Protecting and preserving Tokelau language and culture
Les Atoni
In honour of Tokelau Language Week, Vaka Tautua is celebrating the work of our staff member, Les Atoni, who has done so much to preserve the language and culture of his homeland, Tokelau.
Les is Team Leader for two of Vaka Tautua’s Ola Fiafia Mental Health services in the Wellington region – Pacific Navigation and Access & Choice. In June 2022, he was recognised for services to the Tokelauan community in the Queen’s Birthday and Platinum Jubilee Honours.
Les was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his tireless commitment to preserving the language and culture of Tokelau. Through education, community and youth engagement, Les has spearheaded many initiatives to ensure Tokelauan cultural values are maintained for generations to come.
“I was born in Atafu, Tokelau, but came to New Zealand at the end of 1979 and have lived here ever since. My wife Rachel and I have four adult children and six mokopuna, and of course we claim all of our nieces and nephews as ours.
“As a student in Tokelau, I gained a government scholarship to study in New Zealand. I first attended school in Masterton before going to school in Ruakākā, and then to Wesley College in Auckland. Not long after leaving school I joined the Royal New Zealand Navy and was based at Devonport Naval Base.
“Life in Tokelau is very different to life in New Zealand in so many ways. In Tokelau there is no airport, no pubs, no prison, and it is 100% dependent on solar power. Tokelau is a dependent territory of New Zealand, so we are New Zealand citizens. However, there are only 1,500 people living back in Tokelau compared to the 7,000 people who call Aotearoa their home.
“The Tokelau language, alongside Vagahau Niue and Cook Islands Māori, are three Pacific languages that we risk of losing if we do nothing. Language is a big part of our identity, but the rate of people speaking Tokelau is still in decline to this day. We are in crisis mode, and must put all our efforts towards ensuring we do not lose our heritage.
“The Atafu Tokelau Community Group was founded by Tokelauan mothers and fathers who migrated to New Zealand from the late 1950s to the early 1970s. The group opened a purpose-built community hall named Matauala in April 1987 on a five acre plot in Porirua.
“The society promotes religious, social, cultural, and traditional family structures and values, and educational, health and welfare development for the Atafu community in the Wellington region.
“A Tokelau proverb I would like to share is, ‘Totō hau tōkiga auā na tupulaga e fāi mai’ which means ‘Plant now for the future generations to harvest’. From the work that we are doing now, I am hopeful the Tokelau language will survive. More of our people are starting to get involved in our Tokelau culture and the Tokelau language will be an NCEA subject at Levels 1, 2, and 3. The most important thing at the moment is that parents speak to their children in Tokelau at home.
“Receiving the Queen’s Birthday Honours was a huge privilege. It is for those who crossed the Pacific ocean and pioneered our Tokelau communities in Aotearoa. It is for those who have worked behind the scenes and for those who championed our language.”
Image © Les Atoni