Niue Language Week Faahi Tapu he Vagahau Niue

It’s Niue Language Week Faahi Tapu he Vagahau Niue and this year the theme Fakatūleva e Vagahau Niue mo e Tau Aga Fakamotu ma e Tau Atuhau, which means - Sustain Niue Language and Culture for Future Generations.

As one of our smaller island nations, they face the endangerment of losing their language Vagahau Niue, and their culture. Vagahau Niue has been registered by UNESCO officially as an endangered language.

Niue is also known as ‘The Rock’ or ‘The Rock of Polynesia’ because it is one of the largest coral atolls in the world. It has incredible limestone caves and beautiful clear waters.

Known for their friendliness and sense of humour, it’s no surprise that one of their most famous sons in Shimpal Lelisi from Naked Samoans.

In the video below watch as Shimpal shares some facts about Niue – The Rock (not the other Rock).

To celebrate Niue Language Week Faahi Tapu he Vagahau Niue a number of events are available to take part in – both online and in person. Click here to find out more on the Ministry for Pacific Peoples website.

If you’re in Auckland – the Niue Youth Network is holding a Niue Dance/Song Workshop at Oranga Community Centre (Kelly Elrick Room), 52 Waitangi Road, Onehunga. You can learn some Niuean dances and songs. Available to all youth and young adults, the event takes place from 6-7.30pm.

In the meantime you might like to try one or two of these phrases this week to support on Niuean brothers and sisters:

Fakaalofa lahi atu / Hello

Malolō nakai a koe? / How are you (to one person)

Malolō au, fakaaue / I’m fine, thanks

Ko hai e higoa haau / What is your name?

Tau Fakamonuinaaga! / Blessings!