On the ground in Hihifo, Tonga, one message was clear: mental health starts at home.

June marks Bowel Cancer Awareness Month across Aotearoa, highlighting the importance of early screening, especially amongst Pacific communities.

As we celebrate Solomon Islands Language Week, we are reminded that language is more than words — it is identity, history, and the heartbeat of our people. This year’s theme, “Protect our language and culture,” calls us to honour the voices that shaped us and ensure they continue into the future.

Fakaalofa lahi atu! I have whakapapa to Ngāti Kuri, Te Hikutū, Ngāpuhi, and the Niuean villages of Toi and Mutalau.

Simione Vonovono Tagicakibau hails from Nukuloa, Gau, Lomaiviti with maternal links to Tarukua, Cicia, Lau. Tagicakibau carries a lot of pride in his heritage and shares with us some words in light of Fijian Language Week.

My name is Maika Vulicakacaka, and I am the second eldest son of 4 siblings; my parents are Inoke Rabaleilekutu and Salanieta Marama Segai. My roots trace back to Laucala, Wailevu West, Cakaudrove, Vanua Levu on my father’s side, and Tiliva, Bua, Lomanikoro, Vanua Levu on my mother’s side. 

Na yacaqu o Mainewa Tupuna Ranavono. Au goneyalewa ni koro o Naviqiri, ena tikina o Navakasiga ena loma ni yasana O Bua. Na marama tinaqu e cavu tu mai na koro ko Natewa, ena tikina ko Natewa ena Yasana ko Cakaudrove. Na noqu kau na Yasi Damu, na noqu ika na tiritiri, na noqu manumanu na Dilio.

Bula vina’a. My name is Salanieta Corerega Naliva, commonly known as Sala. I am of Fijian iTaukei (indigenous) descent, with paternal roots in Kocoma village, Qamea Island, and maternal roots in Somosomo, Taveuni Island, both located in Fiji’s Northern Division, known for its natural beauty, warm hospitality, and where the international dateline crosses. I’m married to Mr. Ponipate Hawea from Nasekula village, Macuata, also in the North. We have five children—three girls and two boys aged between 11 and 17.

Na noqu vosa me na tekivu mai vale — My language starts at home. My name is Ratu Timoci Rokobosara Balenaivalu, from the Yavusa Waimaro, Koro ko Nakorosule in the Yasana of Naitasiri with maternal links to Vadrai, Nakelo in Tailevu. I come from a proud Fijian family that has always carried language and culture at the heart of our identity. For me, family is not just about blood ties but about connection — to each other, to our ancestors, and to our vanua.

Ni sa Bula Vinaka! Na yacaqu o Jaylin Driver. Au tamata mai Serua kei Vanuavou. I am the daughter of Joseph Driver and Seilala Makasale (a proud descendent of Iva, Samoa). I am one of five siblings, with me and my twin sister being the youngest.

Bula Vinaka! I am Dr Anaseini Cama, and I work as the Lead for Trachoma Elimination in the Pacific Program for The Fred Hollows Foundation (Australia). My career started with my work as an Ophthalmology Registrar in the CWM Hospital Eye Department in Suva, Fiji for 13 years before moving to public health ophthalmology where for the past 14 years I worked at regional level. From 2012 – 2015 I was the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, Pacific Sub-regional Coordinator, before moving to my current role. More recently, I also work closely with the Fred Hollows Foundation NZ as the Trainer for the Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness – a population-based survey used to measure the burden, magnitude and causes of blindness and vision impairment in countries. 

My name is Jane Taafaki, and I am the second daughter of Falailiva and Irene Taafaki. My roots span from the beautiful islands of Nukufetau and Funafuti, Tuvalu on my father’s side, and English and Welsh heritage through my mother. Today, I live in Oamaru with my husband, Antonius, and our daughters, Sophia, Siara, and Poema. I am a Research Fellow at the Centre for Pacific Health at the University of Otago, and I also work with the Oamaru Pacific Island Trust, with my research focusing on rural health, especially for Pacific peoples.