Centre for Pacific Languages

19/06/2026

Today we had the honour of being invited to the Bader Drive Community Trust Expo.

Check out this fun video as we meet some of the incredible community services available right here in South Auckland. 🌺

This event was designed to introduce the families supported by Bader Drive Community Trust to the many organisations and services available within their community. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect, share resources, and celebrate the strength of our South Auckland community.

Thank you to Bader Drive Community Trust for having us! 😊

18/06/2026

MoanaShowcase - Unitech ✨

From the contagious energy of Nothing Leaves the Parade, where spectacle, memory, and community collide in an ever-shifting landscape, to the razor-sharp synchronicity of Whip Snap, where two bodies navigate the space between connection and illusion, and Pupa, a meditation on transformation, resistance, and becoming.

Together, these works explore what happens when bodies gather, adapt, and evolve. They question how we move with one another, how we are changed by the people around us, and how identity is continuously reshaped through collective experience.

Nothing stays still. Nothing remains the same.

Here are a few snaps from Nothing Leaves the Parade, Whip Snap, and Pupa at the 2026 Pacific Dance Festival.

PasifikaArts SouthAuckland NZDance PacificDance LivePerformance

18/06/2026

Triple Bill - Kamata(a)ga ✨

Rooted in the Rotuman Kamataga and Niuean Kamataaga, both meaning “Beginning,” this contemporary Pacific dance work celebrates the power of origins, connection, and renewal.

Through movement, Kamata(a)ga brings together the stories, traditions, and creative voices of its makers, weaving distinct cultural identities into a shared journey. It speaks to where we come from, what connects us, and the possibilities that emerge when paths converge.

A work that honours both ancestry and evolution — a beginning that carries the stories of those who came before, and a continuation of those yet to come.

Featuring:
Kapieri Samisoni
Antonio Matagi

18/06/2026

Triple Bill - Vignette of the Frigate ✨ by Viliamu Yandall

Inspired by the migration journey of the choreographer’s grandmother, Vignette of the Frigate [bird] reflects on the experiences of Pacific peoples who leave home in search of opportunity, stability, and a better future.

Drawing on Sāmoan migration stories, the work examines the complexities that exist beneath ideas of success and the promise of a “land of milk and honey.” It asks what is gained through migration—and what may be left behind.

As distance from home grows, language, traditions, and cultural connections can shift, transform, or fade. Through movement, this work explores the delicate balance between heritage and assimilation, tracing the ways these changes ripple across generations.

A powerful reflection on identity, belonging, and the ongoing negotiation between cultural roots and an ever-changing world.

18/06/2026

Triple Bill - We came from the sea by Julia Gray ✨

An intimate intergenerational conversation that weaves together memory, knowledge, and the stories carried within our skin.

Created and performed by Te Wehi Kore Karena Haraki Akuhata Grant-Koria and Mierewai Grant-Koria, in collaboration with Julia Mageau Gray, We came from the sea explores the enduring connections that bind Pacific peoples across oceans, generations, and time.

Through shared linguistic, visual, and physical languages, this work honours the wisdom passed between ancestors and descendants. It serves as a powerful reminder that our bodies carry the journeys, histories, and resilience of those who came before us.

A reflection on whakapapa, belonging, and the oceanic ties that continue to shape who we are.

17/06/2026

I mōhio rānei koe, ko te reo Hāmoa tētahi o ngā reo e kōrero nuitia ana e te tokomaha o Aotearoa?

Miria e kitea ai Tagaloatele Marina Sosopo
Liua Le Vai o Sina (Masame) e whakanui ana i a Matariki ki te reo Hāmoa.

Did you know Samoan is one of the most spoken languages in New Zealand?

Swipe to see Tagaloatele Marina Sosopo
Liua Le Vai o Sina (Masame) celebrating Matariki in Samoan.

Video created by Centre for Pacific Languages.

15/06/2026

12/06/2026

Today we had the privilege of guest speaking at the Auckland Pacific Island Network (APIN) at Oranga Tamariki.

It was an incredible opportunity to share the kaupapa of the Centre for Pacific Languages and the work we do to support and celebrate Pacific languages across Aotearoa.

Through games, talanoa, and connection, we reflected on the important role language and culture play in shaping our tamariki and future generations. Our languages carry our stories, values, identity, and sense of belonging. When we invest in language, we invest in our children and future generations.

One message that resonated throughout the day was this: don’t let statistics define us. Be proud of your language, be proud of your culture, and be proud of who you are. What matters most is what we choose to do now to create a stronger future for those who come after us.

Fakaaue lahi to the APIN team for having us and for the meaningful conversations shared throughout the day.

08/06/2026

Last week, we welcomed both new and returning students to our Term 2 Information Sessions as another exciting term officially got underway at the Centre for Pacific Languages.

It was wonderful to see such a great turnout, with learners coming together to explore the language pathways and opportunities available this term.

Adding to the energy of the week, our Vanuatu Bislama and Solomon Islands Pijin Short Courses were also running in the background, bringing to life, our language, culture, and connection. A big thank you to our dedicated facilitators for sharing their knowledge and helping learners strengthen their language journeys.

From information sessions to language classes, it was a fantastic start to Term 2, and we look forward to seeing our students continue to learn, connect, and celebrate Pacific languages throughout the term.

08/06/2026

🌺 Enrol now for our ‘Ei Katu Workshop! 🌺

Join us for a 4-week, face-to-face ‘Ei Katu workshop starting 27 June ✨

This immersive workshop is designed to help you reconnect with language, culture, and identity in a supportive and engaging space.

📅 Starts: 27 June
🕣 Time: 8:30am – 5:00pm
📍 Face-to-face learning

Build your confidence, strengthen your cultural knowledge, and be part of a learning journey grounded in Pacific values 🌏💛

Spaces are limited - secure your spot today!
👉 https://centreforpacificlanguages.co.nz/courses/our-courses/eikatu/