Youth Member of Auckland Museum’s Pacific Advisory Group
Fakalofa lahi atu, kia mutolu oti. Haaku higoa ko Reevez Cameron Webster. I was fortunate to have travelled frequently between Niue and New Zealand. Growing up in Auckland, I was exposed to a large portion of the Vagahau/language and Agafakamotu/culture. Forever indebted to my Nana, Afa Webster, we learnt much of the Niuean language through church songs and the constant visitors we received on the daily. It was here I learnt how to brew the perfect cup of tea and coffee, as Nana and aunties spoke the vagahau and reminisced about the islands.
When I was younger, I frequently travelled between Niue and New Zealand. I took part in a traditional coming age event in 2003: Hair Cutting. I learnt from this point onwards how cultural customs like this play a pivotal part in ones identity journey. Pasifika and Polyfest have been important for many young Niueans getting to perform traditional takalao and meke for their magaafaoa/families and matua/elders. Cultural events and items like these help to bridge an important gap for us living in the diaspora, and allows us to be anchored to our nation in a growing globalized context. Niue holds a special place in the historical and political contexts of New Zealand, both good and bad.
Being a young Niuean today, we experience the world differently to our parents and forefathers. Niuean Language Week has provided an opportunity for my generation to interact with our culture in deep and meaningful ways, through art, performance and other media. Niue continues to grow as an environmental powerhouse and be recognised as an important part of the Polynesia and the Pacific. Niue is more than just the “Rock of the Pacific”, it is the culture I love with the people whose knowledge and wisdom I carry with me through my life. My nana always encouraged me to practice my Niuean culture and language, no matter if I was confident or unsure of getting things wrong. Her love and the love of our matua continue to make me proud to be from the “Rock of the Pacific”.
Monu, monu, monu Tagaloa.