Tongan-New Zealanders last week celebrated “Tongan Language Week” (Uike Katoanga'i 'o e Lea Faka-Tonga) an annual event to celebrate Tongan culture and language in New Zealand. The theme of this year’s Tongan Language Week was “Fakakoloa Aotearoa ‘Aki’ A e Nofo ‘A Kainga” (Enriching Aotearoa with our Family values).

During Tongan Language Week 3-9 September, students of Tongan heritage in schools and tertiary institutions across New Zealand, from Auckland to Oamaru, performed hymns and dances at their school assemblies and local libraries. The week saw Tongan speech competitions and dance-offs. Tongan artists celebrated the week, showcasing their heritage inspired art at local exhibitions and galleries.

Tongan Language Week was officially launched by New Zealand’s Minister for Pacific Peoples, Hon. Alfred Ngaro, at the Auckland Memorial Museum on the opening day 3 September, when he encouraged all New Zealanders to embrace the “Tongan spirit”.

“I encourage all Kiwis to take on some of that Tongan spirit this week and challenge everyone to speak, cook or even dance like a Tongan,” Hon. Ngaro stated.

““Try some Tongan food, lu sipi or check out one of the events happening across the country,” he added.

“There are lots of ways to get out and celebrate lea faka-Tongaand anga faka-Tonga.”

On the opening day of Tongan Language Week, a “Po Lotu” involving over 20 churches was held in Wellington. According to New Zealand statistics, over 60,000 New Zealanders identify themselves as Tongans.