Niue students promote language in Aotearoa

Niue, with a population of fewer than 2,000 people, sent 72 students from Niue Primary School to visit Aotearoa.

After a three-and-a-half-hour flight, the students, all between ages 9 and 11 years, touched down at Auckland Airport and embarked on a culturally rich adventure.

One of the students, Jiadelle Faitala, shared the purpose of their trip.

"We've been here for a week, and we come from the country Niue, and it's a cultural exchange," Faitala said told RNZ Pacific ahead of the ASB Polyfest 2024 last month.

Her peer, Tauakina Tongakilo, said the trip is part of the build-up for the milestone celebration of Niue's self-governance in October.

"We are here for the 50th year of self-governing with New Zealand. We visited schools as well as timezone and the movies."

As well as the fun activities, the young ones have been performing traditional items at schools around Auckland over the past week.

De'Starlyn Tomailuga said they have been practicing hard to perfect their performances.

"I was also excited to show our dances to the New Zealanders to share our culture and language."

Niue Primary School principal Carol Edwards said the trip has been a historical one, with a focus on promoting Vagahau Niue - the use of the Niuean language.

"On Wednesday (27 March), we had three of the bilingual units here in New Zealand: Rosebank, Favouna School, and Rowandale, then we came from Niue to make it four.

"Four schools all working to enhance the Vagahau Niue here in New Zealand."

She said valuable connections have been made on this trip that will go a long way in preserving the Niuean language.

The young ones impressed thousands as they made a guest appearance at this year's ASB Polyfest.

Each student introduced themselves in fluent Niuean, played the ukulele, and sang iconic local songs.

They captured the hearts of many, proving through their performance that Vagahau Niue is alive in this new generation.