The Minister for Pacific Peoples, Aupito William Sio, made the comment while launching the
Gasav Ne Fäeag Rotuạm Ta - Rotuman Language Week in Auckland on Sunday.
Minister for Pacific Peoples Aupito William Sio launches the 2021 Rotuman Language Week in Auckland.
Photo: Supplied
The islanders are excited to celebrate their language and culture together this year.
Last year s Rotuman language week, New Zealand s third, was forced online because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The theme for is
Aupito said language is one of the pillars of any people s identity.
Pacific languages, cultures and identity are essential to the health, well-being and lifetime success of Pacific peoples and their communities in Aotearoa, he said.