This year’s theme for Macawa ni Vosa Vakaviti – Fijian Language Week is Me vakabulabulataki, vakamareqeti, ka vakaqaqacotaki na vosa vakaviti, which means, Nurture, Preserve and Sustain the Fijian language.
The theme is aligned with the overall concept of the 2023 Pacific Language Weeks' overarching topic of sustainability, the launch of the UNESCO Decade of Indigenous Languages; and the Pacific Languages Strategy.
As a diaspora population, our language, culture and identity is more important now, than ever before. Our role as a community is to be united in nurturing our language through recognising the value of our Fijian language across NZ by collaborating with key stakeholders and with each other to:
As supported by the overarching purpose of Tobuvure ni Vosa (Pacific Languages Strategy), the continuous use of our language reflects the depths of our culture and the strength it brings in connecting communities over generations through its use and sustainability.
Activities and events in 2023 will be hosted throughout Aotearoa, to embrace Macawa ni Vosa Vakaviti - Fijian Language Week. Bookmark this page to see the Calendar of Events when published.
Connect online by visiting the official NZ Fijian Language Week Facebook page.
10:00am – 5:00pm
Centre Park Grounds, Robertson Road, Mangere,
Auckland
Fiji Media Networks Aotearoa-West, Auckland Fijian Wesleyan Church, Taukei Education Aotearoa-Hibiscus Coast Fiji Community
|
Date |
Event |
Time |
Venue |
Host |
| Saturday 7 October |
Hibiscus Coast Fijian Language Week Celebrations: Sports Activity for Orewa Youth |
10:00am – 12:00pm |
Silverdale Rugby Club |
Fiji Media Networks Aotearoa-West, Auckland Fijian Weslyan Church, Taukei Education Aotearoa-Hibiscus Coast Fiji Community |
|
Orewa Fijian Community: Fijian Language Students Presentations and Community Dinner |
3:00pm |
Silverdale Rugby Club |
Fiji Media Networks Aotearoa-West, Auckland Fijian Weslyan Church, Taukei Education Aotearoa-Hibiscus Coast Fiji Community |
|
| Sunday 8 October | Lotu Cokovata Vakaviti: Combined church service to celebrate the beginning of Fijian Language Week 2023 | 10:00am | Johnsonville Community Hall | Wellington Fijian Language Committee |
| Lotu Vata ni Community – Launching of the Fijian Language Week and Bible Verses kei na Meke Vakayalo ena Vosa VakaViti | 2:00pm | Napier Methodist Church | Hawkes Bay Fijian Community | |
| Opening church service to launch Fijian Language Week hosted by New Methodist Church | 3:00pm | First Light Church, Frankton, Hamilton | Fiji Society in Hamilton | |
|
Community church service |
2:00 – 4:00pm |
Lindisfarne Methodist church |
Southland Fijian community |
|
|
Opening Fijian Language Week Church Service |
10:00am |
Stream Community Church, 100 Queens Road, Panmure |
Fiji Media Networks Aotearoa-West, Auckland Fijian Weslyan Church, Taukei Education Aotearoa-Hibiscus Coast Fiji Community |
|
|
Fiji Community Combined Church Service |
6:00pm |
Church Unlimited. 3 Te Atatu Road, Glendene |
Church Unlimited, Fiji Media Networks Aotearoa-West, Auckland Fijian Weslyan Church, Taukei Education Aotearoa-Hibiscus Coast Fiji Community |
|
| Monday 9 October | Vosa Vakaviti Exhibition | 5:30pm | 37 Oxford Street, Hamilton | Fiji Society in Hamilton |
|
Vakarewa Kuila: Flag raising ceremony hosted by Porirua City Council |
8:00am |
Te Rauparaha Park Memorial site, Lyttleton Avenue, Porirua (Alternative venue incase of adverse weather conditions – Performing Arts Space in Pataka) |
Wellington Fijian Language Committee |
|
| Hutt Fijians Wellbeing Training incorporating Vosa Vakaviti | 6:00-7:00pm | Hutt Old Boys Green Room, Lower Hutt | Wellington Fijian Language Committee | |
|
Fijian Language week Launch |
11:00am – 1:00pm |
Miharo hall |
Southland Fijian community |
|
| Learning of Fijian Protocol | 7:00pm – 9:00pm | Mataura | Southland Fijian community | |
|
Kelston Boys High School Fijian Students Fijian Language Week-Flag Raising Singing of the National Anthem |
8:30am |
Kelston Boys High School Archibald Road Kelston |
Auckland Fijian Weslyan Church, Taukei Education Aotearoa-Hibiscus Coast Fiji Community |
|
|
Radio Broadcasts throughout the Day
|
Daily |
Online |
|
|
| Tuesday 10 October |
Talanoa Ako Vosa Vakaviti, Veiqaravi Vakavanua, Veitalanoa Vatakei Minister Vosarogo |
7:30pm |
Johnsonville Hub |
Wellington Fijian Language Committee |
| Vosa Vakaviti Celebration by the Fijian Language Class | 5:30pm – 8:00pm | Newlands Community Hall | Wellington Fijian Language Committee | |
|
Bula Blue & Talanoa Makawa Quiz |
6:00pm |
37 Oxford Street Hamilton |
Fiji Society in Hamilton Soqosoqo ni Marama |
|
| Learning of cooking authentic Fijian food | 7:00pm – 9:00pm | Te Anau | Southland Fijian community | |
|
Radio Broadcasts |
Daily |
Online |
Fiji Media Networks Aotearoa-West |
|
| Wednesday 11 October | NCEA Vosa Vakaviti Kei nai Tovo Vakaviti vei era na Tabagon | 5:30pm - 8:00pm | Johnsonville Community Centre | Wellington Fijian Language Committee |
| Fiji Culture Night with Te Whanau Putahi | 6:00pm |
37 Oxford Street, Hamilton |
Fiji Society in Hamilton | |
| Fijian Oratory Contest | 7:00pm |
West Auckland Wesleyan Church Ground Floor 333 Great North Road Henderson |
Fiji Media Networks Aotearoa-West, Auckland Fijian Wesleyan Church, Taukei Education Aotearoa-Hibiscus Coast Fiji Community | |
|
Special Exhibition and Presentation on Fiji |
8:30am |
Kelston Boys High School, Archibald Road Kelston |
Fiji Media Networks Aotearoa-West, Auckland Fijian Weslyan Church, Taukei Education Aotearoa-Hibiscus Coast Fiji Community |
|
| Fijian Women's Dinner Night - Theme: Women's Health in Fijian Language | 7:00pm – 9:00pm |
Fijian AOG Hall, Mt. Roskill |
Fiji Media Networks Aotearoa-West, Auckland Fijian Wesleyan Church, Taukei Education Aotearoa-Hibiscus Coast Fiji Community | |
| Radio Broadcasts with Invited Guests | Daily | Online | Fiji Media Networks Aotearoa-West | |
| Thursday 12 October | Talanoa Ako Vosa Vakaviti kei nai Tovo Vakaviti - Learning about traditional kinships between provinces, cultural protocols and nuances. | 5:30pm - 8:00pm | Lower Hutt | Wellington Fijian Language Committee |
|
Veiqaravi vaka vanua kei na Sigidrigi |
6:00pm |
37 Oxford Street Hamilton |
Fiji Society in Hamilton Men’s (turaga) group |
|
| Learning Fijian songs and dances (Meke) | 7:00pm – 9:00pm | Richmond Grove Church Hall | Southland Fijian community | |
|
Bogi ni Kesakesa |
7:00pm-9:00pm |
West Auckland New Life Wesleyan Church Ground Floor 333 Great North Raod Henderson |
New Life Wesleyan Church |
|
| Radio Broadcasts | Daily | Online | Fiji Media Networks Aotearoa-West | |
| Friday 13 October |
Hutt Fijians Wellbeing Training – Incorporating vosa vaka Viti |
6:00pm - 7:00pm |
Walter Nash Centre, Lower Hutt |
Wellington Fijian Language Committee |
| Vude Night nodra na lalai | 6:00pm |
37 Oxford Street Hamilton |
Fiji Society in Hamilton Komiti ni vuli |
|
|
Fijian poems, Fijian games, scraping coconuts, tapa printing activities |
7:00pm – 9:00pm |
Invercargill |
Southland Fijian community |
|
| Fijian Women's Night: Talking about health in Vosa Vakaviti | 7:00pm |
Fountain of Praise Fijian AOG Church, 3 O'Donnel Avenue, Mt Roskill, Auckland |
Fiji Media Networks Aotearoa-West, Auckland Fijian Wesleyan Church, Taukei Education Aotearoa-Hibiscus Coast Fiji Community | |
|
Cavuti ni Tiki ni Vola Tabu e na Vosa Vaka Viti |
10:00am |
39 Coverdale Street, Onekawa, Napier |
Hawkes Bay Fijian Christian Fellowship, Napier |
|
| Radio Broadcasts | Daily | Online | Fiji Media Networks Aotearoa-West | |
| Saturday 14 October |
Family picnic Venue: TBC |
10:00am – 2:00pm |
TBC |
Wellington Fijian Language Committee |
| Fiji Day and Cultural Exhibition and Activities Day | 10:00am – 4:00pm | TBC | Hawkes Bay Fijian Community | |
|
Community Sports Day |
9:00am |
Enderley Park, Claudelands |
Fiji Society in Hamilton Social Committee |
|
| Kanavata Social | 6:00pm | Waikato Indian Association Hall, Duke Street, Frankton |
Fiji Society in Hamilton Social Committee |
|
|
7s Rugby Tournament |
9:00am – 4:00pm |
Star Rugby football club |
Southland Fijian community |
|
|
Community Celebration Dinner |
5:00pm – 11:00pm |
Workingmen’s club |
Southland Fijian community |
|
| Fiji Day Celebrations and End of Fijian Language Week combined | ||||
| Radio Broadcasts | Daily | Online | Fiji Media Networks Aotearoa-West | |
| Sunday 15 October | Lotu Cokovata - Closing Church Service hosted by Christian Mission Fellowship | 10:00am | Tawa Community Hall | Wellington Fijian Language Committee |
| Community church service | 2:00pm – 4:00pm | Richmond Grove church | Southland Fijian community | |
| Lovo making and preparation | 10:00am | 39 Coverdale Street, Onekawa, Napier | Hawkes Bay Fijian Christian Fellowship, Napier | |
| Closing Fijian Language Week Church Service | 6:00pm | The Hubb, Corban Avenue, Henderson | Fiji Media Networks Aotearoa-West, Auckland Fijian Weslyan Church, Taukei Education Aotearoa-Hibiscus Coast Fiji Community |
Below are recipients of funding for community contributions towards Fijian Language Week preparations in 2022:
|
Organisation/Group Name |
Location |
Approved Amount |
Language |
Initiative focus |
|
Canterbury Fiji Community Incorporated |
Christchurch |
10,000.00 |
Vosa vaka-Viti |
Language learning through traditional dance, music, oratory, community awareness events and arts and crafts |
|
Waitaki Fijian Community |
Oamaru |
5,150.00 |
Vosa vaka-Viti |
Language learning through oratory, arts and crafts, music and traditional dance |
|
Whanganui Fijian Community Trust |
Whanganui |
5,000.00 |
Vosa vaka-Viti |
Language learning through oratory, digital/online learning, traditional dance, arts and crafts and community awareness events |
|
Hawkes Bay Fijian Community |
Hawkes Bay |
5,000.00 |
Vosa vaka-Viti |
Language learning through traditional dance, arts and crafts, community awareness events, oratory, music and community awareness events |
|
Fijian Marlborough Community |
Marlborough |
3,800.00 |
Vosa vaka-Viti |
Language learning through oratory and community awareness events |
|
Taranaki Fijian Community |
Taranaki |
3,475.00 |
Vosa vaka-Viti |
Language learning through oratory, arts and crafts, traditional dance, music and digital/online learning |
|
Muddy Water Marines Incorporated |
Dunedin |
2,670.00 |
Vosa vaka-Viti |
Language Learning through traditional dance, digital/online learning, traditional dance and community awareness events |
Below are recipients of funding for community contributions towards Fijian Language Week preparations in 2021:
|
Organisation/Group Name |
Location |
Approved Amount |
Language |
Initiative focus |
|
‘I Taukei kei Viti Education Aotearoa’ in association with ‘Fijian Media Network Aotearoa’ |
Auckland |
3,500.00 |
Vosa vaka-Viti |
Language learning through cultural practices, oratory, storytelling and dance |
|
Canterbury Fiji Community Incorporated |
Christchurch |
5,000.00 |
Vosa vaka-Viti |
Language learning through cultural practices, oratory, storytelling, poem, cooking and dance |
|
Dunedin Fijian Community & Otago Fijian students association |
Dunedin |
5,000.00 |
Vosa vaka-Viti |
Language learning through cultural practices, dance and develope language learning online resources |
|
Fiji Marist Old Boys Association |
Auckland |
5,000.00 |
Vosa vaka-Viti |
Language learning through cultural practices, oratory, storytelling, poem, cooking and dance |
|
Fiji Society in Hamilton |
Hamilton |
13,600.00 |
Vosa vaka-Viti |
Language learning through cultural practices, oratory, storytelling, cooking and dance |
|
Hawkes Bay Fijian Community |
Hastings |
1,000.00 |
Vosa vaka-Viti |
Language learning through cultural performances and activities |
|
New Zealand Fiji Rugby League Incorporated |
Auckland |
5,000.00 |
Vosa vaka-Viti |
Language learning through cultural practices and church resources |
|
Pukekohe Fijian Methodist Congregation |
Auckland |
5,000.00 |
Vosa vaka-Viti |
Developed language learning online resources |
|
Rotorua Fijian Association |
Rotorua |
5,100.00 |
Vosa vaka-Viti |
Language learning through cultural practices, oratory, storytelling, poem, and dance |
|
Soqosoqo ni Ca'audrove Waikato |
Hamilton |
5,000.00 |
Vosa vaka-Viti |
Language learning through cultural practices and dance |
|
Vaka-viti Otautahi |
Auckland |
2,888.35 |
Vosa vaka-Viti |
Language learning classes for beginners |
|
Veilomani Selwyn Fijian Community |
Christchurch |
4,790.00 |
Vosa vaka-Viti |
Language learning through cultural performances and activities |
|
Victoria University Pasifika Student Council |
Wellington |
995.00 |
Vosa vaka-Viti |
Language learning through cultural practices, oratory, storytelling, poems, arts and craft, dance and music |
|
Waitaki Fijian Community |
Oamaru |
5,000.00 |
Vosa vaka-Viti |
Language learning through cultural practices, oratory, storytelling, arts and craft, poem, cooking and dance |
|
Wellington Fijian Language Week Komiti 2021/Komiti Ni |
Wellington |
8,980.00 |
Vosa vaka-Viti |
Promoting awareness of language event |
