The newest Pacific community to celebrate a language week in Aotearoa is keen to build on this milestone.
Vanuatu kava and cake capped off celebrations last week for the Ni-Vanuatu community who held their first ever Bishlama language week – the newest Pacific nation to join the NZ Pacific language week celebrations.
It was also an opportunity to mark the Melanesian country’s 45th year of independence.
At the Ellerslie Memorial Town centre in Auckland, the community were given a taste of Vanuatu culture, dance, food and traditional wear.
Lisa Murgatroyd, chair of the Auckland Vanuatu Community Association is proud of the opportunity to showcase their culture and country to the world, remarking that independence for their nation has been long fought.
“Look at how far we’ve come… we’ve been colonised by the French and British right? And then in 1980 we actually became free and now we realise how much it means to us that we have a voice, and we have a voice in this world,” Lisa says.
“For me it means freedom, I can express myself and I can be who I am in my own country and my land and that our country is no longer a slave to someone.”
According to New Zealand 2023 census data, there are more than 1,500 Ni-Vanuatu residing in New Zealand. While living predominantly in Auckland, there is a large number of Ni- Vanuatu who are currently working as part of the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) programme across the country.
Vanuatu has three official languages, with more than 110 different dialects. Those three languages are Bishlama (Pidgin), French and English.
Auckland Vanuatu Community Association vice-president Eric Leingbu, is heartened to see interest from the wider community to learn about their culture.
“I’m very proud to be here in this very special land, Aotearoa New Zealand,” he says.
“I was just reflecting how important language is, in the way we interact with others, so I think for me and my kids growing up in this new place, I’m very proud for being here and having the New Zealand government be able to allow and value the language.
“I’ve never seen that as important while back in Vanuatu, but here it made me realise how important that is, so I think that’s made me very emotional,”
And it’s a sentiment Lisa Murgatroyd would like to build on.
“We have a very good connection with all our Polynesian brothers and sisters, so that’s a very good thing…they embrace us, it’s a good stepping stone, we are already out there so all we need to do, I think, as a Melanesian, as a Ni Van, is just continuing to build on that.”
While New Zealand has traditionally fostered strong ties with Polynesian nations, such as Samoa, Tonga and Tuvalu. Eric says he is encouraged to see the diaspora of Ni-Vanautu born and bred in New Zealand who are eager to learn more about their heritage.
“We are learning so much from our other Pacific island countries and even having other institutions involved and creating spaces for us,” he says.
“The way I see it, the future is looking bright and our kids, they are in a good position. They can experience and appreciate all this diversity of cultures; the future is bright for us here and I have a good feeling about it.”
