Mālō e lelei

This we celebrated Tongan Language Week.  The theme for Tongan Language Week is:

'E tu'uloa 'a e lea faka-Tongá 'o ka lea'aki 'i 'api, siasí (lotú), mo e nofo-'a-kāingá - 

The Tongan Language will be sustainable when used at home, church and in the wider community.

Common classroom phrases were shared with teachers and they were encouraged to use common Tongan phrases throughout the week.

In assembly, Year 9 student Mia Tavake and Year 10 student Airene Palu shared with us an inspiring speech on how through the Tongan language, they can connect with their heritage and uphold traditions and values.  Their speech is attached to this article for you to read.

Following the speech, a group of Year 12 students - Kalolita Takataka, Evelyn & Dina Veituna, Peptua Taniela and Nele Tagatauli Papau, performed a traditional Tongan dance.

Airene's speech:

The Importance of Tongan Language Week in New Zealand

Fakafeta’I ki he ‘Otua, Fakafeta’I he mo’ui

Tapu ki he ‘Otua Mafimafi ‘I hotau lotolotonga, Tapu ki he principal moe staff, Tapu moe kau prefects moe tamaiki katoa.

Malo e Lelei, and warm Tongan greetings to you all. As we gather here today, we celebrate not just a language, but a living, breathing expression of culture, identity, and community. It is a celebration of who we are and where we come from.

In New Zealand, the Tongan community is an integral part of our multicultural society. Tongan Language Week is a time to recognize and honour the richness that the Tongan language brings to this diverse nation. Language is more than a means of communication; it is the foundation of culture. Through the Tongan language, we connect with our heritage, uphold our traditions, and pass on the values that define us as a people.

We have four foundational pillars, known as the Faa’i Kavei Koula, that embody the essence of our Tongan culture and describe any Tongan you may encounter anywhere in the world.

1.  Fefaka’apa’apa’aki (Mutual Respect): A Tongan person must always demonstrate mutual respect, valuing the dignity and worth of others in every interaction.

2.  Feveitokai’aki (Sharing and Cooperating): A Tongan person must engage in sharing and cooperating, fostering a spirit of unity and support within the community.

3.  Lototoo (Humility and Generosity): A Tongan person must embody humility and generosity, approaching others with a selfless heart and a willingness to give.

4.  Tauhi vaha’a (Loyalty and Commitment): A Tongan person must maintain loyalty and commitment, upholding the bonds of relationships and responsibilities with unwavering dedication.

In a world where many Pacific languages are at risk of disappearing, Tongan Language Week serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of preserving our ‘lea fakatonga’, tau’olunga, teunga fakatonga, and cultural identity. For the Tongan community in New Zealand, this week is an opportunity to ensure that the younger generations stay connected to their roots, understand their history, and feel proud of their identity.

But Tongan Language Week is not just for Tongans; it is for all of New Zealand. It is an invitation to celebrate the diversity that makes this country so unique. By embracing and promoting the Tongan language, we enrich the cultural tapestry of New Zealand, fostering greater understanding, respect, and unity among all its people.

In conclusion, Tongan Language Week is a celebration of identity, a commitment to cultural preservation, and a testament to the strength and resilience of the Tongan community in New Zealand. Let us all join together to celebrate, support, and promote the Tongan language, ensuring that it continues to thrive for generations to come.

Tu’a’ofa atu

Mālo ‘aupito. Thank you.