For the first time, Vanuatu Bislama Language Week is being officially celebrated in New Zealand and for Ni-Vanuatu seasonal workers toiling in the orchards of Pukekohe, they are feeling a sense of pride.
The week marks a historic addition to the Ministry for Pacific Peoples' annual Pacific language calendar, which now includes 12 languages: Rotuman, Samoan, Kiribati, Cook Islands Māori, Tongan, Papua New Guinean, Tuvaluan, Fijian, Niuean, Tokelauan, Solomon Islands Pijin and Bislama.
Bislama is the national language of Vanuatu and a creole language spoken across Vanuatu's 83 islands which is a blend of English, French, and Indigenous words.
Clifford Yahwo has been participating in the seasonal program and this year marks his tenth year, he said he is feeling thankful he gets to witness this historic moment.
Yahwo said it is great to have the opportunity to celebrate Bislama in Aotearoa.
Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi
"Vanuatu is a small country in the Pacific, close to Fiji, Solomon (Island), New Caledonia.
"I am so happy, like we are very happy we to celebrate here in New Zealand. We come for work, but its good we have this opportunity to celebrate Bislama language here in New Zealand."
"Also, [in] Vanuatu we have different cultures - each island [has its] own culture, different from different island. Another thing is we are independent people. We had our independence since 1980."
Fellow team leader David Navian, who also manages another group of workers at Punchbowl orchards, echoes the same sentiment, especially because people get to learn about their language.
Laughing from the cold weather and crisp air in Pukekohe, he offered a few of his favourite phrases:
- "Hariap yumi go long haos" which means Hurry up, we're going home.
- "Karem kwiktaem yumi tekem moa bin" which means Pick quickly, we get more bins.
- "Blessem, kol kol tumas!" Bless, it's too cold!
The theme for this year's inaugural Bislama Language Week is 'Tokabaot Klaemet Jenj - hemi ril mo yumi mas lukaotem laef' which translates to 'Talk about climate change, it is real, and we must look after life'.
Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi
Ministry for Pacific Peoples chief executive Gerardine Clifford-Lidstone said this is more than a cultural milestone.
"There is deep pride in Bislama. It connects people across islands, generations, and borders," she said.
"We are proud to stand alongside the Vanuatu community as they celebrate Vanuatu Bislama Language Week for the first time in Aotearoa New Zealand.
"This is a powerful moment of recognition, connection, and pride. Bislama carries the stories, humour, and heart of its people - and we are honoured to support its journey here"
Events are being held across the country all week and as the workers like to say: "678 to the world."
