Spotlight on: Sepa Puleoti


Today Sepa Puleoti, Senior Library Assistant Pasifika at Auckland Libraries, joins us to share how she celebrates Faahi Tapu he Vagahau Niue - Niue Language Week. 

Talanoa with Sepa Puleoti, Senior Library Assistant Pasifika

Fakaalofa atu! Please tell us a bit about your role at Auckland Libraries?

Fakaalofa lahi atu kia mutolu oti. My name is Sepa Puleoti and I am the Senior Library Assistant Pasifika in the Waitematā local board, based at Grey Lynn Library.

I am bilingual (fluent in English and the Niuean language) and have an excellent understanding of the Pasifika community, which allows me to really establish a strong rapport with many Niuean and Pacific Islander customers.

During Pasifika and Pacific Language Weeks, I have had the opportunity of organising events, (with the help of my colleagues) inviting our local schools to perform, and I help out with Storytime.

How do you celebrate Faahi Tapu he Vagahau Niue?  

Home is where the heart is when it comes to celebrating my culture. Over a meal with friends and families, we often share stories of home, growing up. 

Being fluent, I try to engage our younger generation in conversations, and explain to them the importance and value of our language, for it is our cultural heritage to treasure and embrace.

How do you connect with friends and family during this time?

Social media platforms like Facebook are great ways to stay connected and converse with one another.

At work, we have displays of books, and our weekly activities for preschoolers, Storytimes and Rhymetimes to celebrate and acknowledge the language.

I also reach out to my Pasifika colleagues if I need help with anything or just to touch base.

Do you have a favourite phrase or word in Vagahau Niue?   

Ua tupetupe – Don’t worry.

Is there anything else you’d like people to know?  

Language is emotional, language is “home”, language is identity.

Fakaaue Lahi.

Fakaaue Sepa!

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Find out more about Sepa 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.

Click here to find out more about Pasifika specialists.

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