, and even thrive,” Aupito William Sio said. 

Niue Language Week is the second to last of the 2021 Pacific Language Weeks series and activities and events will be delivered online due to recent COVID-19 restrictions.

Hosted by Vagahau Niue Trust, Niue Language Week runs from the 17 October and concludes on the 23 October and will be officially launched online today at 5pm. Go to: https://fb.me/e/1rOAvqO95

The number of people in New Zealand, who identify as Niuean is 30,867, according to the 2018 Census, with the population increasing steadily over the past two decades.

“We are inspired by Niue achieving 97% vaccination of its eligible population. Following the leadership of our families and friends in Niue, I encourage the Niueans of Aotearoa to take up your COVID-19 vaccination. Do it to keep yourselves, your families and communities safe.

“With more Niueans living in Aotearoa than in Niue, revitalising the culture and language is more crucial now than ever,” said Aupito William Sio.

ABOUT NIUE LANGUAGE WEEK 2021

Celebrated online: Sunday 17 October – Saturday 23 October.

This year’s theme for Faahi Tapu he Vagahau Niue – Niue Language Week is Kia Tupuolaola e Moui he Tagata Niue which means May the Tagata Niue thrive.

Kia tupuolaola e moui he Tagata Niue, reminds us of the importance of our Pacific languages and cultures and how they contribute to spiritual, emotional, physical and social wellness for prosperity and wealth in the home, community and nation.

This year’s theme reflects the overarching 2021 Pacific Language Week theme of Wellbeing, by linking the importance of language to overall wellbeing.

Due to COVID-19 Alert Levels across Aotearoa Faahi Tapu he Vagahau Niue – Niue Language Week will be celebrated online. More details about the online activities and events will be coming soon.

Celebrate and connect online by visiting the official NZ Niue Language Week Facebook page!

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PASEFIKA PROUD – Pathways for Change 2019-2023 

Protective factors for Pacific families 
The things that make families strong, resilient, safe and able to bounce back from adversity are known as protective factors. Some of the protective factors identified for Pacific Peoples are: 

  • supportive, caring family members and healthy relationships between all generations 
  • ability to talanoa (talk) and communicate positively and effectively without fear of response – language providing stability to wellbeing 
  • gender equity and equality, including flexible and equal beliefs 
  • positive sense of self, secure cultural identity 
  • clear information about family violence and the law 
  • active participation in cultural, social and faith communities 
  • employment, financial security, positive education experiences, safe and affordable housing, access to health and social services. 

The Pasefika Proud values of love, family, collective, respect, spirituality and reciprocity align with, and help to build these protective factors 

Read more about Pasefika Proud Pathways for Change 2019-2023