Bislama, the official language of Vanuatu, has been added to the list of Pacific Language Weeks to be celebrated in Porirua in 2025.

Language weeks are important to our city as they highlight the diversity, language, heritage and identity of our many Pacific communities.

After Rotuman Language, from 11-17 May, we recognise and celebrate the languages of Samoa, Kiribati, Vanuatu (Bislama), Cook Islands, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Tuvalu, Fiji, Niue and Tokelau and Solomon Islands.

The overarching theme for the 2025 series of Pacific Language Weeks across New Zealand is ‘preserving Pacific languages for the future’, following on from previous years’ of protecting heritage and culture through sustainability - the United Nations has said recently that 40 per cent of the world’s 7000 languages are in danger of being lost.

Porirua Mayor Anita Baker says flag-raising and other events across each language week represent a chance to share the vibrancy of our Pacific people, who make up nearly 27 per cent of the city’s population.

"It’s well-known that Porirua is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the country, and I love that we highlight and celebrate that," she says.

"To see people, young and old and everywhere in between, getting out and learning and developing relationships in our community brings us all closer together. It’s wonderful to witness and aligns with our Pacific Strategy Ola Kamataga - Beginning of Life, which we adopted in 2023.

"It’s more important than ever before for everyone to be proud to live in Porirua and be proud to celebrate their own ancestry and culture."

Individual language week themes will be announced closer to each celebration. Keep an eye on Council’s website and social media pages as we announce and highlight flag-raising and other Pacific Language Week activities. There is also information at mpp.govt.nz.

Pacific Language Week dates for 2025:

Rotuma: 11-17 May

Samoa: 1-7 June

Kiribati: 6-12 July

Vanuatu: 27 July-2 August

Cook Islands: 3-9 August

Tonga: 17-23 August

Papua New Guinea: 7-13 September

Tuvalu: 28 September-4 October

Fiji: 5-11 October

Niue: 19-25 October

Tokelau: 26 October-1 November

Solomon Islands: 23-29 November

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