Tongans in New Zealand have begun celebrating “Tongan Language Week” with various events promoting the Tongan language, being held from September 1-7.

The week-long schedule of events is supported by New Zealand’s Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs.

Some of the events organised include Tongan language education radio programmes, speech competitions, essay competitions, a cultural expo and the showcasing of Tongan poetry.

According to the Minister of Pacific Island Affairs, Hekia Parata, Tonga Language week marks a celebration of the Tongan community in New Zealand.

 “The Tongan community has contributed to New Zealand in every facet of society from academia, arts, sports and culture and Tongan Language Week will provide an opportunity for us to celebrate what our Tongan community brings to New Zealand.

“I have prepared my colleagues this week by sending all Members of Parliament some key Tongan greetings and sayings for their use during the week,” she said. 

Over 50,000 Tongans live in New Zealand making them the third-largest Pacific group, after Samoans (131,000), and Cook Islanders (58,000). About 80 per cent of Tongans live in Auckland and just over 60 per cent speak the language.