Spotlight on: Daren Kamali
Daren is one of our Pasifika specialists. Auckland Libraries has Pasifika specialists with diverse interests based in libraries throughout Tāmaki Makaurau. Click here to find out more about how we can support you and your community.
Talanoa with Daren Kamali, Pacific Heritage Advisor
Bula! Please tell us a bit about your role at Auckland Libraries?
I'm Daren Kamali – Heritage Pacific Advisor at Auckland Libraries Special Collections.
How do you celebrate Macawa Ni Vosa Vaka Viti?
I celebrate Macaw Ni Vosa Vaka Viti by Talanoa Vaka Viti, speaking Fijian with elders of the family and close friends, I also get the children to read Fijian books during this time. Always a special thing to have some Yaqona, Talanoa and Fijian food, like curry and roti, miti, wheke and lovu.
How do you connect with friends and family during this time?
I connect with family and friends in Fiji via telephone, skype or Facetime. Our family gather every year on Fijian Independence Day on the 10th of October here in Auckland at our family home to celebrate. It is a special occasion.
Do you have a favourite phrase or word in Fijian?
The term Kailoma. Kailoma has had a special place in my life. It does not mean half-caste or part of some ethnic race. It actually means a race within another race. So it justifies my multi-Pacific and European nationalities.
Is there anything else you’d like people to know?
Want to wish everyone a Happy Fijian Language Week especially this year marking the 50th Anniversary of Independence in Fiji. Mara toko na vosa vaka viti Vanuinui Vinaka Vaka Levu Loloma Daren.
Vinaka Daren!
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Find out more about Daren and our many wonderful Pasifika community librarians, collections specialists and leadership, where they are based and how we can support you on the Auckland Libraries website.
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