Fakaalofa Lahi Atu!

Currently, there are about 1700 people living in Niue, but many have migrated to New Zealand in search of better opportunities. In 2009, I joined those numbers and moved to New Zealand to pursue my medical studies. Now, 15 years later, I have fully embraced New Zealand as my new home while cherishing my Niuean roots. Niue will always be home in my heart. 

I hail from the beautiful village of Fineone, Hakupu Atua, located on the southeastern side of Niue. I also have Fijian heritage, my maternal grandmother is from Sigatoka, Fiji. I am the second youngest of five children; my sister and I live in New Zealand, while the rest of my family, including my parents, reside in Niue. I am married to Benjamin Hekau, and we have a wonderful son named Nyzan. 

I grew up in Niue, where I spent my first 18 years surrounded by rich culture and a vibrant community. Fluent in Niuean, I cherish my mother tongue and incorporate it into my daily life with my husband, who is also from Niue. We converse in Niuean daily, which helps sustain the language. We are both passionate about ensuring our son learns Vagahau Niue, allowing him to embrace his Niuean identity while becoming bilingual. At times, it has been quite challenging because English is widely and predominantly spoken in New Zealand. However, we are determined to immerse Nyzan in the unique aspects of Niuean culture, such as preparing an umu (earth oven), planting taros at a plantation, hunting uga (coconut crabs), and fishing on the reef and sea, to name a few. While many of these experiences are best enjoyed in Niue, we are grateful that it’s just a short flight (3.5 hours) away from Auckland. 

In his first year, we’ve been fortunate to travel home, and this is just the beginning of many more visits. Above all, we hope to instill in Nyzan the fundamental values of our culture: respect, perseverance, and humility. 

The theme for Niue Language Week this year is “Leveki mo e Feaki e Vagahau Niue ma Anoiha” – Protect and nurture Vagahau Niue for the Future. 

This year’s theme inspires me to teach my son Vagahau Niue. As a Niuean, it is vital to recognise that our language is endangered. Taking a proactive stance, I decided to join the Tokiofa Academy, a movement by the Three Star Nation group in Auckland dedicated to preserving and sharing Niuean arts with the world. During Niue Language Week, the Tokiofa Academy will be showcasing Niuean songs and dances. 

Niue Language Week coincides with Niue's constitutional celebrations. Therefore, I want to acknowledge and congratulate my island, Niue, which will be celebrating 50 years of self-governance under free association with New Zealand this year. 

One of my long-term goals is to continue promoting Vagahau Niue, especially among the younger generation, whether through communication or performing arts. Education starts at home, and establishing this foundation for my son growing up in New Zealand is crucial in our efforts to teach him our Vagahau. 

My love for Niue and Vagahau Niue is beautifully captured in the words of a legendary musician from my village, Hakupu Atua, Uncle Ben Tanaki: “Small is my island, fiery is my heart” – “Tote haku motu, kae vela pakutoa a au e.” 

These words resonate deeply within me and echo repetitively in my mind as a proud Niuean living in New Zealand. Though my island may be small, our hearts extend as far and deep as the Pacific Ocean. 

Fakaaue Lahi.