Macawa ni Vosa Vakaviti - Fiji Language Week 2020

Ratu Meli in his iTaukei stance serving Yaqona to Auckland Library Staff. (Photograph by Dan Liu, Auckland Libraries)

Ni sa Bula Vinaka!

Celebrate Macawa ni Vosa Vakaviti - Fiji Language Week with Auckland Libraries from 4 - 10 Okotova (October) 2020.

This year's theme is Noqu Vosa, Noqu isema bula – My language, my living link.

The aim of the week is to encourage Fijians living in Auckland to retain or learn their unique language, as well as an opportunity for all Aucklanders to experience the rich and vibrant culture of Fiji.

This year marks the 50th Independence of Fiji and we'll be celebrating with a selection of events at our libraries.

Akanisi Mocesava from the village of Korotulu on Moce Island in the Lau Group who has practised her art form for 30+ years. Image by Dan Liu, Auckland Libraries.

Fijian titles and resources

Auckland Libraries has an extensive collection of Pacific resources and materials. Check out some of our Fijian collection in this curated list.

Celebrating Fiji

This short curated list presents a few of the Pacific treasures we care for in our Auckland Libraries Basement Pacific collections. These books are precious but can still be requested and borrowed.
Visit the Auckland Libraries website to check out this booklist.

Waitui Ātea Saltwater Realm

Listen to Pacific Heritage Curator Daren Kamali reflect on putting together the recent Waitui Ātea Saltwater Realm exhibition at Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero Auckland Central City Library.
Listen on the Auckland Libraries podcast.

Ngā Pātaka Kōrero - Auckland Libraries · Daren Kamali - Pacific Heritage Curator

Setareki Laveti – looking after the Yogona as Daunivucu, Ratu Meli Bolatogavelu from Bua serves the kava. Image by Dan Liu, Auckland Libraries 

Useful phrases and words 

This is the perfect opportunity to try out some Fijian phrases throughout the week. Check out the list below and give it a go!

Bula Vinaka: Hello/Greetings

Ni sa yadra: Good morning

Nisa moce: Goodbye / Goodnight

Vinaka: Good / Thank you

Vinaka Vaka Levu: Thank you very much 

Io: Yes

Sega: No

Pacific specialists at Auckland Libraries

We have wonderful Pasifika specialists with diverse interests. Find out more about our Pasifika community librarians, collections specialists and leadership, where they are based and how they can support you on the Auckland Libraries website.

Talanoa with Pacific Curator Daren Kamali, and find out how he celebrates Macawa ni vosa Vaka Viti - Fiji Language Week on the Auckland Libraries blog. Click here to read more.