The Rotuman community in New Zealand said two of their proudest moments were when prime minister Jacinda Ardern wore a tefui garland in Parliament and when a Rotuman prayer was recited in the House on Wednesday.
Community leader Gabriel Penjueli said the prayer was the culmination of more than 30 years of work done by pioneers of the NZ Rotuman Fellowship Incorporated Society for and those who had continued this work up until today.
“The foundation that was laid by our elders then, led by the late Reverend Jione Langi, was for our people to connect in this country and maintain and strengthen our bond as Rotumans living in Aotearoa,” he said.
Mr Penjueli said for Rotuma to be recognised in New Zealand – a cultural melting pot – was “massive”.
“The Rotuman language is in the top 50 of endangered languages and with that in mind, our new generation of leaders are working on solutions to create awareness amongst our people, not only here in NZ but all over the globe.”
