Our Pacific languages matter because they tell the story of who we are. Language, culture and identity is essential to the wellbeing and longtime success of Pacific people in Aotearoa.
Comparisons from Census 2013 to Census 2018 data shows that the proportion of speakers of Pacific languages in Aotearoa has declined across the board.
Eligible applicants were able to apply by submitting a proposal for up to $2500.
To be eligible, applicants must have:
Been a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand.
Been of Pacific descent.
Represented an unregistered or registered group, or a Pacific owned and operated group or organisation run by youth for youth.
Been able to deliver an initiative targeted at Pacific young people within the calendar year timeframe.
Provided a budget outline.
Applicants could only apply for one MPP language fund.
Eligible applicants could apply by submitting a proposal for up to $2500.
The Youth Languages Fund was available for initiatives that:
Were targeted towards Pacific young people in Aotearoa.
Aligned with MPP’s Lalanga Fou Goal: Thriving Pacific languages, cultures, and identities.
Were targeted towards Pacific communities and families.
Shared and passed on Pacific language knowledge.
Enabled or improved access to Pacific language learning.
Increased the awareness or provided a platform for the use of Pacific languages.
Helped grow the number of speakers of Pacific languages.
All initiatives funded by the Youth Languages Fund had to follow Government COVID-19 health measures for gatherings and social distancing when required. Applicants were asked to consider alternative ways to run their programmes, such as online, where possible.
The Youth Languages Fund would not fund:
If you need more information about the Youth Languages Fund, email [email protected]
We congratulate and thank the following recipients of the Youth Languages Fund, which ran from April to June 2021:
Organisation |
Location |
$ Approved |
Language |
Initiative Focus |
Akatokamanava Organisation of Wellington |
Wellington |
3,010.00 |
Gagana Samoa |
Language learning through oratory and storytelling |
Autalavou - Pacific Islands Presbyterian Church Porirua |
Wellington |
2,500.00 |
Gagana Samoa |
Language learning through church activities and resources |
Crossway Youth Masterton |
Masterton |
2,500.00 |
Gagana Samoa |
Language learning classes for all levels |
EFKS Pakuranga Youth - Pakurangers |
Auckland |
2,500.00 |
Gagana Samoa |
Language learning through cultural practices, storytelling, and oratory |
Kingdom Vision Worship Centre Christian Church |
Wellington |
2,262.83 |
Gagana Samoa |
Language learning through intergenerational sharing of knowledge between youth and elders and using church resources |
KINZA Group (Kiribati and New Zealand Association) |
Hamilton |
2,500.00 |
Te taetae ni Kiribati |
Language learning through intergenerational sharing of knowledge between youth and elders |
Methodist Church of NZ Manurewa - Samoan District, Samoan Synod. |
Auckland |
2,500.00 |
Gagana Samoa |
Language learning classes for beginners and using cultural practices, music, dance, oratory and storytelling |
Saint Joseph Wellington Catholic Group |
Wellington |
2,500.00 |
Te taetae ni Kiribati |
Language learning through church activities and resources |
Samoan Methodist Church of Samoa Kelston - Junior Youth |
Auckland |
2,500.00 |
Gagana Samoa |
Language learning through cultural practices, storytelling, dance and oratory |
St Anne's Samoan Aukalavou |
Christchurch |
2,366.00 |
Gagana Samoa |
Language learning through dance, intergenerational sharing of knowledge between youth and elders and using church resources |
The Salvation Army Manukau |
Auckland |
2,650.00 |
Te Gagana Tokelau |
Language learning through intergenerational sharing of knowledge between youth and elders |
Tofi o Tamatane |
Wellington |
2,500.00 |
Gagana Samoa |
Language learning through leadership development, mentoring, dance and cultural practices |