For the first time the national language of Vanuatu, Bislama will be part of the New Zealand Pacific language week series.
Minister for Pacific Peoples Dr Shane Reti says the Pacific language week series continues to celebrate our diverse Pacific languages.
“I have heard firsthand how important the language week series is to Pacific communities and how it affirms the relationships we have with Pacific island nations.
“Each community embraces their Pacific language week in unique ways. As they say in Bislama, wan toktok hem i neva enaf – one language is never enough. We’re excited to celebrate Bislama for the first time in 2025, bringing the total number of language weeks to 12 this year.
“I am also pleased to confirm the dates for 2025 and 2026 ahead of time, to reinforce our commitment to preserving these cultural treasures for future generations,” Dr Reti says.
The Ministry for Pacific Peoples invites all New Zealanders to embrace the Pacific language week Series. Learning materials, online challenges, and tutorials will be available throughout
the year, alongside events fostering cultural connection and understanding.
Rotuman language week celebrations will kick off the series in May.
