The first-ever Hologa Niue Cultural Festival was an outstanding success, uniting thousands of Niueans recently in Tāmaki Makaurau. A vibrant celebration of vagahau Niue (Niuean language), heritage, culture, and tradition, the event marked a new dawn for the Niuean community in Aotearoa.
Spearheaded by the Three Star Nation community group, Hologa Niue is part of a growing movement of cultural reclamation, fostering a sense of belonging for Niuean diaspora in Aotearoa. This gathering emphasised the importance of preserving and revitalising Niuean identity in a modern world, to ensure it continues to thrive for future generations.
Reclaiming vagahau Niue
Healthy Families Pacific Strategist, Ella Falakoa supported the group from Liku with their stand, witnessing firsthand, the impact the event has had on the Niuean community she is a part of. “Being part of this kaupapa was incredible,” says Ella. “It’s powerful to learn your ancestral histories and values in such a dedicated space.”
On performance day, 250 representatives from Liku, a lively village on Niue’s eastern coast, took to the stage. Led by West Auckland resident and village elder Togia Falakoa, the group showcased their deep commitment to preserving vagahau Niue (Niuean language) and Niue cultural traditions through song and indigenous movement. Participants ranged from a two-year-old child to an 89-year-old elder, highlighting the enduring dedication to safeguarding Niuean heritage across generations.
The importance of this movement is underscored by the endangered status of vagahau Niue. While Niue itself has a population of approximately 1700, the number of diasporas in Aotearoa is over 30,000, with many unable to speak the language. UNESCO has classified vagahau Niue as definitely endangered, making its revitalisation a pressing issue for tagata Niue (people of Niue).
For Togia, who has lived in West Auckland for over 20 years, the festival is a connection to home. “It brings me joy to see my Niue people from across Auckland reconnecting with their village and culture.”
Forging strong relationships and a sense of belonging
The festival serves as a powerful platform for wellbeing, with the weeks leading up to the festival being vital connection points for performers and supporters alike. In those weeks, groups come together to learn their words, practice their routines, and be in each other’s company as tagata Niue. They are guided by tutors, composers, and village elders, and further supported by those in the background, making food, sourcing uniforms and balancing budgets.
“The event provides the time and space for us to come together in celebration of all things Niue, but the lead up is equally important. In that time, we meet as descendants of our villages, where there are familiar faces and there are people we will be meeting for the very first time. The songs and traditional dances we learn tell the histories of our village and forge connections to the past and into the future”, explains Ella.
Engaging in this way connects people beyond the event itself. It is a practice that fortifies language, strengthens relationships, and fosters a deep sense of belonging.
Transforming Spaces Beyond the Church
One of the most profound shifts lies in how Niue cultural expressions are expanding beyond traditional spaces. The takitaki maaga (village leader) at PIC Newton Church has extended his passion for movement through song and dance into the wider community, fostering relationships beyond religious settings. This shift in practice redefines what it means to be Niuean in Aotearoa, showing that cultural connection extends beyond Sunday services and into everyday life. It is an evolution in mindset – where culture is not just remembered but lived, taught, and passed on with intention.
A model for future generations
By embedding indigenous forms of movement, language, and connection into everyday practice, the Niuean community in Aotearoa is creating a model for cultural resilience. This shift is not just about a festival, it is about reclaiming space, redefining identity, and ensuring that vagahau Niue and its cultural expressions continue to thrive for generations to come.
The sold-out event not only highlighted the richness of Niuean identity but also served as a testament to the enduring importance of preserving and revitalising cultural connections in a modern context.
