Niueans keep language, culture ‘alive’

A Southland mother is not letting the lack of Niueans in the Deep South keep her from celebrating Faahi Tapu he Vagahau Niue (Niue Language Week).

Pacific Island Advisory Charitable Trust (PIACT) Whānau Ora navigator Tracey Taulu-Kuresa welcomed Auckland groups, the Laupapa Trust, Piu Piu Niue and Pasefika Proud Niue to Invercargill to share their knowledge of Niuean culture.

The Auckland Niuean collectives helped the local Niuean community celebrate Niue Language Week by leading cultural workshops at PIACT at the weekend.

She said it was important to have the visitors share their knowledge because it drew in the community and showed the "gravity" in losing the language.

"What we’ve done here . . . [together] is to just ensure that we keep that connection, the culture alive

— and to ensure that our next generation can speak the Niuean language," Mrs Taulu-Kuresa said.

Niuean Language Week is celebrated from October 19 to 25.

The theme this year is Fakatapunu, Ofania, mo e Fakaaoga e Vagahau Niue, which translates to elevate, cherish and use the Niue vagahau (language).

Laupapa Trust director Maliaga Erick said the Niuean people were at risk of losing their language.

"The Niuean language is getting lost. . .[and] celebrating Niue Language Week here is a good way to maintain it, to keep their identity and celebrate where they came from," Mrs Erick said.

Different generations took part in song and dance workshops and learnt how to make fou fou (headwear) and kanoa (necklaces) together.

Learning the Niuean national anthem Ko e Iki he Lagi (The Lord in Heaven), and the takalo (war dance) danced by the men and young boys was a highlight for those who took part.

The lesson on making the popular takihi (pawpaw, taro and coconut cream treat) attracted old and new fans to the delicacy.

Celebration organisers hoped the different activities held during the week would make it fun learning about the Niuean culture and that non-Niueans would also take an interest.

The Vagahau Niue Trust provided Niuean literature including the Bible (koe tohi tapu), language dictionaries and children’s reading books as giveaways for having participated in the workshops.

A cabinet of items and photographs celebrating Niue Language Week are on display at the Invercargill City Library.

Those interested in supporting the kaupapa could look forward to a week of "sharing, learning and love", organisers said.