This year's theme for Te Vaiaho o te Gagana Tokelau is "Ke Olatia ko ia Tokelau i tana Fakavae - Tokelau to Prosper Within its Foundation”.
The theme for Tokelau Language Week 2023 builds upon the 2022 focus, 'Halahala ki vavau kae ke mau ki pale o Tokelau.' The overarching message is clear: understanding the past is crucial for planning the future.
While the Tokelauan community in Aotearoa may be small in numbers, it is notably big in heart. The importance of preserving unique Tokelauan identities is recognised within the community. Acknowledging historical roots is considered essential for future progression, especially in cherishing and upholding the culture and language.
Tokelau finds its strength in four foundational pillars: language, culture, customs, and faith. When these pillars are fortified, not only does community well-being flourish, but the unique Tokelauan identity is also safeguarded for future generations. This theme serves as a rallying cry for all Tokelauans residing in Aotearoa. There is a collective responsibility to ensure the Tokelauan 'Fakavae'—the community's spiritual and cultural values and practices—continue to prosper for generations yet unborn.
The mantle of cultural preservation and growth is increasingly passed to the younger generation. These youth and children are positioned to guide the community in embracing a rich diversity of knowledge and skills. A notable portion of this younger demographic are emergent Tokelauan language learners. Through activities that celebrate identity and offer linguistic and cultural education, the aim is to inspire and provide robust support to these learners.
Activities and events in 2023 will be hosted throughout Aotearoa to embrace Te Vaiaho o te Gagana Tokelau – Tokelau Language Week.
Connect online by visiting the official NZ Tokelau Language Week Facebook page.
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|
Date |
Event |
Time |
Venue |
| Sunday 22nd October | Lotu Launch of Tokelau Language Week |
6pm | Pahina o Tokelau Church Kivell Street Porirua |
|
Monday 23rd October |
Tokelau Flag Raising |
10am |
Te Umiamiga Hall |
|
Saturday 28 October |
Closing Ceremony Fatele - Cultural Celebration |
9.30am |
Te Rauparaha Arena |
|
Date |
Event |
Time |
Venue |
| Monday 23rd October | Flag Raising Ceremony | 10am-1pm |
Te Umiamiga Hall Clendon Street, Naenae |
|
|
Kautalavou a Nukunonu/Youths Lead Henio Koloi - Activities
A session discussing the importance of the Tokelau Language.
Storytelling session
Singing session (Tokelauan songs)
Learn how to perform the fatele & Tokelauan traditional songs.
|
3.30pm - 5.45pm |
Te Umiamiga Hall Clendon Street, Naenae |
|
Tuesday 24 October |
Lead Hefo Ahelemo – Activities
Talanoa session regarding the duties & tasks of the Fatupaepae/women
Showcasing women’s skills in weaving
Storytelling session
Understanding the Tokelau lunar calendar
Singing session of fatele & traditional songs
|
10am - 4pm |
Te Umiamiga Hall Clendon Street, Naenae |
|
Wednesday 25 October |
Lead Hefo Ahelemo – Activities
Understanding the Tokelauan lunar calendar
Singing session of fatele & traditional songs
|
10am - 4pm |
Te Umiamiga Hall Clendon Street, Naenae |
|
Date |
Event |
Time |
Venue |
| Thursday 26 October |
Learning basic Tokelau language through storytelling and simple fatele dancing. Target age group: Kindergartens & Primary schools |
10am-12pm |
12 Matiu Place Elsdon Host: Ana Fa’aololo & Nukumatau Team |
|
|
Language learning through ‘na tū ma na aga fakatokelau’ (Tokelau traditions and protocols), weaving of Tokelau mats, and costume making which will be used for fatele performances. Target age group: Intermediates & Colleges |
12.30pm-2.30pm |
12 Matiu Place Elsdon Host: Ana Fa’aololo & Nukumatau Team |
For further enquiries; please contact Lehi Atoni at 0274074963 or Zechariah Reuelu at 021728447
|
Date |
Event |
Time |
Venue |
| Tuesday 24 October |
"Na Fotu mai Tokelau" Exhibition The exhibition includes the "Matauala 35th Years Journey". The exhibition will run from Tuesday to Saturday at Pataka. |
8am |
Pataka Museum 17 Parumoana Street, |
|
Thursday 26 October |
"Omoe" |
6pm-9pm |
Matauala Hall 102 Bedford Street, |
|
Friday 27 October |
"Cultural Educational Workshops |
9.30am-1.30pm |
Matauala Hall 102 Bedford Street, |
For more information contact Matthew Ineleo - ATSI President 022 3266139 or Lise Hope-Suveinakama ATSI Secretary 027 2996354
|
Date |
Event |
Time |
Venue |
|
Sunday 22nd October |
Tokelau Language Week Opening Combined Service |
12pm-5pm |
Grey Lynn Pacific Island Church |
|
Monday 23rd October |
Flag Raising and Opening official |
10am-1pm |
Grey Lynn Pacific Island Church |
|
Tuesday 24 October |
Talikilagi Nukunonu i Aukilani Day |
10am-4pm |
Grey Lynn Pacific Island Church |
|
Wednesday 25 October |
Tokelau languages Initiative AKL Consultation |
11am-4pm |
Grey Lynn Pacific Island Church |
|
Thursday 26 October |
Atafu Mulihelu Day |
9am-3pm |
Grey Lynn Pacific Island Church |
|
Friday 27 October |
Fakaofo Day |
9am-3pm |
Grey Lynn Pacific Island Church |
|
Saturday 28 October |
Combined celebration day - Aho Fakatahiga |
11am-6pm |
Browns Road Netball complex, Browns Road, Manurewa |
Below are recipients of funding for community contributions towards Tokelau Language Week preparations in 2022:
|
Organisation/Group Name |
Location |
Approved Amount |
Language |
Initiative focus |
|
Tokelau Wellington Leadership Group |
Wellington |
12,000.00 |
Te Gagana Tokelau |
Language learning through oratory, community awareness events, digital/online learning and traditional dance |
|
Auckland Tokelau Society incorporated |
Auckland |
11,750.00 |
Te Gagana Tokelau |
Language learning through arts and craft, traditional dance, digital/online learning, music and oratory |
|
Nukunonu Tokelau Society Wellington Incorporated |
Wellington |
10,000.00 |
Te Gagana Tokelau |
Language learning through oratory, digital/online learning, arts and crafts, community awareness events, traditional dance, music and history and culture |
|
Tokelau Community Dunedin Society |
Dunedin |
5,600.00 |
Te Gagana Tokelau |
Language learning through oratory, traditional dance, music, arts and crafts and community awareness events |
|
Fakaofo Rotorua Community |
Bay of Plenty |
5,000.00 |
Te Gagana Tokelau |
Language learning through music, digital/online learning, traditional dance, arts and crafts and cooking traditional food |
|
Tokelau Hawkes Bay |
Hawkes Bay |
4,775.00 |
Te Gagana Tokelau |
Language learning through traditional dance, music, oratory, arts and crafts and community awareness events |
|
Te Kaiga Fakaofo I Ueligitone Incorporated |
Wellington |
3,540.00 |
Te Gagana Tokelau |
Language learning through traditional costume making and arts and crafts |
|
Mafutaga Tokelau i Manawatu |
Manawatu |
2,000.00 |
Te Gagana Tokelau |
Language learning through traditional dance, music, community awareness events, oratory, arts and crafts and digital/online learning |
Below are recipients of funding for community contributions towards Tokelau Language Week preparations in 2021:
|
Organisation/Group Name |
Location |
Approved Amount |
Language |
Initiative focus |
|
Auckland Tokelau Society Incorporated (ATSI) |
Auckland |
10,950.00 |
Te Gagana Tokelau |
Language learning through cultural practices, oratory, storytelling, dance and music |
|
Mafutaga a te Kaifenua Tokelau i Rotorua |
Rotorua |
5,000.00 |
Te Gagana Tokelau |
Language learning through cultural practices, oratory, storytelling, arts and craft, dance and music |
|
Mafutaga Tokelau i Manawatu (MTiM) |
Palmerston North |
6,500.00 |
Te Gagana Tokelau |
Language learning through cultural practices, oratory, storytelling, cooking, arts and craft, dance and music |
|
Matiti Tokelau Akoga Kamata |
Wellington |
5,000.00 |
Te Gagana Tokelau |
Language learning through cultural practices, oratory, storytelling, and poems |
|
Nukunonu Tokelau Wellington Society Incorporated |
Wellington |
5,720.00 |
Te Gagana Tokelau |
Language learning through cultural practices, oratory, storytelling, arts and craft, dance and music |
|
PACIFICA Inc. Wellington Central Branch |
Wellington |
3,000.00 |
Te Gagana Tokelau |
Language learning through cultural practices, oratory, storytelling, arts and craft, dance and music |
|
Taupo Tokelau Community |
Taupo |
9,469.00 |
Te Gagana Tokelau |
Language learning through cultural practices, oratory, storytelling, arts and craft, intergenerational passing knowledge from Elders to young people, dance and music |
|
Te Kaiga Fakaofo I Ueligitone Inc |
Wellington |
3,500.00 |
Te Gagana Tokelau |
Language learning through cultural practices, dance and music |
|
Tokelau Community Christchurch |
Christchurch |
500.00 |
Te Gagana Tokelau |
Language learning through events |
|
Tokelau Hawkes Bay |
Napier |
2,000.00 |
Te Gagana Tokelau |
Language learning through cultural practices, oratory, storytelling, arts and craft, dance and music |
|
Victoria University Tokelau Student Association |
Wellington |
3,050.00 |
Te Gagana Tokelau |
Language learning through cultural practices, oratory, storytelling, arts and craft, dance and music |
|
Whaitu A Tokelau Dunedin |
Dunedin |
4,950.00 |
Te Gagana Tokelau |
Language learning through cultural practices, oratory, and storytelling |