New Zealand’s proud Rotuman community is gearing up to share its vibrant language and culture during Rotuma Language Week, celebrated from 11 to 17 May 2025. The week is a special opportunity to engage with one of the most unique and precious languages of the Pacific.
This year’s theme – Åf'ạkia ma rak'ạkia 'os fäega ma ag fak Rotuma – tēfakhanisit Gagaja nā se ‘äe ma gou | Treasure & teach our Rotuman language and culture – A gift given to you and I by God – reflects a deep sense of identity, legacy and connection to community.
With fewer than 1,000 people in Aotearoa identifying as Rotuman, Jioji Vai, a respected Rotuman community leader and Chairperson of the Hata Collective (Rotuma Language Week NZ Rotuma Leaders Forum), says the week plays a vital role in helping to preserve and pass on the language.
“Being Rotuman is more than just an ethnicity. I hope each person finds a renewed sense of purpose – that no matter your level of language or cultural proficiency you know this Rotuman language and culture is yours and that you don’t stop this week but keep this tēfakhanisi (gift) alive today, tomorrow and always,” says Jioji.
Jioji adds that the language’s uniqueness lies in its vowels and the way they are expressed.
“The vowels are what makes the language unique. In the Pacific, Rotumans win when it comes to the number of variations in vowels. The Rotuman vowels are the basic vowels of the Pacific – A, E, I, O, U – but the many variations to the letters A, O, and U and adding macrons to some of our vowels, it can drag the sound of the vowel. The best way to learn is by audio or in conversation, not on paper,” says Vai.
Secretary for Pacific Peoples Gerardine Clifford-Lidstone says the Ministry for Pacific Peoples is proud to once again work alongside the Hata Collective, which represents many Rotuman communities in New Zealand, to support Gasav Ne Fäeag Rotuạm Ta - Rotuma Language Week.
“I encourage everyone to learn something about Rotuman language and culture this Rotuma Language Week,” says Gerardine.
Visit the Rotuma Language Week webpage and the official Rotuma Language Week Facebook page for more information about events, resources and language guides.