Mele Fakatali Nemaia, a distinguished Niuean educator, has made a heartfelt return to Niue following a remarkable career in New Zealand dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Niuean language and culture. Embracing the beauty of her native land, Nemaia expressed her excitement while reflecting on the joyful celebrations of Niue Language Week in the past.
One of her most notable accomplishments is the founding of Hologa Niue, which stands as New Zealand’s first Niue cultural festival. The theme for the upcoming festival in 2025 is “Fakatapunu, Ofania, mo e Fakaaoga e Vagahau Niue!” (Elevate, Cherish, and use Vagahau Niue!). Nemaia is optimistic about the Niuean community’s commitment to preserving their rich heritage, which is essential to their identity. This passion has also inspired her latest book, highlighting her unwavering dedication to the Niue language and culture.
Nemaia has been recognized with membership in the New Zealand Order of Merit and has served as the chairperson for the Vagahau Niue Trust, passionately advocating for the Niue language. Now relishing her retirement in Niue, she delights in selling bread at the local market and savoring fresh produce from her garden, including pawpaw and Uga (coconut crab). Proudly declaring, “There is no place like home. Niue is blessed abundantly,” she cherishes her return.
Despite her retirement, Nemaia’s spirit remains vibrant as she is temporarily supporting a local school for three weeks. She has also published her second book, which shares the experiences of Niuean schoolchildren. Her first book, released for Niue Language Week 2024, captured stories from the perspective of young Niueans, while her current release, “Moana Oceania: Niue,” is a bilingual work presented in both Vagahau Niue and English. This collaboration with Oratia Books allows her to portray various facets of Niue’s culture, society, geography, and history.
During her interview, Nemaia expressed her dedication to the youth, encouraging those born outside Niue, who may grapple with identity and language challenges, to actively participate in their community and embrace the language. Her message is clear and inclusive: “You don’t have to seek permission to come to Niue. Just come!”
In addition to her literary efforts, Nemaia has been instrumental in launching the Fakaako e Vagahau Niue language app three years ago, designed to teach basic phrases and vocabulary, promoting language retention among younger generations. She remains hopeful that the app continues to be a vital resource as UNESCO recognizes Niuean as a critically endangered language. “Our young people are hungry, hungry for their language,” she reiterated, underscoring the importance of cultural preservation for the future.
Mele Fakatali Nemaia exemplifies resilience and unwavering dedication to her community, showcasing that returning to one’s roots can lead to new beginnings and ongoing contributions to the language and culture that define identity. Her steadfast commitment to nurturing the Vagahau Niue language reflects a promising outlook for the preservation of Niuean culture and language for generations to come.