Taking a cue & inspiration from this, Esa-Jayne Peika stepped up to start the Tau Malolo Ha Niue that is going almost 5 years strong, as a platform to keep the Niuean language alive through song & dance. Avenues such as these provide a place for older generations to revel in the good old days of times spent amongst swaying palms back in Niue whilst allowing the newer generation to take pride in their Niuean roots.

The Niuean language week is celebrated in the last week of October and serves as a channel for the next generation of budding Niueans growing up in Niusilani, to keep their vibrant culture alive. As the name suggests Tau Malolo Ha Niue, literally refers to a specific kind of a fishing net used commonly in Niue and the cultural event works on similar principles to catch the next generation of Niueans young and imbibe in them a sense of pride for their homeland.

The circular malolo (Niuean word for net) ensures that it is wide enough to catch adequate fish as schools of these aquatic creatures’ swim by – in the present day & age, metaphorically refers of course to the next generation of fledgling Niueans. Additionally, fishing time is also a community activity where whole communities bond together & share in the joy of catching fish, just as the effervescent community in Niusilani descended on 21st of October at Mangere Memorial Hall, to share in the joy of the next generation of Niueans putting their best voices, foot, foufou lati (green headdress) & polo lima (arm bands) forward! All of this energy & electricity was beautifully captured through Forevapix lens – wow the colour & the smiles was indeed a sight to behold for me.
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The performances began with a prayer, following which captivating dancers dazzled their proud parents & the judges in their uniquely brilliant costumes. In the solo event which was scheduled in the morning had each performer stepping joyfully onto the stage introducing themselves, their heritage, speaking a bit about their costume before performing to a peppy Niuean number. It was a sight to behold watching the young ones, take immense joy in their performances. Some of the performers went above and beyond with their costumes – making it themselves, a win-win for the country of Niue, definitely. The morning ended on a prayerful note.

Just as it was in the morning, the cultural events of the evening opened with a prayer. The group performances in the evening added even more brilliance to an already enchanting cultural event! Energetic boys & girls danced away to the groovy beats of Niuean music; cheers & laughter filled the air. The energy in the room was nothing short of electric! The buzzing evening closed with a thanks to God.

Truly the Tau Malolo Ha Niue, proved to be a success through & through with its real purpose achieved – getting a whole lot of youngsters involved in keeping the culture of their motherland alive! It served its purpose of bringing the whole community & whanau together to cherish & appreciate the rich cultural traditions of one of the tiniest nations on earth!

Let me be very honest, I come from the world’s most populous countries & it is indeed an inspiration to see for me first-hand how a nation like Niue is going all out to preserve its culture for the next generation & how I can play my role too as a photographer in doing the same for my whanau. An event like this also impressed upon the importance of documenting through photography such occasions of joy, where the young meet the old, wise folk and share in the joys of their heritage while delighting in the fact that there is indeed hope for the future.

E kai aki e Vagahau Niue – let’s embrace the Niuean language!

Most importantly Vinaka vakalevu for reading this blog & to capture the best of memories from all your cultural events big & small, don’t forget to contact the team @Forevapix! your local Auckland-based event photography experts!