Auckland Libraries blog

Fale Tusi i Aukilani e fakamanatu te Vaiaso o te Gana Tuvalu / Auckland Libraries celebrates Tuvalu Language Week Talofa! Join us in celebrating Tuvalu Language Week from 27 Setema (September) to 3 Oketopa (October). This year's theme is  Fakatili Te Kiloga Fou -  Navigating the changing environment. Did you know? Tuvalu means 'eight islands together'. Tuvalu was once known as the Ellice Islands, and in 1978, Tuvalu declared independence from Great Britain. The capital is Funafuti Atoll; most government offices are located in the village of Vaiaku, Fongafale islet, a constituent part of Funafuti Atoll. The group includes both atolls and reef islands. The atolls - Nanumea, Nui, Nukufetau, Funafuti, and Nukulaelae - have islets encircling a shallow lagoon; the reef islands - Nanumanga, Niutao, Vaitupu, and Niulakita - are compact with a fringing reef. Tuvaluans are Polynesian, and their language, Tuvaluan, is closely related to Samoan. Nui, however, was heavily settled in pr...

Today the lovely Meli Kaveinga joins us from the Rānui community to share how she celebrates Vaiaso o te Gana Tuvalu -Tuvalu Language Week.  Meli is a member of the Tuvalu community who lives in Rānui and frequently visits our libraries. Talanoa with  Meli Fakatalofa atu! Tell us a little about yourself, Meli! Talofa, my name is Meli Kaveinga.  I was born in Funafuti the capital of Tuvalu. I was raised by my grandparents Melita and Semese Alefaio. We moved here to New Zealand when I was very young and have been here ever since.  I've been teaching for more than ten years at different schools and I'm currently at Birdwood School in Rānui as the Learning Support Coordinator.  What does Vaiaso o te Gana Tuvalu -Tuvalu Language Week mean to you? Tuvalu Language Week means a lot to me because this is a special time of the year where I can showcase my culture and language.  It’s also a great opportunity for me to teach others about my language and cultu...