Why Tokelau, Niue and Cook Islands Māori Languages Need Urgent Revitalisation

Aotearoa New Zealand is home to one of the largest Pacific populations in the world, but many of the languages at the heart of Pacific identity are now at risk of disappearing. Among the most vulnerable are the three Pacific Realm Languages: Te Gagana Tokelau, Vagahau Niue, and Te Reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani (Cook Islands Māori).

These are not just Pacific languages, they are indigenous languages of the Realm of New Zealand, carried across generations through stories, prayers, songs, and cultural practices. Today, with most Tokelauans, Niueans and Cook Islanders living in Aotearoa, the responsibility to protect these languages sits firmly with us.

The Alarming Numbers: Why Pacific Realm Languages Are Endangered

The Pacific Languages Strategy highlights the reality clearly: Realm languages are disappearing faster than almost any other Pacific languages in Aotearoa.

Te Gagana Tokelau

Only 13% of Tokelauan children under 15 in Aotearoa can speak the language.
85% of the Tokelau population lives in New Zealand.
UNESCO classification: Severely endangered.

Vagahau Niue

Only 7% of Niuean children in Aotearoa can speak the language.
95% of all Niueans now live in New Zealand.
UNESCO classification: Definitely endangered.

Te Reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani

Only 7% of Cook Islands Māori children under 15 speak their language.
82% of Cook Islanders live in Aotearoa.
UNESCO classification: Vulnerable.

These numbers reveal a clear pattern: the next generation is losing its languages.

Why Are Pacific Realm Languages Declining?

1. English has become the dominant language at home

Family language use has shifted toward English, especially among NZ-born young people.

2. Fewer intergenerational speakers

Many parents and grandparents are fluent, but transmission is dropping sharply with each generation.

3. Limited access to learning pathways

There are very few:

bilingual units
structured language classes
accessible online learning resources

Realm languages often don’t have the same institutional support as larger Pacific languages like Samoan or Tongan.

4. Small population size

With fewer speakers overall, every language loss has a bigger impact.

Why Revitalisation Matters

Language is identity

When young Pacific people know their language, research shows stronger:

cultural identity
confidence
mental wellbeing
educational success

Language connects generations

Elders carry the cultural knowledge, stories and spirituality. Without language, that connection weakens.

Pacific Realm Languages hold unique knowledge

Each Realm language carries:

indigenous worldviews
traditional knowledge
genealogical history
values and ways of being

This knowledge cannot be translated or replaced.

Aotearoa New Zealand has a responsibility

Because most Tokelauans, Cook Islanders, and Niueans now live here, Aotearoa New Zealand is the primary place where these languages will survive or disappear.

The Path Forward: Making Pacific Realm Languages Visible, Accessible and Easy to Learn

Revitalisation must focus on:

Creating beginner-friendly digital pathways
Supporting families to use languages at home
Involving youth in learning and content creation
Strengthening community spaces where language is spoken
Celebrating Realm languages year-round—not just during language weeks

At Pacific Learners, our mission is to make Realm languages easy to access, simple to learn, and part of everyday life for NZ-born Pacific families.

Final Thought

Realm languages are at a crossroads. The next 10 years will determine whether Te Gagana Tokelau, Vagahau Niue and Te Reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani remain living languages—or become languages held only in memory.

Revitalisation is not just about teaching words.
It is about protecting identity, honouring ancestors, and ensuring that future generations know exactly where they come from.

Now is the time to act.