Tokelau Language Guide Launched To Strengthen Identity And Climate Resilience

Wellington, Aotearoa — Information New Zealand yesterday launched Afiaga onā Huiga o te Tau Ki Manu Felelei ma Tokelau, a learning guide resource for children designed to strengthen language revitalisation while deepening understanding of climate change on Tokelau and its birdlife. It also highlights the wider impacts of climate change, reinforcing the need for collective action and environmental stewardship across our communities.

Chief Executive Muliagatele Bella Bartley welcomed community leaders, families, and partners to the launch event, acknowledging the Tokelau community, church leaders, Mayor Ken Laban, Deputy Mayor Keri Brown, councillors, and representatives from the Ministry for Pacific Peoples, Ministry of Education, and ConnexNZ.

Developed by Information New Zealand and translated into Tokelau, the guide supports the Ministry for Pacific Peoples’ Language Revitalisation Plan and aligns with the Pacific Languages Strategy 2022–2032. It is designed for use at home, in libraries, and in classrooms, ensuring accessibility for families and educators.

Muliagatele acknowledged the Ministry for Pacific Peoples for their funding support, and Tokelau community leaders Kalameli Ihaia Alefosio and Avito Alefosio for translating the resource into Tokelau and ensuring cultural integrity and accuracy throughout the resource.

“This guide is a living treasure for Tokelau communities. It empowers our children as guardians of language, identity, and environment,” Muliagatele said. “Information New Zealand remains committed to creating Pacific language resources that promote language revitalisation, climate resilience, and community empowerment.”

The launch marks a significant step in supporting Tokelau language learning and raising awareness of climate change impacts on Tokelau, Aotearoa, and the wider Pacific.

© Scoop Media