7 Oct 2024

Bula vinaka: Fijian language week

10:56 am on 7 October 2024
Fijian youth exude pride for their Melanesian heritage at the Pasifika Festival.

The language week runs from 6 to 12 October. Photo: RNZ / Tiana Haxton

The Fijian Language Week began in Aotearoa on Sunday.

The language week runs from 6 to 12 October.

This year's theme is Vakamareqeta na vosa vakaviti which means to 'nurture and sustain the Fijian language'.

It calls on Fijians to continue efforts to ensure their language thrives for future generations.

The 2018 Census shows that 24 percent of New Zealand's Fijian population speak the language, with a notable decline in language use among younger generations.