Tuvuluan independence, culture and language were celebrated in Ōamaru earlier this month.

Tuvalu Language Week and Independence Day celebrations took place between Sunday, 28 September and Saturday, 4 October, Oamaru Tuvalu Community Group spokesperson Silaati Emily Telito Fuluasou says.

The week began with a combined church service, welcoming Tuvaluans of all faiths. 

“It was a sacred moment of unity, reminding us of our shared identity, our rich culture, and the enduring spirit of our Tuvalu nation.”

The service set the tone for a week filled with joy, reflection and cultural pride, Emily says.

The children and youth were at the heart of the celebrations.

“They are the future of our language and heritage, and we made it a priority to uplift them.”

The young people are encouraged to speak Tuvaluan, and live by the values of a Tuvaluan “son or daughter”, she says.

“Their lives are shaped by Muna ote fale, which in English means ‘wisdom of the home’ - the teachings, values, and ancestral knowledge passed down within the family and household and Island community meeting house.

“These lessons are not only spoken but lived, nurtured by our elders, our communities, and our faith.”

In Tuvalu, a child is not raised only by their parents, but by the village, the church, and the family. This collective upbringing is the essence of the Tuvaluan identity, Emily says.

During the week, an official Tuvaluan delegation from Wellington visited Ōamaru, as part of a South Island tour.

Tuvalu’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, His Excellency Feue Tipu, First Secretary Niuone Eliuta, and Reverand Ioane Peleti brought “great encouragement and strengthened the bonds between our diaspora and our homeland”.

Dignitaries from left to right, are Reverend Ioane Peleti, the Honourable Seve Paeniu (Tuvalu Member of Parliament), Malama Paeniu, High Commissioner of Tuvalu to NZ His Excellency Feue Tipu, and First Secretary Niuone Eliuta. Photo: Supplied

The local group was also grateful for the presence of the Tuvalu Member of Parliament Seve Paeniu and his wife Malama, who visited during the week. 

“Their visit added to the spirit of connection and pride among our people,” Emily says.

Waitaki deputy mayor Hana Fanene-Taiti also took part in the celebrations.

On the Saturday (4 October) the Tuvaluan community celebrated 47 years of independence from the United Kingdom. 

While the official date of independence is 1 October, the occasion was marked at the weekend so the community could come together for the flag-raising ceremony, she says.

“It was a moment of deep pride and reflection, honouring the journey of our nation and the resilience of our people.”

The community showcased traditional items, cultural practices, and activities throughout the week, which were both joyful and educational, to highlight the richness of their heritage.

“We emphasised the importance of knowing who you are and where you come from, because only when you understand your own roots can you truly honour and respect the cultures of others,” Emily says.

She acknowledges the tangata whenua of Aotearoa New Zealand, and says they are deeply grateful to Māori, along with other communities, for providing Tuvaluans the space to celebrate their identity and culture here.

“Your generosity and spirit of inclusion have enabled our people to feel at home while staying connected to our roots.

“As Tuvaluans living across Aotearoa, we recognise the importance of walking with respect and humility on this land. Our celebrations are not only for ourselves, but also a way to share and uplift the diverse cultural heritage that makes this country so special.”

The week’s celebrations were supported by contributions from Ministry for Pacific Peoples, and Dunedin’s Mercy Hospital. 

Emily is grateful to all those in the community who played a part in the celebration. 

“Fakafetai lasi (thank you very much) to all who stood with us in pride and unity. Your support throughout the year - especially through community fundraising - has strengthened our journey and reminded us of the beauty of unity, generosity, and shared purpose.”

Peteli Tia-Menorah Tofiese takes it all in. Photo: Supplied