Waitaki District Libraries celebrated Tongan Language Week by inviting a group of very talented children to perform Tau'olunga and songs on Tuesday (September 5).

Tongan Language Week runs from Sunday to Friday (September 3-9) this year.  

The theme for Uike Lea Faka-Tonga 2023 is 'E tu'uloa 'a e Lea faka-Tongá 'o ka lea'aki 'i 'api, siasí (lotú), mo e nofo-'a-kāingá', which means the Tongan language will be sustainable if used at home, church and in the wider community. 

Waitaki District Libraries youth librarian Fiona Kerr welcomed the children and their families.

"I'm really excited to host the Waitaki Tongan community today to celebrate part of Tongan Language Week," she said.

"Our Pasifika community is really important to us.

"In the past, we've hosted lots of activities. Hopefully we can gain that momentum with [activities] today again."

Tongan Methodist Church of Oamaru Parish steward Livai Veituna lead the group in song and prayer, before the children performed their dance routines for the enthusiastic and appreciative audience.

See a short video of the performance below. If you would like any of our photos, please contact [email protected].