Minister launches Tongan Language Week 1 Sep 2014
Related articles
Pacific Island Affairs Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga today launched Tongan Language Week at the Tongan Methodist Church in Otahuhu, Auckland.
Tongan Language Week runs from 1-7 September and the theme this year is‘Ko e kai ia ‘a e Tonga: Enriching Aotearoa with Tongan Wisdom.
“This week is about showcasing Tongan culture, pride and most importantly the Tongan language in New Zealand” Mr Lotu-Iiga said
“It is especially significant to launch this Tongan Language Week at an Early Childhood Education (ECE) fun day run by the Church. With over 300 children, parents and community members present, this truly is the future of the Tongan Language in New Zealand.”
Census data from 2013 shows us that there are 60,336 Tongans in New Zealand, making them the third largest Pacific group after Samoans and Cook Islanders. Tongans were also the fastest growing group since the last Census in 2006.
Tongans born in New Zealand also account for 56 percent of the total Tongan population and around 80 percent of Tongans live in Auckland.
“Preserving our culture, heritage and languages is important. This is why our Government continues to support Language weeks, Pacific resources in ECE and events such as the ASB Polyfest and Pasifika Festival.”
This launch also follows a successful Tongan youth rally held at the Lotofale’ia Church in Mangere last night. Over 800 young people and their families attended this event where the Prime Minister was the guest speaker.
“Speaking to the youth group, the Prime Minister and others spoke about attitude, believing in yourself and you get out of life what you put into it.”
“It is great to see initiatives like these celebrating and encouraging our young people to embrace their Tongan culture, heritage and language.” Mr Lotu-Iiga said
“Celebrating and sharing our cultural identity is essential for the wellbeing of our children, families and the wider community. There is an exciting program of events throughout the week and I would encourage all New Zealanders to take part.” Mr Lotu-Iiga added.
Tongan Language Week is promoted by the Aotearoa Tongan Teachers Association alongside the Human Rights Commission. The Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs, community members and other organisations also support this initiative.
For more information on Tongan Language Week please visit:www.mpia.govt.nz or on Facebook at: Tongan Language Week on Facebook
News
Hilary Timmins' Award-Winning UK Documentary Series To Inspire NZ Students
29 Jun 2020 Education
Dream Catchers, produced and directed by Hilary Timmins, celebrates the success stories of more than thirty inspirational New... more
New Zealand reaffirms support for Flight MH17 judicial process
7 Mar 2020 News
Ahead of the start of the criminal trial in the Netherlands on 9 March, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has reaffirmed the need to... more
Business
NZ Government's Economic package to fight COVID-19
17 Mar 2020 Business News
The Coalition Government has launched the most significant peace-time economic plan in modern New Zealand history to cushion the... more
NZ Government announces aviation relief package
19 Mar 2020 Business News
Transport Minister Phil Twyford today outlined the first tranche of the $600 million aviation sector relief package announced earlier... more
Living
Diversity was Key at New Zealand Trade Tasting in London
6 Jun 2022 Food & Wine
New Zealand Winegrowers Annual Trade Tasting was recently held in London, on Wednesday 4 May, in Lindley Hall.
It was the first... more
Kiwi author stuns Behind the Butterfly Gate
12 Jan 2022 Arts
Hidden behind the Butterfly Gate is where the secret has been kept for 76 years...
New Zealand writer Merryn Corcoran’s... more
Property
Fairer rules for tenants and landlords
17 Nov 2019 Property
17 NOVEMBER 2019
The Government has delivered on its promise to the over one million New Zealanders who now rent to make it fairer... more
New Zealand Government will not implement a Capital Gains Tax
17 Apr 2019 Property
The Coalition Government will not proceed with the Tax Working Group’s recommendation for a capital gains tax, Jacinda Ardern... more
Migration
Boosting border security with electronic travel authority – now over 500,000 issued
19 Nov 2019 Migration
19 NOVEMBER 2019
We’ve improved border security with the NZeTA, New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority, which helps us to... more
Christchurch reinstated as refugee settlement location
18 Aug 2018 Migration
18 AUGUST 2018
HON IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY
The announcement that Christchurch can once again be a settlement location for refugees... more
Travel
Gallipoli Anzac Day services cancelled
19 Mar 2020 Travel & Tourism
The New Zealand and Australian Governments have announced this year’s joint Anzac Day services at Gallipoli will be cancelled... more
New Zealanders advised not to travel overseas
19 Mar 2020 Travel & Tourism
New Zealanders advised not to travel overseas
more
Sport
The Skipper's Diary: Sir Richard Hadlee honouring his father and NZ's Forty-Niners
27 Oct 2019 Cricket
NZNewsUK London Editor Charlotte Everett spoke to Sir Richard Hadlee about why he’s chosen to publish his father’s... more
PREVIEW: All Blacks v England semi-final
26 Oct 2019 Rugby
The two most convincing quarterfinals winners are set to square off in a semifinal showdown for the ages when the All Blacks meet old... more
Columns
Gordon Campbell on the Gareth Morgan crusade
11 Nov 2016 Opinion
Gordon Campbell on the Gareth Morgan crusade
First published on Werewolf
The ghastly likes of Marine Le Pen in France and Geert ... more
Gordon Campbell on the US election outcome
10 Nov 2016 Opinion
Column - Gordon Campbell
Gordon Campbell on the US election outcome
Well um.. on the bright side, there (probably)... more
Kiwi Success
Congratulations to Loder Cup winner
26 Sep 2018 People
25 SEPTEMBER 2018
The Loder Cup, one of New Zealand’s oldest conservation awards, has been awarded to Robert McGowan for 2018... more
Appointments to New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO
16 Aug 2018 Appointments
16 AUGUST 2018Appointments to New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO
HON JENNY SALESA
Associate Education Minister Jenny Salesa is... more
Recruitment
Historic pay equity settlement for education support workers
14 Aug 2018 Recruitment
14 AUGUST 2018Historic pay equity settlement for education support workers
RT HON JACINDA ARDERN
HON CHRIS HIPKINS
Prime Minister
The... more
Historic pay equity settlement for education support workers
22 Aug 2018 Recruitment
14 AUGUST 2018Historic pay equity settlement for education support workers
RT HON JACINDA ARDERN
HON CHRIS HIPKINS
Prime Minister
The... more