It’s Niue Language Week
To support and celebrate thePacific Language Weeks series, AUT works alongside its students to elevate their experiences of Pacific culture, practices and language; taonga to be preserved, protected and sustained.
These taonga are often ancient and deeply significant from cultural, spiritual and social perspectives and are practices shared by others in the University’s community.
For Faahi Tapu he Vagahau Niue, four members of AUT’s Niuean Students Association showcase a Niuean taonga called kahoa hihi which is a traditional Niuean necklace made from tiny yellow snail shells.
Its bright yellow colour makes it distinctive, and it holds cultural significance as an expression of Niuean identity, heritage and pride.
More specifically, kahoa hihi is traditionally worn at weddings, cultural celebrations and performances, and can also be gifted as a treasured representation of Niue. Its intricate craftsmanship reflects the time and care involved in preparing and stringing each tiny shell.
Featured in this video are AUT Bachelor of Arts (Education) student, Gizza Laile, President of the Association and Bachelor of Business (Finance) student, Nofolisi Hala, Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) student, Luke Mautama, and Aquaphina Taulahi who is studying a Bachelor of Construction (Construction management). Each of these AUT students have deep connections to Niuean villages.
“Kahoa hihi is very significant to Niue,” says Nofolisi Hala who is of Niuean and Tongan descent. “It is our gold and represents not just our nation but other villages that are behind it as well.
Nofolisi is aiming to work in the corporate space upon completing his degree. He says, “There have been a lot of very successful Niueans over the years. I owe a lot to my parents for the sacrifices they’ve made for me. I’m very proud and humbled to have nearly finished my tertiary journey at AUT.”
Commenting on his Niuean language journey, Nofolisi says, “Everyone’s journey is different but it’s great to see fellow Niueans taking part in traditional Niuean festivals. This makes me super proud and super happy because it shows everyone taking steps towards growing our culture and making an effort to learn.”
The 2026 theme for Niue Language Week is "Gahua auloa ke fakaako fakamalolō e Vagahau Niue" - working together to diligently teach and strengthen Vagahau Niue.
Niuean greetings and other resources for Faahi Tapu he Vagahau Niue, including email signatures and printable posters, are available on the website of the Ministry for Pacific Peoples.
AUT’s 2026 AUT Pacific language video series as they are launched, watch on the AUT Pacific YouTube channel.