Language weeks in Porirua always start with colour and song at a flag raising.
Bislama, the official language of Vanuatu, has been added to the list of Pacific Language Weeks to be celebrated in Porirua in 2025.
Language weeks are important to our city as they highlight the diversity, language, heritage and identity of our many Pacific communities.
After Rotuman Language Week, which was the first for the year from 11-17 May, we will recognise and celebrate the languages of Samoa, Kiribati, Vanuatu (Bislama), Cook Islands, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Tuvalu, Fiji, Niue, Tokelau and Solomon Islands.
The overarching theme for the 2025 series of Pacific Language Weeks across New Zealand is ‘preserving Pacific languages for the future’. This follows on from the previous year’s theme of ‘protecting heritage and culture through sustainability’ – the United Nations has said that 40 per cent of the world’s 7,000 languages are in danger of being lost.
Porirua Mayor Anita Baker says flag-raising and other events across each language week represent a chance to share the vibrancy of our Pacific people, who make up nearly 27 per cent of the city’s population.
“It’s well-known that Porirua is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the country, and I love that we highlight and celebrate that,” she says.
“To see people, young and old and everywhere in between, getting out and learning and developing relationships in our community brings us all closer together. It’s wonderful to witness and aligns with our Pacific Strategy Ola Kamataga – Beginning of Life, which we adopted in 2023.
“It’s more important than ever before for everyone to be proud to live in Porirua and be proud to celebrate their own ancestry and culture.”
Individual language week themes will be announced closer to each celebration. Check out the Pacific Language Week dates below and keep an eye on Council’s website and social media pages as we announce and highlight flag-raising and other Pacific Language Week activities. There is also information at mpp.govt.nz
Pacific Language Week dates for 2025
This year’s Pacific Language Weeks began in Porirua with the small humble but proud Rotuma community celebrating with a flag-raising ceremony at the Porirua Peace Memorial on Monday 12 May. The 11 remaining language weeks will each have a similar flag-raising service.
Samoa: 1–7 June
Kiribati: 6–12 July
Vanuatu: 27 July – 2 August
Cook Islands: 3–9 August
Tonga: 17–23 August
Papua New Guinea: 7–13 September
Tuvalu: 28 September – 4 October
Fiji: 5–11 October
Niue: 19–25 October
Tokelau: 26 October – 1 November
Solomon Islands: 23–29 November
27 May 2025
