Pacific languages sit at the heart of identity, culture, and belonging. When language is lost, connection to heritage, history, and community can weaken. That’s why language revitalisation is not just about words, it’s about protecting identity, strengthening confidence, and sustaining culture for future generations.

The journey of Pacific Language Weeks began in 2007 with the launch of Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa, initiated by Fa’alapotopotoga mo le A’oa’oina o le Gagana Samoa i Aotearoa (FAGASA). What started as a community-led effort to celebrate and strengthen Samoan language in Aotearoa quickly demonstrated the power of collective action in language preservation.

In 2009, the Human Rights Commission joined in support, helping to expand the concept into a broader Pacific Language Weeks initiative. This marked an important shift, recognising that Pacific languages deserve national visibility, protection, and celebration.

Since 2010, the Ministry for Pacific Peoples has supported Pacific Language Weeks annually, working alongside Pacific communities to promote and raise awareness of the rich linguistic diversity across Aotearoa. These dedicated weeks provide an opportunity to spotlight individual languages, celebrate cultural pride, and encourage everyday use in homes, schools, workplaces, and communities.

Although each language has its own focused week of celebration, Pacific Language Weeks are more than a calendar event. They represent an ongoing commitment to language revitalisation throughout the year. Community groups, educators, families, and cultural leaders continue to lead initiatives, events, and learning opportunities well beyond the official celebration period.

Pacific Language Weeks are a reminder that language lives through use, in conversation, storytelling, education, and community life. By celebrating and actively speaking our Pacific languages, we ensure they continue to thrive for generations to come.