MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION ON THE 13TH FESTIVAL OF
PACIFIC ARTS & CULTURE (FestPAC) MEETINGMONDAY, APRIIL 19, 2021 AT 2:30 PM
VIA VIRTUAL APPLICATION ZOOM: VIDEO / AUDIO CONFERENCE
Commission Members Present were:
Kalani Ka‘anā‘anā, Chair
Snowbird Bento
Māpuana de Silva-

Jamie Lum-

Richard Onishi
Makanani Salā
Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu-

Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA) Designee
Community Member At-Large (Departed at 3:02
p.m.)Community Member At-Large (Arrived at 2:34
p.m.)
Department of Business, Economic Development
and Tourism (DBEDT)House Speaker’s Designee (Arrived at 2:36 p.m.)City and County of Honolulu Designee
Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) Designee

Jackie Lynne Burke
Maka Casson-Fisher
Ilihia Gionson
Dede Howa
June MatsumotoMonte McComber
Aaron Sala-

Public Member
Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA)
Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association
Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA)
Public Member
Public Member
University of Hawaiʻi/Royal Hawaiian Center

Margaret Ahn
Marlene Hiraoka
Selma Malcolm
Timothy Tiu-

Deputy Attorney General
DBEDT
DBEDT
DBEDT

-

Senate President’s Designee

Guests:Staff:

Apologies:
Jarrett Keohokālole

Minutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture
Monday, April 19, 2021 at 2:30pm via ZOOMPage 2 of 7

CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chair Kalani Ka‘anā‘anā at 2:31 p.m., who welcomed
everyone present via ZOOM and Facebook Live.
Chair Ka‘anā‘anā called upon Ms. Wong-Kalu to do the wehena (opening).
PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON AGENDA ITEMS
Chair Ka‘anā‘anā invited members of the public to testify on the agenda items. Hearing none, hecontinued with agenda items.
APPROVAL OF APRIL 4, 2021 MEETING MINUTES
The minutes were distributed and reviewed by Commissioners. Chair Ka‘anā‘anā asked if there
were any corrections to the minutes.
Hearing none, a motion was made by Ms. Lum and seconded by Ms. Bento to adopt the minutes
unamended.
A roll call vote was requested with the following Commissioners approving the motion toapprove the minutes: Chair Ka‘anā‘anā, Ms. de Silva, Ms. Bento, Rep. Onishi, Ms. Lum, Ms.
Wong-Kalu, Ms. Salā.
Motion was unanimously approved.
LEGISLATION
Chair Ka‘anā‘anā shared a summary about Senate Bill 696 which would extend the life of theCommission until August 31, 2025 and permits commission members to discuss matters outsideof a public meeting to perform their duties.
Ms. Lum reported that the Conference Committee met and a CD1 that corrects the flawed date
will need to be approved by the Finance Committee. The Conference Committee will bereconvening on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at 1:30 p.m.
Chair Ka‘anā‘anā expressed that, hopefully, the CD1 will be approved with the sunset datecorrected to August 31, 2025. In addition, language proposed by the Office of Information
Practices (OIP) will be included in the draft which will state that, at the most, four Commission
Members may meet privately provided that their discussion topics are presented at a Commission
meeting on a monthly basis.
DISCUSSION AND ADOPTION OF REVISED PROGRAM MATRIXChair Ka‘anā‘anā turned over this portion of the agenda to Ms. Bento and Mr. Gionson.
Ms. Bento expressed her thanks to Ms. Salā for reading the report at the last Commission
meeting, on her behalf. Ms. Bento expressed that she would like the big bucket items to bebrought to a final vote.

Minutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture
Monday, April 19, 2021 at 2:30pm via ZOOMPage 3 of 7

Ms. Bento mentioned that she reviewed minutes from November 10, 2020, that indicated theprogram (offering and scheduling) was to be finalized; however, it appears that the programming
was never finalized at that time. In addition, during the December 1, 2020, Commission
meeting, a final vote on programming was not made at that time as well. Hence, those bucket
items were up for discussion when Ms. Bento and her sub-committee met.
Ms. Bento indicated that she would like to stick to the themed pillars that the Festival was
initially built upon. Mr. Gionson shared the diagram with the comparisons of the original andrevised bucket categories. Ms. Bento stated that she also reviewed the minutes and video of thelast Commission meeting.
Ms. Bento expressed that her subcommittee would like the approval of the big bucket categories.
They are not looking at discrete, detailed descriptions. She asked Commission members if thiswould allow her and her sub-committee to move forward to further develop programming
descriptions. She commented that at this point, with the approval of the big buckets, theCommission may be able to begin securing financing and developing an overall budget.
Ms. Bento further stated that since the original buckets were never approved, her sub-committee
developed new buckets. If there are categories that may have been omitted, it is because her subcommittee focused upon what types of specific descriptions would likely fit into the big buckets.
Ms. Bento asked for comments from Commission members. She emphasized, however, that thecomments and discussion did not have to be detailed. She also asked Chair Ka‘anā‘anā if there
is a calendar, or a deadline for when he would like the more discrete/detailed buckets to becompleted.
Chair Ka‘anā‘anā expressed that his recommendations would be to take a vote on the big bucket
items so that it would not need to be revisited again. There is a need to move forward on the
more discrete items that would fall into the big bucket categories. Country delegations will thenprovide their feedback on areas that they would be participating in.
Rep. Onishi asked for clarification as to whether the big buckets were from originally discussed
categories. Hearing confirmation, Rep. Onishi made a motion to approve the big bucket
categories and Ms. de Silva seconded the motion.
Ms. de Silva complemented Ms. Bento and her sub-committee for reviewing programming ofpast Festivals. She also expressed her appreciation to the sub-committee for its intention to craft“old” but “new” bucket categories.
A roll call vote was requested with the following Commissioners approving the motion toapprove the big buckets: Chair Ka‘anā‘anā, Ms. de Silva, Ms. Bento, Rep. Onishi, Ms. Lum,
Ms. Wong-Kalu, Ms. Salā.
Motion was unanimously approved.
DISCUSSION OF FORMATION OF SUB-COMMITTEESMinutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture
Monday, April 19, 2021 at 2:30pm via ZOOMPage 4 of 7

Chair Ka‘anā‘anā explained that he added this item to the agenda because it was somewhat
related to the next agenda item regarding the Festival Manual and Guam’s After Action Report.
Chair commented that he would like recommendations to be made for sub-committees. For his
areas of responsibility pertaining to fundraising and Opening and Closing ceremonies, he and his
sub-committee would be able to plan and execute details for those specific areas.
Chair Ka‘anā‘anā asked for comments/discussion related to sub-committees.
Chair explained that for the area of public relations and communications, although theCommission retained Strategies 360 in the past, he will now be requesting assistance from staff
at HTA and NAHAA including from HTA’s in-house publicist, Ms. Marissa Yamane. With
respect to the area of fundraising, Chair will need to have a discussion with Ms. Lum regarding
the drafting of a Request for Information (RFI). The RFI will guide the Commission in its
approach to fundraising and other development work.
Chair Ka‘anā‘anā explained that the Opening and Closing ceremonies are currently on hold at
the moment because he will need to identify venues. He commented that venue representatives
will eventually be participants of his sub-committee. He also expressed that as the date of theFestival approaches, additional team members will be asked to join his sub-committee.
Chair asked Commissioners for any comments regarding sub-committees. Ms. Lum commented
that in looking at her/DBEDT’s kuleana, much of the work will be handled by in-house DBEDT
staff. She indicated, however, that it also would depend upon any State funding and other types
of fundraising that may occur in the future. At the moment, she will be relying upon in-housestaffing and is also interested in reaching out to Mr. Jonathan Johnson at the State Foundation on
Culture and the Arts (SFCA) regarding event planning that their organization has done in thepast. She also commented on seeking advice from Ms. Salā’s office related to the procurementof goods and services for events.
Ms. Salā expressed that she would like to confirm the location of the Festival Village. Herquestions and concerns are related to securing the venue, providing 24-security for the durationof the 10-day Festival, etc. Chair Ka‘anā‘anā expressed that he would like everyone to review
and use the venue form to make suggestions. He stated that he will be completing forms for
Iolani Palace and Kapiolani Park for the Opening and Closing ceremonies. He also confirmedthat many events will be held at the Hawaii Convention Center since funding has already been
secured for this purpose. He further stated that the Convention Center has ample space for
exhibitions, symposia, display areas for art, etc.
Rep. Onishi shared that since Commissioner English stepped down as a Commissioner, he andSen. Keohokālole have not had an opportunity to meet due to time constraints because of theLegislation Session. They will plan on meeting after the Session.

Minutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture
Monday, April 19, 2021 at 2:30pm via ZOOMPage 5 of 7

DISCUSSION OF FESTIVAL MANUAL AND 12TH FESTIVAL (GUAM) AFTERACTION REPORT
Chair Ka‘anā‘anā reminded Commissioners that the FestPAC Manual and Guam After Action
Report were distributed for their information and review. He indicated that the Manual would
need to be reviewed to determine if it will work for Hawaiʻi or whether it needed to be updated.
Hawaiʻi will have issues pertaining to border control, agricultural related matters, etc. and thatthe nature and layers of government regulations in Hawaiʻi differ from those of the PacificIslands.
Chair Ka‘anā‘anā commented that a Festival Director has not yet been appointed. Ms Salā
agreed that this is a concern and asked who will fill that role. Ms. Bento expressed that
Commissioners should nominate individuals for the position. Chair asked for comments andexpressed that the current difficulty is that the Commission does not have funding to staff thisposition. He further commented that a Festival Director is needed because when there are noclear lines of responsibility, the planning and coordination of an event such as FestPAC becomeschallenging. He is aware that this is a full-time position that will be required, at least, from two
years out before the Festival is held. Chair also reminded Commissioners that budget items andfunding needed to be prioritized including grant writing, etc. He emphasized that there areholistic considerations for the Festival including human resources, public relations, safety,
security, etc. Without a full-time director, there is a greater chance that details will fall throughthe cracks as the event approaches.
Ms. Lum agreed that there is a need to retain a full-time Director two years out and that it needed
to be a compensated position. She suggested that another option to consider would be to financethis position within the sponsorship area similar to how other non-profit organizations fund an
Executive Director by having sponsor’s staff on loan for the duration of the planning andimplementation of an event.
Chair Ka‘anā‘anā suggested exploring AmeriCorps VISTA requirements, too. He alsomentioned engaging youth in the planning process.
Ms. de Silva provided historical information in that the position of Festival Director is usually agovernmental position. The individual is employed by the government and paid by thegovernment. Ms. de Silva noted that in other countries, the Festival Director would haveexisting relationships and contacts in place. She wondered if there is an individual in Hawaiʻi
who might be able to assume that role.
Rep. Onishi expressed that the Commission needs to review the overall budget again. He
suggested developing a couple of operational budgets to determine amounts that needed to beallocated for specific areas. He mentioned that even for fundraising, the Commission does nothave a current target goal. Ms. de Silva believes that there needs to be government
representation. Rep. Onishi commented that it would behoove the Commission to look at
DBEDT to explore the possibility of securing an appropriation for a Festival Director, as an
excluded position, through DBEDT, because the State of Hawaiʻi, as the host, needs to ensurethat the Festival succeeds. He further stated that the Commission should not seek a contractor
for this role because if there are relationship and other problems that surface, at the end of theMinutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture
Monday, April 19, 2021 at 2:30pm via ZOOMPage 6 of 7day, it is still the State of Hawaii that would be responsible for the event. Rep. Onishi alsocommented that we normally would not approach developing a position for this purpose,
however, the State would not normally host this type of event so there needs to be anunderstanding that it would be important to consider an appropriation for the position of Festival
Director.
Chair Ka‘anā‘anā stated that he would develop an overall budget before the next meeting to give
the Commission a starting point. He also would like to add to the next meeting agenda,
information about the ANA grant application for the Festival and the possibility of working with
AmeriCorps VISTA. He will also meet with the East-West Center to see if there might be U.S.
State Department resources available to assist the Commission. Chair also would like the State
Foundation of Culture and Arts (SFCA) to do a presentation to the Commission so that
Commissioners would have a better understanding of their programs and determine if the SFCA
might be able to provide support with grant writing and administration.
Ms. de Silva explained that the Administration for Native Americans (ANA) solicitation is open
and that a training session will be held next week. The deadline to apply is late June or early
July.
Chair Ka‘anā‘anā asked Mr. McComber about his interactions with Council of Pacific Arts andCulture (CPAC) and Youth Ambassador programs and whether he might be able to obtain alisting of the heads of delegations through his involvement with those programs. Ms. de Silva
commented that it would not be possible until new FestPAC invitations are sent to countries.
She further explained that many representatives on the Council are heads of their respective
delegations. The country point-of-contacts would be the appropriate individuals to request forsuch a listing.
Chair Ka‘anā‘anā further explained that he was interested in receiving a listing of the heads ofdelegations to determine if the Commission should invite delegations to make a country
presentation to the Commission. It would be helpful for Commissioners to gain a better
understanding of each country, their culture, etc. Ms. de Silva stated that it would be best to
work through the point-of-contacts for these types of requests. She mentioned that The PacificCommunity (SPC) recently published a guide on etiquette across the Pacific which is a good
resource to gain an understanding of country protocols, values, how they think, etc. She will
forward a copy to Ms. Sanders and Mr. Casson-Fisher. Chair Ka‘anā‘anā expressed that hewould like to nurture communication between countries and the Commission. Ms. de Silva
indicated that she would be able to develop a schedule for the next couple of years, however, thebiggest difficulty is getting countries to respond to emails. Most will wait until the last minute torespond with comments/decisions. She agreed that having personal contacts might help
countries to respond to the Commission’s requests in a timely matter.
PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON AGENDA ITEMS
Chair Ka‘anā‘anā invited the public to again offer comments.

Minutes of the Commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture
Monday, April 19, 2021 at 2:30pm via ZOOMPage 7 of 7

Ms. Ahn reminded Commissioners that they should leave their cameras on during the meeting.
If a Commissioner needs to leave the meeting, they should make an announcement so that the
public will know that the Commissioner has left the meeting.
NEXT MEETING
Chair Ka‘anā‘anā confirmed that the next meeting will be held on May 3, 2021, at 2:30 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Ka‘anā‘anā made an announcement for the “Hawaiian Airlines May Day: Mākaʻikaʻi2021” event, which is supported by HTA. He mentioned that the event will feature Hālau
Mōhala ʻIlima and other performances by notable artists. The event will be broadcast live on
May 1st on KGMB, Facebook Live and KFVE. He reminded folks to wear a lei, make a lei, andgive a lei on May Day.
Ms. Salā mentioned that the City and County of Honolulu will be attempting to make the longest
lei and beat India’s record. The City and County of Honolulu is also a sponsor of the “Hawaiian
Airlines May Day: Mākaʻikaʻi 2021” event.
Chair Ka‘anā‘anā adjourned meeting at 3:16 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

04/30/2021
Kalani Ka‘anā‘anā
Chair

Date

FestPAC Hawaiʻi 2024
Venue Information Sheet (Internal)
Venue Name
Address

Contact Person

Capacity
Maximum Capacity

Maximum Seated

Maximum Standing

Overflow Options

Backstage
Capacity# Delegation Holding
Rooms# VIP Holding Rooms# Restrooms

ClimateType of Venue
Indoor / Open Air / Outdoor

Air Conditioning
Y/N

If Outdoor, Rain Plan?

Electrical Capacity

Internet Bandwith___ Mbps

Cellular Reception
AT&T
T-Mobile
VerizonIndoorY/N
Y/N
Y/N

Wi-Fi Availability
Public Y / N
Private Y / N
Cost: Vendor:
Outdoor
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N

Utilities

Access & Accessiblity (Please Attach Site Map)
ADA Compliant# Public Entrances# Private Entrances

Yes/No# Secure/Securable
Private Entrances

Security Checkpoint
at Public Entrances?

# Parking On-Site

Overflow Parking

Overflow Parking
Secure?

Private Bus Access

City Bus Nearby?

Bikeshare Nearby?

Adjustments for
Traffic? Lights?

FestPAC Hawaiʻi 2024
Venue Information Sheet (Internal)
Safety & Security
Private/Venue Security

Police Jurisdiction

Fire Jurisdiction

MedicalJurisdiction

NearestHospital

Can Venue Be
Locked/Secured?

Can Emergency Vehicles Be
Staged?

Venue Assets
ChairsTablesStage
Built In / Available
Built In / Available
Built In / Available
Stage Lighting
Sound System
Projection/Display
Built In / Available
Built In / Available
Built In / Available
RisersFood Service
Labor
Built In / Available
Available / BYO
Union / Non-Union / BYO
Does Venue Have Preferred Vendors? Attach List

Restrictions
Time & Sound
Restrictions

Cultural Restrictions

Grounds Restrictions

Historic Building Restrictions

Film Restrictions/Permits
Required

Misc.
Restrictions

Reservation
Estimated Cost

Deposit Requirement

Reservation Timing

Insurance
Requirements

To elaborate on any item, please attach a written clarification.
Info Sheet Updated:

Cultural Etiquettein the Pacific
Guidelines for staff working in Pacific communities

Tropic of Cancer
Tropique du Cancer

NORTHERNMARIANAISLANDSGUAM
PALAU(BELAU)MARSHALLISLANDSFEDERATED STATESOF MICRONESIAPAPUA NEW GUINEAKIRIBATINAURUTUVALUSOLOMON
ISLANDSWALLISFUTUN

VANUATUNEW
CALEDONIA

AUSTRALIAFIJI

NORFOLKISLAND

Tasman Sea
Mer De Tasman

AOTEAROA/NEW ZEALANHAWAII

Pacific Ocean
Océan Pacifique

KIRIBATIKIRIBATITOKELAU

S&
NA

SAMOA

COOK
ISLANDSAMERICA
SAMOA

NIUE
TONGA

/
ND

FRENCHPOLYNESIARAPA NUI/EASTER ISLANDPITCAIRN
ISLANDS

Cultural Etiquettein the Pacific
Guidelines for staff working in Pacific communities

Noumea, New Caledonia, 2020

Look out for these symbols for quick identificationof areas of interest.
Leadership and Protocol

Daily Life

Background

ReligionProtocolGenderCeremonies

Dress
Welcoming ceremonies

In the home

Farewell ceremonies

Out and about

Kava ceremonies

Greetings

Other ceremonies

Meals© Pacific Community (SPC) 2020
All rights for commercial/for profit reproduction or translation, in any form, reserved. SPC authorises the partial reproduction or translation of this material forscientific, educational or research purposes, provided that SPC and the source document are properly acknowledged. Permission to reproduce the document
and/or translate in whole, in any form, whether for commercial/for profit or non-profit purposes, must be requested in writing. Original SPC artwork may not
be altered or separately published without permission.
Original text: English
Pacific Community Cataloguing-in-publication data
Original text: English
Pacific Community Cataloguing-in-publication data
Cultural Etiquette in the Pacific Guidelines for staff working in Pacific communities
1. Culture — Oceania.
2. Cultural policy — Oceania.
3. Culture diffusion — Oceania.
4. Multiculturalism — Oceania.
5. Cultural pluralism — Oceania.
I. Title II. Pacific Community
344.0995		AACR2
ISBN: 978-982-00-1355-1
Cover: Tuvalu couple (Photo: SPC)
Inside cover: Dance group from New Caledonia, 10th Festival of Pacific Arts, Pago Pago, American Samoa, 2008. (Photo: Carla Appel)

CONTENTS
Foreword7
Preface8General Guidelines
9
Commonly Used Terms
14
American Samoa
15
Australia19
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands 24
Cook Islands
28
Federated States of Micronesia
32
Fiji 
36
French Polynesia
41
Guam 
45
Hawai’i 
48
Kiribati53
Marshall Islands
58
Nauru 62
New Caledonia
65
Aotearoa / New Zealand
70
Niue75
Norfolk Island
78
Palau83
Papua New Guinea
88
Pitcairn Islands
92
Rapa Nui / Easter Island
96
Samoa99
Solomon Islands
103
Tokelau107
Tonga111
Tuvalu 
115
Vanuatu119
Wallis and Futuna
123

GeneralInformation
Country
Guidelines

1

4
5

2

3

2

1

P hoto of woman fishing,Northern Province in New Caledonia(Photo: WhatTookYouSoLong)2 	
10th Festival of Pacific Arts

American Samoa, 2008
Playing a traditional game in American
Samoa (Photo: Carla Appel)

3

Preparing food, Pacific Islands, 2002

4 	
10th Festival of Pacific Arts

American Samoa, 2008
Dance group from Guam
(Photo: Carla Appel)

5

Fijian tapa

6 	Dancer from Federated States of Micronesia,

2006 (Photo: SPC)

7

6

C reating tapa, Samoa(Photo: Ron Castro)

7

3

1

5
6

2

3

4

4

7

8

10

1

Latinta cooking a meal in Nooto village, North Tarawa

2

Kava bowl

3

Arts Village, Pacific Harbour, Fiji

4 	10th Festival of Pacific Arts,

American Samoa, 2008
Papua New Guinean dance group (Photo: Carla Appel)5 	10th Festival of Pacific Arts,

American Samoa, 2008
Papua New Guinean dance group (Photo: Carla Appel)6 	
10th Festival of Pacific Arts,

American Samoa, 2008
Women from Fiji (Photo: Carla Appel)

7

Polynesian carving

8

Paddling competitors, Cook Islands, 200791 0th Festival of Pacific Arts,
American Samoa, 2008
Opening ceremony (Photo: Carla Appel)

10G athering ngali nuts in the forest,
Solomon Islands, 2016 (Photo: POETCom)

9

5

3
4

1

2

1

Navigation map, Marshall Islands

2Fishing (Photo: Francisco Blaha)3

1 0th Festival of Pacific Arts,
American Samoa, 2008
New Caledonian dance group(Photo: Carla Appel)4 	
10th Festival of Pacific Arts,

American Samoa, 2008
Indigenous Australian dance group(Photo: Carla Appel)

5

6

Meeting house, Palau. (Photo: SPC)

5

GENERALINFORMATIONFOREWORD
It gives me great pleasure to present this second
edition of Cultural Etiquette in the Pacific.
As a member of the Council of Regional
Organisations in the Pacific (CROP), SPC hasproudly served the region for over sevendecades, using science and innovation,and respect for Pacific contexts and cultures,
as a basis for interventions that respondto our members’ own needs and priorities.
The diversity of this region requires that our
staff are equipped with relevant competencies
and knowledge, including of Pacificpeoples and their cultures. This, in my view,
can take us a long way towards building
reciprocal relationships and strengthening
our engagement with our members.

Communication is a key element of these
relationships. This booklet will assist us tocommunicate in ways that are culturally
appropriate, including the sharing of ideas
and experience, and facilitate a deeper
understanding of how Pacific societies
operate. Our responsiveness as a service
provider is dependent on that understanding
because it must inform our approaches
and ways of working with our 26 member
countries. That said, we do not claim to beexperts on Pacific cultures – this resource isaimed at educating us on what we consider
to be a fundamental part of providing
effective service to Pacific communities.
I thank our team in the Social Development
Programme for producing this second
edition of Cultural Etiquette in the
Pacific and trust that as regional public
servants, we will make good use of it.
Dr Stuart Minchin
Pacific Community Director-General

7

GENERALINFORMATIONPREFACE
Culture is a key area of work for SPC, andthe Social Development Programme (SDP)
has lead responsibility for the portfolio. Partof this work is to develop organisational
capabilities that include knowledge ofPacific cultures and their critical relevanceto our work with our members.
This guide is not all encompassing, but rather
aims to equip us with some basic cultural
knowledge of the Pacific countries andcommunities we serve. The first edition ofCultural Etiquette in the Pacific was launchedin 2005 and the production of this second
edition is timely as we navigate our way
into the new decade. We acknowledge
the leadership of our Director-General,
Dr Stuart Minchin, in supporting thisundertaking and recognising the value of
this resource in our role as a CROP agency.

8This revised edition has been made possible
through the engagement and contributionsof ministries and departments responsible
for culture across our membership, andtechnical support from SPC’s Information
Services. We hope you find the guide useful
in your work and we welcome your feedback
on how we can improve it in future.
Soifua ma ia manuia,
Leituala Kuiniselani Toelupe Tago-Elisara
Director, Social Development Programme

GENERALINFORMATIONGENERALGUIDELINES
Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs) have distinct
cultural protocols and practices, but also many similarities interms of appropriate behaviour, dress and speech. These sharedaspects are described in the following general guidelines, while
specific information for each PICT can be found in the Country
Guidelines section.

Language
In addition to their own language, PICTs
use either English or French as an official
language, and communications between
SPC and member governments are mostoften in English or French. Learning somecommonly used terms in the language(s) of
the countries in which you work shows respect
for the culture and helps to create rapport
with country representatives. Terms that are
frequently used during both social and formal
occasions are listed in the Country Guidelines.

Leadership and Protocol
All Pacific Community members have a formal
government structure, including ministries,
departments or divisions with authority forspecific issues or resources. SPC’s official
contact and focal point is the Ministry ofForeign Affairs or its equivalent. However,

SPC contacts within PICTs go beyond Foreign
Affairs, extending to all the sectors in which
SPC engages, including agriculture, education,
climate change, culture, energy, fisheries,
gender, geoscience, human rights, maritime
issues, public health, statistics and youth.
Most member countries and territories also
have traditional governance and leadershipsystems at local, provincial and national levels.
A wide range of issues may be addressedby traditional processes including land use,
legal affairs, cultural practices and language.
Communications regarding in-country work
should always be directed to SPC’s official
contact or focal point, who can provide advice
on correct procedures and will typically facilitate
interaction with relevant areas of government,
including traditional leaders where needed.
Although not all contacts with countries, orvisits, will involve the traditional leadership,

9

GENERALINFORMATIONSPC staff should be aware of and respect
protocols. Staff ought to familiarise themselveswith these protocols before they travel, andshould ask local focal points and contacts foradvice on special procedures that should be
followed in conducting a particular project.

Ceremonies
Some ceremonies have strict rules governing
seating, dress, and how certain individuals
should be addressed. If a ceremony isheld to welcome you or the SPC project orprogramme you are involved in, you may
be called on to give an address. In general,
you should be sure to acknowledge (asappropriate) three groups of people:

If food is served at a ceremonial function,
there may be rules governing who eats first(generally the chief or other traditional leader).
Take your cue from the Country Guidelines,
or from a local contact, and be aware ofwhat others at the ceremony are doing.

Daily Life

Before you make an address, find out who
should be acknowledged and in which
order, and their correct names and titles. The
same advice applies when any in-country
meetings are organised by SPC staff.

Religion
Religious beliefs are an important aspectof life for many Pacific Island people andnumerous faiths and beliefs are represented
across the region. Christianity is the mostwidespread, and Christian beliefs andpractices exert a strong influence in many
Pacific Island communities. Staff should be
respectful of personal beliefs and community
structures relating to religion. In many PacificIsland communities, saying grace before
meals and offering a prayer at the start andend of meetings are normal practices.

Kava ceremonies (as opposed to casual
gatherings where kava is served) are customary
in some countries and have their own special
protocols and rituals. Seek guidance froma local contact if you are invited to a kava
ceremony as the protocol can be complex.
Social consumption of kava is acceptable insome countries, e.g. Fiji, but is not common
practice in others, e.g. Samoa. In Tonga,
the faikava is a male cultural space fordiscussion, and in Vanuatu, the nakamal

Dress
Most Pacific Island societies have modest
standards of dress. These standards may
not apply or may not be strictly followedin urban areas or tourist resorts, but thisvaries according to the country. Acrossthe region, a certain standard of formality
is expected when attending meetings,
ceremonies and church services.

•
•
•

10

is a place in which kava is consumed in
an atmosphere of quietness or silence.

government officials
traditional leaders
religious leaders

GENERALINFORMATION

The following rules commonly apply:••

Dress standards
i. Dress is generally casual and informal,
although somewhat conservative.
ii. Informal wear includes a sarong,
also called a lavalava (Samoa),
sulu (Fiji), pareo or pareau (Cook
Islands) or tupenu (Tonga).
iii. Men typically wear shirts and longshorts or pants. Women wear askirt or dress (below the knee)or a lavalava. Women in somecountries may also wear pants orlong shorts. If wearing shorts in rural
areas, it is advisable for women to
carry a lavalava to cover their legs
when entering a village. Very short
shorts and miniskirts are generally
frowned on across the region.
iv. Blouses or dresses typically cover
the upper arms, though this may
not apply in urban areas.
v. When meeting villagers it ispolite to remove your sunglasses
as the eyes should be seen.
Communication
i. Expectations around gender roles
and norms, cultural status andage are important factors to beaware of as these vary across the
Pacific. Learn the correct term or
reference for people with titles orchiefly status in communities.
ii. Pointing at someone, or pointing in
general, is often considered rude.

••iii. Pay close attention to both verbal
and non-verbal communication
cues and expectations. These cues
include tone and volume of voice,gestures used and body language,and indications of what is consideredappropriate or inappropriate behaviour.
iv. Obtaining pointers on cultural
diplomacy, e.g. how to politely
express a different opinion or
viewpoint, is recommended.
v. Learn how to pronounce
commonly used words andterms, e.g. bula (mbula), Kiribati
Kiribas), and Samoa (Sāmoa).
Meetings, ceremonies,
church services
i. Dress is more formal.
ii. Men wear pants (not shorts) or aformal lavalava and a buttoned shirt.
iii. Ties are not usually worn at regularchurch services or most meetings.
iv. Women wear long skirts
or dresses, as above.
v. Hats are customarily wornin some countries.
Swimming
i. In tourist areas, swimwear
can generally be worn.
ii. Away from tourist areas, womenin most countries swim inshorts and t-shirts, and men
in longer swim trunks.
iii. Swimwear should never
be worn into villages.
iv. Men can swim without shirts but
should otherwise wear a shirt.

11

GENERALINFORMATION

politely, but in others it may be considered
rude (see the Meals section below).
In the home
All Pacific Island cultures are welcoming ofvisitors, and invitations to visit people athome are not uncommon in most societies.
These invitations may be informal and issued
on the spur of the moment, or they may
be more formal, in which case it may beappropriate for a guest to bring a small gift.
Be aware, however, that in some societies
reciprocal gift giving is the norm – by givinga gift you may obligate your host to respond.
Check the Country Guidelines, and if in doubt,
ask a local contact what is appropriate.
The custom of removing your shoes whenentering a home is almost universal. Removing
hats or caps is also a sign of respect in certain
cultural spaces or homes. Seating may be on
chairs or mats. Your host may need to unrolla mat, so follow their cue as to when andwhere to sit. When seated, your legs should
generally not be stretched out. It is polite formen to sit cross-legged and for women to
sit with their legs tucked beneath them or to
one side. Women should also take care not to
expose their thighs when seated (a lavalava
is useful for this). In many countries, it isconsidered rude to stand above people who
may be seated or to walk over them. Check theCountry Guidelines for an appropriate apology
or other way of handling this type of situation.
In many societies, it is common for drinks(and often food) to be offered to visitors asa matter of course, even if the visit is brief orcasual. In some societies, you may decline

12

Out and about
The norms, and cultural nuances, governingsocial behaviour in village spaces vary
between countries. For example, there may
be rules about walking through a village,
including whether it is acceptable to walkin front of or behind houses and which door
or entrance to use in different contexts.
Many areas (including beaches) are owned
or managed by a community or clan. Oftenthese are not marked in any way. Unless
you are in an urban area or travelling alonga public road, ask a village resident for
permission before you walk, swim, andso forth. Permission is rarely refused.
Villages in most Pacific Island societies are
essentially private places where you should
be courteous and aware of your dress andbehaviour. This is true even though theborders of a village may be obscure, withpaths or public roads passing throughthe village. Be especially mindful of yourbehaviour on Sundays and at certain timesof each day (e.g. during evening prayer).
Food and fruit crops may appear to be plentiful
and growing wild, but these crops will almost
invariably belong to a family (or clan). The
same is true for fish and other marine resources.
Always ask permission before picking fruit,flowers or any crops on land, and before fishing

GENERALINFORMATION

or collecting any shellfish (unless you knowthat the marine area is open to the public).
Areas that are considered sacred or private
may be marked by a sign reading kapu ortabu or tapu, or denoted in some otherway. These signs or markers may also indicatethat harvesting certain resources (e.g. fish)
is prohibited. Always respect such taboos.
Taking general photographs in urban areas,
or of landscapes or at public events is usuallyacceptable, but always ask permission before
photographing people (individuals or small
groups). You should also ask permission before
taking photos in villages, or taking photos of
ceremonies or sites that are considered sacred.

Greetings
Across the Pacific, friendliness and respect
for others are highly valued, and a friendly
demeanour will smooth your way. When
you interact with others, offer a greeting
and a smile before anything else. Always
be polite and respectful, and include elderly
people and children in this approach.

Forms of greeting varyacross the region, but inall countries using the
local language to greet
someone is appreciated.

In many Pacific Island societies, looking directly
into the eyes of the person you are meetingor speaking to is considered rude. Try to be
conscious of this when interacting with others.

Meals
In some Pacific societies, an offer to share food
may simply be an expression of hospitality.
In countries where this is the case, the offer
may be declined courteously. If your hostis serious in inviting you for a meal, they
are likely to insist and then it is appropriate
to accept. Refusing such an invitation may
be considered rude, so tread carefully. Raw
seafood, such as fish, clams and occasionallyoctopus, may sometimes be served – in many
countries, these are considered delicacies.
Meals in many communities begin witha prayer. In general, you should not begin
to eat until everyone has been served
and you have been invited to start. If in
doubt, follow the lead of others present.
Practices regarding finishing the food on yourplate (whether to eat all that is offered, or leavea small portion) vary from country to country,
but picking at food or obviously wasting
it is universally considered ill-mannered.
Make sure you express appreciation to yourhosts for the food and their hospitality.
In most countries it is considered
impolite to eat while standing or
when walking through a village.

13

GENERALINFORMATIONCOMMONLYUSED TERMS
As you read through this manual, you will be
struck by the cultural and linguistic diversityof Pacific Community members. Where Pacificlanguage terms are used, they are italicised,with the English meaning in brackets.

14

To make these guidelines easier to use and read,
we employ several standard terms (e.g. kava
and taboo) that are commonly used throughout
the region (along with the local term on firstuse in the Country Guidelines). In the tablebelow, the common terms used in the text are
in bold letters, with their equivalents in some ofthe other Pacific languages listed underneath.

Kava
Yaqona‘Ava
Sakau

A traditional drink with mild relaxant and tranquilliser qualities. Made from the rootof the plant Piper methysticum, it was traditionally used in rituals or for medicinal
purposes by men, primarily chiefs in some Melanesian and Polynesian societies.
In some countries, kava is also drunk in less formal settings.

Betel nut

A nut from the tree Areca catechu, which is eaten mixed with lime and pepper leaves.
The mild tranquilliser and relaxant effects are short term.

Lavalava(Samoa), sulu (Fiji),
pareo or pareau(Cook Islands) andtupenu (Tonga)

A garment made of a long piece of fabric, which is worn by both men and women.
Women tie it around the waist, bust or at the neck. Men wear it around the waist,
extending to just above or below the knee.

Taboo
Tabu
Kapu
Tapu

Sacred, forbidden. Today this term is often posted on private land to forbid trespassing.
It is also used to indicate that fishing, or gathering of other food, is prohibited.

Toddy

A sweet drink made by tapping the young flowers of coconut palms. Toddy may beconsumed fresh, as a fermented or ‘sour’ (alcoholic) toddy, or boiled to make a syrup.

AMERICAN
SAMOA

Swains Island

Samoa

TUTUILAPAGO PAGO

C. Malatula
Aunuu

Pago Pago Harbour
Port de Pago Pago

Leone
Bay

Olosega
Tau
MANUA ISLANDS
ÎLES MANUA
Otu

Rose

5

PRINCIPALISLANDS

2

ATOLLSPARTITIONED IN

1899

15

AMERICAN SAMOACountry Information
American Samoa consists of five principal
islands and two atolls. It shares a common
history, language and culture with Samoa, andhas been inhabited for about 3000 years. The
Samoan islands were partitioned in 1899, andtoday American Samoa is an unincorporated
territory of the United States of America (USA).
The majority of American Samoans livein rural communities on the main islandof Tutuila; the greatest concentration of
population is around the capital, Pago
Pago. American Samoans are nationals of
the US and have free entry to the US.

Language
Samoan is the primary language in American
Samoa, but most residents also speak English,
which is used for business and government
affairs. The Samoan language is closely related
to Hawaiian and other Polynesian languages.
TERMS

SAMOANENGLISH

Greeting

Talofa
Mālō

Hello
Hi

Appreciation

Fa’afetai

Thank you

FarewellTōfā soifua
Fā

Goodbye
Bye

Leadership and Protocol
Background
American Samoa is a self-governing territoryof the United States and elects a non-voting
representative to the US Congress. The
Government of American Samoa is typicalof that used by American states, with anelected Governor, Lieutenant-Governor andlegislative assembly (the American Samoan
Fono). The Fono consists of a Senate of 18
members and a House of Representatives of
21 members. The senators are matai (chiefs),
chosen by 12 county councils in accordancewith Samoan custom. They serve a term offour years. The representatives are popularlyelected and serve two-year terms.
Fa’a Samoa, which means the Samoan way,is frequently used to describe the lifestyleof both American Samoa and Samoa. The
inherent flexibility of fa’a Samoa has allowed
the people to withstand, or absorb, theinfluences of foreign cultures. The Samoan way
of life is structured around the aiga (extended
family) and their matai. A village may haveany number of matai, depending on thenumber of related families in the village.

ProtocolWhen addressing groups in a
traditional manner, address the leaderspolitely, and then the group.

16

AMERICAN SAMOA

Ceremonies
Kava ceremony
Kava (’ava in Samoan) ceremonies are
an important part of local custom, as arecouncil meetings and long speeches. If you
are invited to a traditional kava ceremony,be prepared to bring a monetary gift as
reciprocity is traditional. There are manyrules governing a Samoan kava ceremony,
including the need to have a speech ready,particularly if the ceremony is being held on
your behalf. You should discuss the procedure
beforehand with your Samoan host and,if possible, have someone to accompany
you and lead you through the ceremony.

Daily Life
Religion
In villages in American Samoa, fa’a Samoa andchurch services are the focus of everyday life.
Prayers are said before every meeting. A priest
or minister is accorded a privileged position in
the village community, equal to the status ofa respected matai, and can make village rules
affecting the conduct of villagers on Sundays.

Dress
Modest dress standards apply;
see the General Guidelines.

In the home
Shoes should be removed when entering
a fale (traditional Samoan house). It is
courteous to wait until the host has laid out
floor mats to sit on before you enter and then to
sit where your host indicates. Legs should neverbe stretched out in front when seated on a mat.
It is impolite to speak in a home while standing.

Out and about
Avoid walking through villages during theevening prayer curfew (usually between 6:00
p.m. and 7:00 p.m.). The prayer typically lastsfor 10 to 20 minutes, and the beginning andend is often marked by a bell or the blowingof a conch shell. If you unintentionally entera village during evening prayer, sit down andwait quietly until the all-clear is sounded.

Greetings
A simple handshake is appropriate for initial
greetings or farewell, while kissing on the cheekis common among close friends and family
members. It is acceptable to remain seated
while shaking hands. It is customary to say
tofa soifua (goodbye) rather than talofa (hello)
when passing by someone in the evening.

17

AMERICAN SAMOA

Meals
Eating in Samoa is a social activity. People
tend to eat together and share their food.
When dining with others, wait until everyone
has been served before starting your meal.
A short prayer before eating is also customary.
If food is placed before you, it should not berefused. Even if you are not hungry, you should
eat a small amount so that the host is notdisappointed. Simply accept graciously andeat as much as you can. You are not required
to eat everything on your plate to please yourhosts, and finishing your meal completely
may be considered a sign that you are still
hungry, resulting in an offer of more food.

18

Most Samoan foods areeaten with the fingers.
During or after a meal,a bowl of water is often
provided for washinghands. As it is importantthat hands are clean
before eating, you may
request a water bowl
before the meal if one
is not offered.

AUSTRALIA
DarwinGulf of
Carpentaria

INDIANOCEAN

CORAL SEANORTHERNTERRITORYWESTERN
AUSTRALIAPerth

QUEENSLAND
Brisbane

SOUTH
AUSTRALIA
Great Australian Bight

NEW SOUTH
WALES
Adelaide

Sydney

VICTORIA

SOUTHERNOCEAN

PACIFICOCEANCANBERRA

MelbourneBass Strait

TASMANIA

6STATES

3

MAINLANDTERRITORIES

HobartHOME TO THE
WORLD’S
OLDEST LIVINGCULTURES

19

AUSTRALIACountry Information
Australia is the world’s smallest continentand the sixth largest country in terms of area.
It has six states, three mainland territories
and seven external territories. Australia ishome to the world’s oldest living cultures –over 75,000 years old. Australia’s Indigenous
peoples include Aboriginal peoples andTorres Strait Islander peoples. Both groups
were involved in trade and exchange withPacific Island people for many hundredsof years prior to European settlement.
European settlement of Australia began in
1788, and Australia became a federated nationof states within the British Commonwealth in1901. Indigenous self-government was notrecognised in either phase of colonisation.
On 3 June 1992, the High Court of Australia
found the common law should recognisethat Australia was inhabited at British
settlement and that the rights of Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander peoples in land
had existed at that time and had continued
to exist thereafter. The Court also held thatnative title could continue to exist in land
where it had not been ‘extinguished’ by
events that had happened since the British
arrived and broke the continued traditional
connection with the land, ultimately
overturning the myth of terra nullius that
had prevailed for over 200 years. Edward
Koiki Mabo, a Meriam man from the islandof Mer (Murray Island) in the Torres
Strait Islands, was a key plaintiff inthis significant land rights case, today
referred to as the ‘Mabo Case’.

20

As at May 2020, approximately 50 per centof all land in Australia has a recognised
Indigenous interest (39.2 per cent isrecognised through native title rights
and interests, and 15.2 per cent throughstatutory land rights, with an overlap of 3.6
per cent between the two categories).

Language
The predominant language used in Australia
is English. An estimated 250 Indigenous
languages were spoken at the time of European
settlement, but only a small fraction remain
in use and all are considered endangered
languages. Significant immigration fromaround the world over the last 50 years has
transformed Australia, with a multiculturalsociety now replacing the predominantly
white, English-speaking colonial population.

Leadership and Protocol
Background
Australia has a federal system of government
with an elected two-chamber parliament.
Queen Elizabeth II is the head of state andis represented by a Governor-General. The
national government is formed by the party
or coalition with the majority of seats inthe national parliament. The government
nominates a Prime Minister, who establishes
an executive cabinet and ministry.
There are also six state and two territory
parliamentary governments. Local government
structures or services in each state and territory
comprise a third level of government.

AUSTRALIAOn 27 May 1967, a referendum was held inwhich more than 90 per cent of Australians
voted to remove clauses from the Australian
Constitution that discriminated against
Indigenous Australians. The referendum also
gave the Commonwealth Government thepower to make special laws for Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

ProtocolPrior to European colonisation, Australia washome to over 500 Aboriginal nations andterritories. European colonisation and settlement,
and government policy, have resulted in the lossof much cultural knowledge and the interruptionof many traditional practices, but all Indigenous
Australians nevertheless retain their innate rightto claim, control and enhance their heritage.
Indigenous protocols are built on respect.
As the First Peoples of Australia, Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and theirlaws, customs and protocols, should be
acknowledged, recognised and respected.
Visitors should be sensitive to the lands they
visit and to the connections that exist between
the land and Australia’s Indigenous peoples.
The protocols to be used by visitors andnon-Indigenous people who wish tovisit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
communities and lands vary from region toregion. In remote areas (particularly in northern
Australia), Indigenous peoples have retainedor regained legal ownership of their lands
and, in many cases, continue long-standing

cultural practices. Prospective visitors must gain
permission before entering these Indigenous
lands and communities. Indigenous Australians
in other areas also appreciate the courtesy ofa request to visit their lands and communities.
Native title organisations and Indigenous
Land Councils represent many Indigenous
communities in matters relating to land andbusiness and can help identify Indigenous
people and lands in any geographic area.
(The names of the elders of a community may
not always be on the public record, however.)In Australia, the terms Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander peoples, Indigenous, Indigenous
Australians, First Nations and First Peoples
are used interchangeably depending on
how people wish to be recognised. At a local
level, people also identify themselves by theirnation or language group, e.g. Ngunnawal(Canberra), Palawa (Tasmania) and Noongar(southwest Western Australia). It is respectful totake time to identify the local group or groups
whose lands you are visiting. There are also
regional groupings such as Murri (Queensland)
and Koori (New South Wales and Victoria)
that people use to identify themselves.
The owners or custodians of the land should
always be acknowledged when speaking
in a public gathering. A speaker from outside
the community should begin by acknowledging
the Indigenous people, or traditional owners,of the place on which the meeting is being
held and pay respect to the elders, both pastand present. A speaker may wish to personalise
the acknowledgement, or add some of theirown cultural background to the protocol.

21

AUSTRALIAThe Torres Strait Islands have a distinct
Indigenous culture and history that differs fromthat of Aboriginal communities in Australia.
Torres Strait Islander peoples have their own
beliefs, stories, songs, artworks and dances.
You need permission from the Torres Strait
Island Regional Council and Prescribed Body
Corporate to visit different islands. For religious
reasons, dress is more conservative in the
Torres Strait Islands. Some remote Aboriginalcommunities also prefer conservative dress.

Photographing
Indigenous peoples is asensitive
issue and consideredby some to be culturally
inappropriate andoffensive. Reproducing
the name and imageof deceased individuals
is considered equally
offensive. For this reason,
informed consent
for photography isrequired and therefusal of a request
must be respected.

22

Ceremonies

Indigenous communities are diverse, andcultural practices, including ceremonies,
vary from region to region. When different
communities come together for national
or international events, participants may
perform ceremonies that are associatedwith their lands, seas, stories and customs
and that are appropriate for public viewing.
Indigenous Australians visiting otherpeoples and lands will show respect forthe people and land they are visiting.
In return, as a gesture of respect for visiting
Indigenous Australians, it is appropriate forthe host nation to acknowledge and recogniseeach of the following: the different groups
that make up the delegation; their elders andsenior people; and the areas they come from.
If you wish to visit one of the Torres Strait
Islands or communities, it is important tocontact the respective Council Divisional(island) Office in advance, advise them of yourintentions and obtain current information on
the community, services and accommodation
available, and any cultural protocols you
should follow. As mentioned above, there
are strict protocols around conservative
dress and clothing as many Torres Strait
Island communities are religious, following
contact with early English missionaries.

AUSTRALIA

Welcoming
It is appropriate to show respect for andacknowledge the traditional owners or
custodians of the land and the elders of thecommunity. It is also common in publicgatherings to be welcomed to country
by the traditional owners. The welcome
may be given by a single speaker or may
include cultural performances. There isusually a fee for a welcome-to-country
ceremony, which is a higher-level protocol
than the acknowledgement to country
described above. A welcome is carried out
by the Indigenous people of the place,while an acknowledgement is carried out
by speakers from outside the group.

GenderThere are protocols in place in somecommunities for what is considered ‘Men’s
Business’ and ‘Women’s Business’. It is necessary
to understand whom you should talk to aboutcertain issues, and to be introduced accordingly.

Out and about
A simple handshake can be appropriate for
an initial greeting or farewell. You should
not be offended, however, if a handshake iseither not offered or not accepted. Extended
eye contact is not considered appropriate
by some Indigenous Australians.

Daily Life
ReligionIndigenous Australians are deeply spiritual
people and have a strong connection to theirland, their sea and to their family heritage(sometimes referred to as kinship). Many
Indigenous Australians follow an introduced(particularly Christian) faith, while retaining
their traditional spirituality, custom and lore.

Meals
Sharing of food is considered a great
virtue among Indigenous Australians.
It is important for your hosts to feelthat their hospitality is appreciated.

23

COMMONWEALTH
OF THE NORTHERNMARIANA ISLANDS
Farallon de Pajaros
Maug

Tanapag

SAIPAN

Asuncion

SusupeAgrihanMagicienne Bay
Baie de Magicienne

Saipan Channel
Chenal Saipan

Pagan
Alamagan
GuguanTINIAN

SariganAnatahanTinianFarallon de Medinilla

Tinian Harbour
Port de Tinan

SAIPAN
AguijanTinianTenetoVillage

Rota

15

PRIMARYISLANDS
24

5

ISLANDS ARE
INHABITED

ROTA

4000

YEARS OF HUMANSETTLEMENTCOMMONWEALTH OF
THE NORTHERNMARIANA ISLANDSCountry Information
The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
Islands (CNMI) comprises 15 primary islands,of which five are inhabited. Evidence of humansettlement dates back some 4000 years.

The two major indigenous groups are
the Chamoru people, who are native to
the Mariana Islands, and Carolinians,
who are from the Caroline Islands inthe Federated States of Micronesia.
Other ethnic groups residing in CNMI
include people of Filipino, Chinese,
Japanese, German and Spanish descent.

Geographically the island chain includes
Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands
share Guam’s history of over 300 yearsof colonial occupation by Spain.
The islands were also colonised by Germany
and Japan, and were administered by theUnited States until 1986, when CNMI gained
its current status of internal self-government.
Residents of CNMI have US citizenship andnon-voting representation in the US Congress.
They do not vote in US presidential elections.

A typically Western family structure has
generally been adopted, but many Carolinian
communities (of which there a number on
Saipan) retain their matrilineal social structure.

Language
A majority of inhabitants speak Chamorro
and Carolinian at home. English is theofficial language and is widely spoken.

The main inhabited islands are Saipan,
Tinian and Rota. The capital is Saipan— there is no ‘capital’ village.
TERMS

CHAMORUENGLISHCAROLINIANENGLISH

Greeting

Hafa adai

Hello or welcome

Tiroow woomi

HelloAppreciation

Si yuus maase

Thank youGhilisouThank you25

COMMONWEALTH OF
THE NORTHERNMARIANA ISLANDS

Leadership and Protocol

Ceremonies

Background
In CNMI there are no village leaders.
Traditional leaders are limited to familygroups, and their influence does not affectthe community on a broad scale. Politicalleaders that SPC staff should be aware ofinclude the Governor, Lieutenant-Governor,
Senate President and House Speaker; theresident CNMI representative in Washington;
and island mayors. The authority of theseleaders is electoral, and their community
roles are restricted to general governance.

Ceremonies may be held for SPC-related
activities, or activities in which SPC plays asignificant role, and are typically hosted by
an island (and in some cases a particularvillage) to acknowledge a major service
that has been performed. Normally both
welcoming and farewell ceremonies are held.

ProtocolVisits to traditional leaders are not typicallyrequired in CNMI. Visits to government
leaders are expected, but the official contact
varies depending on the project in question.
The relevant authority can be determinedthrough consultation with the SPC focal
point or government agency contact.

26

Welcoming ceremonies
Welcoming ceremonies tend to be moreelaborate, and usually involve an opening
prayer, speeches, an exchange of gifts, special
performances and a meal. Farewell ceremonies
are similar but simpler, with the emphasis often
less on ceremony and more on celebration. If
the ceremony is held to acknowledge work
performed by SPC, then an SPC staff member
will likely be requested to give a brief address.

If SPC staff make visits
to authorities or attend
receptions and dinners,
they may be called on
to say a few words,
particularly if a reception
is in their honour. Small
gifts are also appropriate.

COMMONWEALTH OF
THE NORTHERNMARIANA ISLANDS

Daily Life
Religion
Most residents of CNMI are Catholic, but
churches of various denominations arepresent. If attending a church service, generalisland wear (or traditional dress from yourown country) is appropriate. Fiestas callfor casual clothes, while special masses orservices, weddings, baptisms and otherspecial ceremonies may call for men to wear
a tie and white shirt, or possibly a suit. Blackor dark grey is usually worn at funerals.

Dress
For meetings, long pants and a buttonedor polo shirt are generally worn. State
events require ties and jackets. All other
dress is casual, and the dress code does notdifferentiate between men and women.
Topless bathing is illegal, but there are few
other taboos. Ensure you are modestly dressed
when meeting or visiting with elders.

In the home
In the home, general courtesy applies.
Visitors should follow the lead of their host.

Out and about
Depending on the time of year, there areseveral village fiestas and special community
events, which visitors can attend.
At restaurants, tipping of 15 to
20 per cent is the norm.

Greetings
A kiss on the cheek, a handshake, a light
hug and a smile are all appropriate meansof greeting local people. Often, young
Chamoru and Carolinian people will kissthe hands of elders on arrival at a gatheringor meeting. However, this practice islimited solely to these communities.

Meals
Offers of food should be accepted, although
an offer to eat can be graciously declined
without causing offence. When visiting local
families, remember that prayers are often
said before meals. Eating with the fingers isappropriate for many foods in CNMI, which
are often prepared pika (very spicy).

27

COOK
ISLANDS
Penrhyn(Tongareva)
Rakahanga
Manihiki
Pukapuka
NORTHERN GROUP
ÎLES COOK DU NORD

NassauSuwarrow

Avatiu Harbour
Port d’Avatiu

Palmerston

AVARUA

Aitutaki
SOUTHERN GROUP
ÎLES COOK DU SUD

RAROTONGA

RAROTONGA

15

ISLANDS

28

SETTLED ABOUT

2000
YEARS AGO

ManuaeTakutea
Atiu

Mitiaro
Mauke

Mangaia

SELFGOVERNINGSTATECOOK ISLANDSCountry Information
Cook Islands comprises 15 islands and is aself-governing state in free association withNew Zealand. The capital, Avarua, is locatedon the island of Rarotonga. Cook Islands,
which is in Polynesia, was settled about
2000 years ago; some Māori (Cook Island
people) trace their ancestry back to Samoa
and Raiatea (in French Polynesia). There isalso a strong connection between Māori in
Cook Islands and Māori in New Zealand.

Language
Most people are bilingual, speaking Cook
Islands Māori and English, which areboth official languages. There is a strong
similarity between the Māori languages of
Cook Islands, New Zealand and Tahiti.
TERM

MĀORI

ENGLISH

Greeting

Kia orana

HelloAppreciation

Meitakimaata
Kia manuia

Thank youvery much
Good luck orbest wishes

Farewell

Ka kiteSee you
again(informal)

Leadership and Protocol
Background
The Parliament of Cook Islands has 24 members,
who are popularly elected. The Cabinetof Ministers, which controls the executive
government, comprises the Prime Minister andministers appointed from among the membersof parliament. The holders of traditional
chiefly titles from the various islands form theHouse of Ariki (chiefs), which considers issues
relating to the welfare of Cook Island people,
and advises parliament on matters affecting
custom and traditional practice. A second
traditional body, the Koutu Nui, gives mataiapo(heads of clans) and rangatira (subchiefs)
of each of the tribes an opportunity to takepart in decision-making. Issues relating to
the development and management of thevaka (the three main districts on the islandof Rarotonga) and the outer islands are
addressed by island councils and mayors.

ProtocolIf you are holding a workshop in Cook
Islands, it is courteous to invite bothelected and traditional leaders to any
formal ceremonies (leaders include
the member of parliament, mayor andtraditional leader of the area). Ask your local
counterpart for advice on the protocol.

29

COOK ISLANDS

Ceremonies

If you are acknowledging representatives
and leaders, do so in the following order:
government officials; traditional leaders;religious leaders. All formal occasions in Cook
Islands, including workshops and celebrations
involving food, open and close with a prayer.

Dress
Dress standards are typically relaxed inurban areas, but this does not hold true
for meetings, workshops and conferences,when dress is more formal; see the General
Guidelines regarding dress. Standards ofdress are more conservative in the outerislands than on Rarotonga and Aitutaki.

Daily Life
Religion
Many of the northern (and some southern)
islands observe strict religious practices. These
include restrictions on Sunday activities, suchas a ban on fishing or swimming in the lagoon,
and avoidance of work-related activities. If adeath occurs in the community, most activities,
such as sports, are deferred for several days
until community leaders give permission forthem to recommence. Conservative dress
is appropriate if attending church services,
particularly in the northern Cook Islands.

Women should notwear a lavalava to church,
but rather a skirt or dress.
It is customary for women
to wear hats in the
Cook Islands Christian
Church, though thisis not compulsory forvisitors. Flowers are notworn to church.

30

In the home
When invited to a private home, guests are not
traditionally expected to bring a gift (under thecustom of reciprocity the host would then be
expected to give a gift in return). This practice
is fading, however, and whether it applies
may depend on the nature of the invitation.
When visiting, observe general courtesies
as described in the General Guidelines.

Out and about
Tipping is not practised or encouraged in Cook
Islands. In marketplaces and shops, bargaining
for a ‘better price’ is considered offensive.

COOK ISLANDS

Greetings
Greetings between men and women, or
between two women, are often accompanied
by a kiss on the cheek and a handshake at bothofficial and informal functions. Between men,
Kia orana and a firm handshake is the norm.

Meals
Celebrating with food is common. If you
are budgeting for workshops, your local
contacts may submit large costs for catering
as serving food is a customary way of
hosting opening and closing functions.
You can negotiate if costs seem too high.
Often, participants contribute money forclosing events, and this can be mentioned
during informal workshop discussions.

31

FEDERATEDSTATES OF
MICRONESIAMARSHALL ISLANDS
ÎLES MARSHALL

UlithiYap

Falalop
Fais

Ngulu

YAP STATEÉTAT DE YAP

Gaferut
Magur Namonuito
Faraulep
MuriloPikelot Ulul East Fayu Nomwin
West Fayu Lamotrek
OrolukPulap
Chuuk
Woleai
Satawal Puluwat
IfalikPakin
Losap
Eauripik
Ant
Pulusuk
Namoluk
SapwafikNomoi IsSorol

POHNPEI STATEÉTAT DE POHNPEI

PohnpeiCHUUK STATEÉTAT DE CHUUKPALIKIR

NukuoroMwoakiloa
Pingelap

KOSRAE STATEÉTAT DE KOSRAE

KosraeKapingamarangi

POHNPEI>600
ATOLLS &ISLANDS

32

DIVIDED
INTO FOURSEMIAUTONOMOUS
STATES

17

RECOGNISEDINDIGENOUS
LANGUAGESFEDERATED STATESOF MICRONESIACountry Information
The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM)
comprise more than 600 atolls and islands
located north of the equator in the western
central Pacific. FSM is divided into four semiautonomous and geographically distant states(Pohnpei, Chuuk, Yap and Kosrae). Kosrae
consists of just two islands, but the other states
have numerous islands and atolls. Each state
has its own history, culture, language andtraditions, and the people are likely to regard
themselves as Yapese, Chuukese, Pohnpeian or
Kosraean. They prefer to be called Micronesian.

islands. There are also people of Europeanand Asian descent living in FSM, and people
from other Pacific Island countries.
The capital, Palikir, is located on Pohnpei.
FSM is an independent nation witha Compact of Free Association with
the United States, which assumes
responsibility for defence-related issues.

Language

In addition, people of Polynesian andMelanesian descent inhabit the atolls of
Nukuoro and Kapingamarangi in FSM. Theirlanguage and cultural practices are closely
akin to those of other western Polynesian

FSM has 17 recognised indigenous languages,
with Chuukese, Pohnpeian, Yapese andKosraean being the most spoken. English istaught in all schools in FSM and is used as acommon language between different groups.
The Nukuoroan and Kapingamarangese
languages are a blend of western
Polynesian and Melanesian languages.

TERM

POHNPEIANKOSRAEANCHUUKESEYAPESEENGLISH

Greeting

Kaselehlie

Len woRan annim

Mogethin

HelloAppreciation

Kalahngan

Kulo

Kilisou

KammagarThank you

Apology

Kupwur mahk

Sisla koluk

Omusano tipis

Siro’

Sorry

Farewell

Kaselehlie

Fwasr kuht fa
osun

Ran annim

Kefel

Goodbye33

FEDERATED STATESOF MICRONESIA

Leadership and Protocol
BackgroundYap State has two councils of chiefs – theCouncil of Pilung (Yap proper) and the Councilof Tamol (outer islands). In Yap, the paramountchiefs control politics and relationships between
villages, including property and land issues.
They are descendants of the ruling families andthe title is passed down from father to son. In
Pohnpei, the traditional leaders are referred
to as Nahnmwariki and Nahnken (paramountchiefs). The Nahnmwariki and Nahnken are thedescendants of the majority ruling clans andthe title is passed down through the women’sclans to sons. There are five Nahnmwariki in
Pohnpei Island and two in the outer islands. The
Nahnmwariki have a spiritual role and ensure
peace among the clans, and equal distributionof resources and goods among all the people.
The authority of the Nahnmwariki and Nahnken
varies, but essentially they preside over theSoumas en Kousapw (section chiefs) and othersubordinate titles. Chuuk State does not haveparamount chiefs, but it does have lineage
heads. Kosrae once had a similar politicalsystem to that of Pohnpei, but the system has
been replaced by church leaders, heads ofsmallfamilies and modern government leaders.

ProtocolCeremonial protocol varies from state tostate. In Pohnpei and Yap, traditional leaders
are recognised before the state’s head ofgovernment. Ranks for traditional leaders are34

similar to those used in government. Seating
arrangements are according to protocol rank
(Governor, Lieutenant-Governor, Speaker,
Chief Justice), with a special place of equal
honour designated for traditional leaders. Moredetailed information can be obtained from thecommittees coordinating such ceremonies.
The protocol followed by FSM’s national
government is similar to that of the states. The
President, Vice President, Speaker and Chief
Justice are followed in rank by diplomats andtraditional leaders. The same ranking applies toseating arrangements, but traditional leaders
are given a special place of equal honour.
The national government has been flexible inadopting US protocol practices, which requirethat the head of state, who is also the head ofgovernment, is accorded the highest honour.
The structure of FSM’s government is similar
to that of the US. Cabinet-level appointments
are referred to as secretaries, not ministers
as is common across the Pacific. Cabinet
members are nominated by the President
and confirmed by the legislative branch.
The national legislative branch – the Congress– is a unicameral body of elected officials.
Each state elects one senator as its at-large
representative to serve a term of four years.
Ten other senators are elected for a two-year
term (the number of senators for each stateis in proportion to its population). The legislative
branch elects the President andVice President from their membership for
four-year terms. In addition, each state has
its own constitutional government with an
executive branch headed by a Governor

FEDERATED STATESOF MICRONESIA

and Lieutenant-Governor. The judicial
system is composed of a Chief
Justice and Associate Justices.

Ceremonies

At certain occasions (such as weddings,
funerals, special services, tributes to a
Nahnmwariki, or the inauguration of a presidentor governor), a sakau (kava) ceremony may
take place. Follow the instructions of yourhosts. You may be instructed to stand anddeliver a presentation but should wait until
you are asked. In Yap, Chuuk and Kosrae, thesakau ceremony may be associated with food,betel nut chewing and socialising. In Kosrae,
it may also include singing and prayers.

Daily Life
Religion
The people of FSM are overwhelmingly
Christian and observe strict religious practices.
It is illegal to fish, work or swim on Sunday
in Kosrae. If attending a church service,
dress should be conservative. Men should
not wear shorts; women should cover theirshoulders, and wear a skirt or dress, preferablywith the hemline at or below the knee.

Dress
Dress is generally casual, but it isconsidered courteous for women to cover
their thighs; see the General Guidelines.

thighs; see the General Guidelines.
In the home
The people of FSM are generous and welcoming
towards visitors. In the home, general courtesy
applies, and staff members should follow
the lead of their host. Gifts are not expected
but are always appreciated when attending
cultural events, funerals or weddings; a giftfrom your homeland is appropriate. If no chair
is offered, then sit cross-legged on the floor.

Out and about
Betel nut is chewed in Yap, while the useof sakau and betel nut is common on
Pohnpei. Tobacco or tobacco soaked in
vodka is often added to the betel nut mix.
In both places, people normally sharethese. It is always advisable to accept asmall amount if offered, unless you havevery good reasons for not doing so.

Greetings
If meeting people for the first time, asmile and handshake are sufficient.

Meals
Offers of food should always be accepted.
Prayers are often said before meals. Eatingwith your hands is an accepted practice in
FSM, especially if cutlery is not offered.

35

FIJI
RotumaCikobia

Great Sea Reef
Grand récif-barrière

YASAWA GROUP
GROUPE YASAWA
Waya

VANUA LEVU

YasawaNaculaNaviti

Rabi

Qamea
Taveuni
Naitauba

Yadua

Makogai
Valau

VITI LEVU
SUVA
Beqa
Vatulele
Kadavu Passage
Ono
Passe Kadavu
KadavuGau

Ringgold IslesÎIes Ringgold

Koro

Kanacea
Mago

NairaiCicia

NORTHERN LAU GROUP
GROUP LAU (NORD)
Vanua Balavu
Exploring IslesÎIes Exploring
TuvucaNayau
LakebaMoala
MatukuArgo Reefs
Récifs Argo

Moce
Vuaqava
KabaraTotoyaFulagaSOUTHERN LAU GROUP
GROUP LAU (SUD)
Ogea Levu

Vatoa

Ono I Lau
Tuvana I Colo>320
ISLANDS

36

FIRST SETTLED

3500
YEARS AGO

Tuvana I Ra

1970

BECAMEINDEPENDENTFIJICountry Information
Fiji is an independent nation made up of
more than 320 islands, of which one third are
inhabited. Archaeological evidence indicatesthat the islands were first settled some3500 years ago. Fiji became a British colonyin 1874, at which time sugar plantations
were established. Some 60,000 indentured
emigrants from India were brought to Fiji
to work the plantations. Today, Fiji’s richand diverse culture includes indigenous
Fijians, Indo-Fijians, Europeans, Chinese andpeople from many other Pacific Islands.

Fiji gained political independence
from Britain in 1970 and became arepublic in 1987. The capital, Suva, islocated on the island of Viti Levu.

Language
Fijian (iTaukei), Fiji-Hindi and English
are all official languages. Most of the
population speak English in addition
to speaking Fijian or Fiji-Hindi.

TERM

FIJIANENGLISH

FIJI-HINDIENGLISH

Greeting

Bula
YandraHelloGood morning

NamasteIap Kaise hai

Hello (formal)
How are you?
(informal)

Namaste
Tik

Hello
Fine

Response to
Greeting
Appreciation

Vinaka(vakalevu)

Thank you(very much)

DhanyabadThank you

Apology

Vosoti au
Tilou/jilou

I’m sorry(Said when
standing up or
above anotherperson for a brief
period)Aap mughe maafkarne

Forgive me

Farewell

Moce

GoodbyeNamasteFir milega

GoodbyeWe’ll meet again

37

FIJI

Leadership and Protocol

Background
Fiji is divided into 14 provinces. Each province
is aligned to one of Fiji’s three traditional
confederacies – Kubuna, Burebasaga andTovata. A province is divided into several
districts, and each district into officiallyrecognised villages made up of a number ofclans or tribes that have distinctive traditionalroles and responsibilities. Villages, districts andprovincial councils all have a role in Fiji’s local
government system, particularly in relation
to the interests and concerns of indigenous
Fijians, including land. The Ministry of iTaukei
Affairs oversees the iTaukei Affairs Board,which is responsible for the administration
and affairs of the 14 provincial council offices.
Each confederacy, village, and clan has adistinct head. Visitors should respect the roles ofthese traditional leaders, who retain significant
power and importance. The vanua (state),yavusa (tribes), or mataqali (clan) bestow chiefs
with the authority to lead, guide, govern andprotect the people. Traditionally, chiefs wereregarded as tabu (sacred) because they werethe epitome of the kalou-vu (ancestral gods).

ProtocolThe head of government in Fiji is thePrime Minister, who is the leader of the
majority party in the national legislature(parliament), which has around 50 elected
members. The President, who is Fiji’s headof state, is appointed by the parliament.
38

The Ministry of iTaukei Affairs and the iTaukei
Affairs Board, and the provincial council offices,
should be contacted for advice and assistanceregarding protocol, which will vary dependingon the nature of your work. In rural areas, it iscustomary for visitors to pay a call on the village
chief on arrival and to present a sevusevu,
seeking permission and approval before
beginning work in the community. The sevusevu
is a gift of dried or powdered yaqona (kava)
root. It is advisable for SPC staff to give advancenotice of their arrival. You should ask during
the welcoming ceremony (see below) for an
explanation of any special village protocols.

Ceremonies
Welcoming ceremonies
Ceremonies may be simple and informal(e.g. a visit to the chief, during which thevisitor offers a sevusevu and explains thenature of their visit and work), or elaborate
with a formal yaqona ceremony. If a moreformal welcome is to be held, a visitor shouldbe accompanied on arrival by a matanivanua(orator), who will perform the traditional
ceremony of isevusevu to the chief. Prior to
the isevusevu, the accompanying orator will
perform the tama (announcing the arrivalof visitors to the chief). A gift of yaqona
plant should be ready for presentation at theisevusevu. (The preferred protocol is to present
the whole plant rather than powdered yaqona,though in a contemporary setting the latter
is an acceptable substitute.) When shaking
hands with the chief, use both of your hands.
After shaking hands, sit down and cobo (clapwith cupped hands) at least three times.

FIJI

Daily Life
Farewell ceremonies
At a minimum, the visitor should visit thechief, acknowledge the village’s hospitality
and present another gift of yaqona as the
iTatau or farewell. There are no formal‘farewell’ ceremonies culturally, as in ‘toleave for good’, even when one passes away.
iTatau essentially is taking leave to depart,but one’s spiritual connection is always
there. Welcome ceremonies are longer andmore detailed, to establish a permanentconnection. (Even funeral ceremonies are
more like a ‘send-off’ than a farewell.)Yaqona ceremonies
Yaqona is central to Fijian culture and isritually served on important occasions. A daily
yaqona drinking ritual was an integral part ofthe old religion of Fiji and only chiefs, priests
and important male elders took part. Today,
yaqona drinking is a social gathering of families
and friends, and an instigator of discussions
or talanoa. If invited to a yaqona drinking
session, remember that seating is governed byseniority and rank, so sit where you are asked.
In particular, do not sit in front of the tanoa(yaqona bowl) unless you are invited to do so.

Much of Fijian protocol
is learned by observation,
so follow the lead of yourguide and learn from theexample of those seatedaround you.

Religion
The majority of indigenous Fijians are Christian.
Most Indo-Fijians are Hindu, with a Muslim
minority. Conservative dress (see the General
Guidelines) is appropriate when visiting achurch, temple or mosque. Shoes should be
removed before entering a mosque. You may
wish to seek advice from a local adherent before
visiting a Hindu temple or a Muslim mosque.

Dress
Local dress varies. Often people refer to bula
attire, which is Fiji’s equivalent of the aloha
dress code of Hawai’i. In a Fijian village or Fijian
home, there are codes of conduct or behaviour
that should be observed. For instance, you
should take off your hat while walking througha village, where only the chief is permitted towear a hat. Women should dress appropriately
and if wearing pants, should cover them up
by wearing a sulu (as Fijians call a lavalava).
It is also important to note the appropriate
dress code when participating in a formal
kava ceremony or social kava drinking space.

In the home
Take off your shoes before entering a bure(traditional house) and stoop as you walkaround inside. It is polite to greet everyone
inside by shaking hands but remain in a low
crouched-down position to show respect.

39

FIJI

Fijians traditionally do not wear shoes for aceremony. An elder (particularly a woman)may place their cheek on yours and breathe
deeply. This is an exceptional way of being
greeted. If you need to stand up in a house to
get something when other people are sitting
down, first ask permission. When you sit down
again, cobo (clap with cupped hands) a few
times. When moving to another place in thehouse, crawl or walk in the same stooped way.
Avoid unnecessary noise and movement.
Sitting with outstretched legs is unacceptable– men should sit cross-legged, and womenwith their legs to the side. Never walk infront of someone seated on the floor; instead,pass behind them and say ‘Tilou’.
Never place your hand on another person’s headas the head is considered the most respectedpart of the anatomy, and do not sit or standin doorways. When you give a gift, hold it out
with both hands, rather than using just one
hand. There are special ways of presenting gifts,
depending on the occasion and the area of Fiji.

40

be used frequently, especially when making
your way through a crowd, touching a partof someone’s body (especially the headas mentioned above), or passing behindor in front of someone who is seated.

Meals
An invitation to share a meal may be simply
an expression of hospitality in Fiji. Whether
or not you are hungry, politely decline an
initial offer. If your host insists that you eat,
do not refuse. It is considered rude to eat
while standing or walking about the house.
While a family is eating, it is a Fijian custom
to invite anyone who passes to come andeat, even if that person is a stranger. You are
not obliged to eat – a smile and ‘Vinaka’ will
suffice as a reply to mean ‘No, thank you’.

Out and about
Fijian villages are private property, so do notenter one unless you have proper permission.

A typical Fijian meal may consist of aroot crop with boiled vegetables, or withboiled, fried or baked fish, chicken or pork.
Seafood is often eaten, and may be raw,boiled or marinated. Stews, curries andChinese food are also part of today’s Fijian
diet. Try to eat what is offered – if you areunable to eat a particular food, simply let
your host know.

Greetings
It is a Fijian custom to smile and greet astranger, particularly in small communities.
An apology is always appreciated and may

It is part of Fijian culture to look out for visitors
and guests and you may be encouraged toeat more, or food may be constantly piled in
front of you. If you cannot eat what is offered,
you could ask to take some food away. In thatway, the host’s generosity is acknowledged.

FRENCHPOLYNESIA
Pape'ete Harbour
Passe de Pape'ete

MOOREA

PAPE' ETETAHITI

HatutuEiao

Taravao Bay
Baie de Taravao

Nuku Hiva

MARQUESAS ISLANDS
ÎLES MARQUESAS
UahukaUapou
TahuataHiva΄oa
MotaneFatu HivaDISAPPOINTMENT ISLANDS

Tepoto ÎLES DISAPPOINTMENT
Manihi
NapukaTakaroa
Ahe
Matahiva
Takapoto
Rangiroa
Tua Pukapuka
Tikehau
ApatakiAratikamoArutuaKauehi
Takume Fangatau Arc
KaukuraTaiaroBellingshausenhipe tu Arch
Makatea
Toau
RaroiaTupai
RarakaFakahina
l de ipel
Niau
TaengaKatiu Makemo
Bora Bora
Maupitis Tu ago
Fenua Ura
Fakarava
Tahaa
amo
Nihiru Rekareka
Huahine Tetiaroa
Faaita Hiti Tepoko
Mopelia
RaiateaTahanea
Maruteatu
Montutunga Tekokota
TauereTatakoto
Anaa
Haraiki
Hikueru
Maiao
Amanu
Reitoru
LEEWARD GROUP
Mehetia
Marohau
Pukarua
Hao
RavahereÎLES SOUS-LE-VENT
Akiaki
WINDWARD GROUP
Reao
Nengonengo
VahitahiParaoaÎLES DU VENT
Nukutavake
Manuhangi
Vairaatea
PinakiAhunui
Hereheretue
SOCIETY ISLANDSACTAEON ISLANDS
AnuanuraroÎLES DE LA SOCIÉTÉ
Anuanurunga Nukutepipi
GROUP ACTÉON
TureiaTenararo Tenarunga
VahangaMarutea
Maturei
Vavao
TematangiMaria
Mururoa
Maria
Fangataufa
RurutuRimatara
MoraneMangareva
Tubai
Temoe
GAMBIER ISLANDSAUSTRAL ISLANDS
Raivavae
RapaÎLES GAMBIERÎLES AUSTRALES
Marotiri

MOOREATAHITIOVERSEAS
COUNTRY OF
FRANCEFIRST
SETTLED SOME1700
YEARS AGO

5ISLANDGROUPS
41

FRENCH POLYNESIACountry Information

Language

French Polynesia is an Overseas Country ofFrance. It consists of five island groups: theSociety Islands (including the Windward
Islands and Leeward Islands); Austral
Islands; Gambier Islands; Marquesas
Islands; and Tuamotu Islands. The islands
were first settled some 1700 years ago.

Tahitian is the preferred language ofcommunication for French Polynesians.
Each island group has its own language. All
these languages are taught at school andTahitian is taught at both senior secondary
schools and the University of French
Polynesia. The official language is French.

French colonisation began with annexationof the Marquesas Islands in 1842. Tahiti
became a French colony in 1880.
TERM

TAHITIANENGLISHFRENCHENGLISH

Greeting

Ia oraIa ora na
Eaha te huru?

Welcome (formal)
You are welcome
Everything is fine?

E aha to ‘oe huru?

Are you fine?

Bonjour
Bonsoir
Comment
allez-vous?
Comment vas-tu?

Good morning
Good evening
How are you?
(formal)How are you?
(informal)

Response to
greeting

Maita’iFine or goodTrès bien

Very well

Appreciation

Mauru’uru
Mauru’uru maitai

Thanks

Merci
Merci beaucoup

Thank youThank youvery much

ApologyE hape mau

What a mistake

Excusez-moi

Excuse me

FarewellParahiNânâ (informal)

GoodbyeSee you. Bye

Au revoir (formal)

GoodbyeTo say goodbye
to someone who
is leaving

Nânâ (informal)
Te aroha atu nei lamaita’i ‘oe tere

Bye
Have a good trip

Au revoir (formal)

Goodbye

There is no Tahitian equivalent of the French word ‘vous’ (the polite form of ‘you’), but use of ‘vous’ iscommon practice in official relations conducted in French.

42

FRENCH POLYNESIA

Leadership and Protocol

Ceremonies

BackgroundFrench Polynesia is a parliamentary democracywith an elected 57-member assembly.
Executive powers are held by the Councilof Ministers appointed by the President.
The President is chosen from among themembers of the assembly and is elected by
the assembly members. The Economic, Social,
Environmental and Cultural Council, which isa purely advisory board, is the country’s third
most important body. French Polynesia uses
its own flag, seal and anthem in conjunction
with the national symbols of France, andcan appoint foreign representatives.

Public meetings often begin with prayers.
When organising or conducting a meeting,check with your focal point to see if a prayer
should be included. Seating at ceremonies
is governed by seniority or rank. Wait until
you are told where to sit. If a speech is given
in your honour, it is courteous to respond.
Always address the officials first, then theelders and then the host. You may offer a gift
to your host but never in a monetary form.

France is represented
in French Polynesia
by a High Commissioner,
who is currently
responsible for justiceand police, monetary
policy, local government,tertiary education,
immigration, defence
and foreign affairs.

Daily Life
Religion
Most French Polynesians are Christians,
with many denominations represented on
the islands. On Sundays, most businesses
are closed, but there are no prohibitions on
activities, particularly sporting events. Whenattending church services, modest dress isthe norm. Women commonly wear whitedresses and hats, but this is not an obligation.

Dress
Casual island wear is common, including
dresses, pareu (lavalava), shorts, t-shirts
or buttoned shirts. When swimming,
normal swimwear is allowed, but
women should avoid going topless.

43

FRENCH POLYNESIA

In the home
Houses generally have a formal room reserved
for greeting guests. Otherwise, you may begreeted in the garden or on the veranda.
Accepting an offer of food is considered goodmanners. Your host will show you where to sit.

Greetings
A polite way to greet people is a simple ‘Ia
orana’ or ‘Bonjour’, together with a smileand nod of the head. You can shake hands
or kiss people on both cheeks when you
meet them. Follow their lead. If someone
is working and has dirty hands, they may
extend a wrist or an elbow instead of a hand.

Meals
Meals are important and an invitation to sharea meal should be appreciated. The traditional
meal is cooked in an ahi ma’a or umu (earthoven) and is eaten with the hands. Utensils
are used for other types of meals. You are notobliged to eat everything on your plate.

44

GUAM
Ritidian Point
Pointe de Ritidian

Tumon Bay
Baie de Tumon

HAGATNA

Pago Bay
Baie de Pago

Talofoto Bay
Baie de Talofofo
Cetti Bay
Baie Cetti

INHABITED
FOR

>3000
YEARS

UNINCORPORATEDTERRITORY
OF THE UNITEDSTATESINDIGENOUS
PEOPLE ARE
CHAMORU45

GUAMCountry Information
Guam is part of the Marianas archipelago
and is located in Micronesia. It is anunincorporated territory of the United States
and the people of Guam hold US citizenship.
The capital is Hagatna (formerly Agana).
Guam has been inhabited for over 3000
years. The indigenous people are CHamoru,
who comprise almost half the populationof some 160,000 people. Other inhabitants
include people of Filipino, Chinese, Japanese,
Korean, and Vietnamese descent. There arealso substantial numbers of Micronesians fromnearby islands. Guamanian is the accepted
term used to describe residents of Guam but,in general, people of CHamoru descent preferto be called CHamoru rather than Guamanian.

Language
CHamoru and English are official languages.

46

TERM

CHAMORUENGLISH

GreetingHåfa adai

Hello, how
are you?

Appreciation

Si Yu’usma’åse’Thank you

Apology

Despensa yu’

I am sorry or
forgive me

Farewell

Adios

GoodbyeResponse to
FarewellEsta kiumali’e’ hit
ta’lo.

Until wemeet again

Leadership and Protocol
Background
Guam was claimed by Spain in 1565, and theisland remained under Spanish control forover 300 years until seized by the US Navy in
1898. Those centuries of Spanish (and Catholic)influence continue to distinguish Guamanians
culturally from their Micronesian neighbours,
although today US customs predominate.
Guam is highly developed compared to many
Pacific Island countries. Social life centreson the family, the church and politics.
Guam’s legislature has 15 members whoare elected by popular vote every two years.
It is empowered to enact legislation on
local matters, including taxation and fiscal
appropriations. Executive power is vested in a
civilian Governor who is elected by popular voteevery four years. There are 19 villages in Guam,each of which has its own mayor. The mayor isthe village representative and political leader.
Families who have long resided in a village
gain recognition and generally take a leadingrole in community activities. Church activities
normally dictate what happens in the village.

Ceremonies

In general, traditional ceremonies andfunctions are not part of visits to communityand government leaders in Guam.

GUAM

Daily Life
Religion
Catholicism is the primary religion in
Guam, but many other churches are alsopresent. If attending a church service,general island wear is appropriate.

Dress
Dress is usually casual; see theGeneral Guidelines.

In the home
Offers of food should always be accepted inGuam. Prayers are often said before meals.

Out and about
Once a year, each village in Guam has a fiesta
in honour of its patron saint, which culminatesin a procession through the village and into theparish church for Mass. The celebration, which
often starts on Saturday evening and continues
into Sunday, usually includes an array of local
delicacies, music and good cheer. This villagewide celebration is a time when CHamoru
families reunite and although it is considereda family occasion, outsiders may attend on
invitation. For detailed information about avillage fiesta, contact the mayor’s office orvillage administrative centre.

Tipping (15 to 20 percent) is the norm wheneating in restaurants in
Guam.

Greetings
For visitors, a handshake and a smile are therecommended way of greeting local people.
The mannginge is a traditional greeting stillpractised among CHamoru and by those whoare affiliated with CHamoru culture. It is donein the same fashion as kissing someone’s hand,
except instead of kissing the hand, the recipientbrings the hand towards the nose and slightly
brushes it. As a sign of respect, and to breathe
in an elder’s wisdom, CHamoru youth may
greet elders in this way and then with a kisson the cheek, if desired, to obtain a blessing.

Meals
Food is an important part of CHamoru culture.
Showing appreciation for hospitality bybringing a gift in the form of a contribution toa gathering is always welcomed. There are no
special practices relating to specific foods. Once
food has been served, guests, children andelders are usually invited or expected to eat first.
Eating with the fingers is sometimes acceptabledepending on the food being served.

47

HAWAI’I

Nihau

Kauai

OAHU

HONOLULU

Molokai

HONOLULU
Maui
Lanai
Kahoolawe

Hawaii8

MAJOR
ISLANDS
48>100

SMALL ISLANDS,SHOALS AND
REEFS

1959
BECAME THE
50TH STATE
OF USAHAWAI’I

Country Information
The Hawaiian archipelago consists ofeight major islands – Hawai‘i, Maui,
Kaho‘olawe, Lāna‘i, Moloka‘i, O‘ahu, Kaua‘i,and Ni‘ihau – and over 100 small islands,
shoals, and reefs, stretching over 1600
miles in the north central Pacific. Originally
populated by Polynesians almost 2000
years ago, Hawai‘i was united under one
government in 1810 by Kamehameha I.
Hawai‘i was an independent nation witha constitutional monarchy and numerous
treaties with world powers until 1893, when
United States interests, with the supportof US troops, overthrew the Hawaiian
government. Illegally annexed to the US in
1898 and incorporated as a territory in 1900,
Hawai‘i became the 50th state of the US in
1959. Many Native Hawaiians continue tooppose their present relationship to the US
and seek a redefinition of that relationshipand some form of Hawaiian sovereignty.
The population of Hawai‘i is concentrated
in the capital, Honolulu, on the island ofO‘ahu, where over 68 per cent of the state’s
1.4 million people live. Hawai‘i’s indigenous
people make up 10 per cent of the state’s
total population. Other large ethnic groups
include Caucasians, Japanese, Filipinos,
Chinese and Koreans. No single ethnic groupmakes up a majority of the state’s population.
Although a Westernised social structure isprevalent, many Native Hawaiians retain theextended family or ‘ohana family system,
which is especially strong in rural areas.

Language‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i (Hawaiian) and English are theofficial languages of the state. English is spoken
throughout the islands, with Hawai‘i Creole
English (pidgin English) also widely spoken.
The Hawaiian language, which was on theverge of extinction 40 years ago, has been
revived through Hawaiian language immersion
schools, hālau hula (schools of traditional
dance and knowledge) and other institutions.
Today, there is a continuing renaissance inthe study and use of the Hawaiian languagein schools, government, print media, music,
and many other aspects of Hawaiian society.

TERM‘ŌLELO HAWAI‘I(HAWAIIAN)

HAWAI‘I CREOLEENGLISH (PIDGIN)ENGLISH

Greeting

Aloha

HowzitHello/Goodbye

Response to greeting‘Ae, aloha nō

Eh, howzit

Yes, hello indeed

Appreciation

MahaloThanks ah

Thank you

Apology

E kala mai

Sorry ahPardon me

Farewell

Aloha, a hui hou

Take care

Goodbye, until wemeet again

Response to farewell‘Ae, a hui hou aku

ShootsYes, until we meet again

49

HAWAI’I

Leadership and Protocol
Background
Hawai‘i participates in the US national
government by electing two senators andtwo representatives to the US Congress. On
a state level, Hawai‘i has three branches ofgovernment, the executive, legislative, andjudicial branches. Political leaders include theGovernor, Lieutenant Governor, Senate President
and Speaker of the House. The constitutionallycreated Office of Hawaiian Affairs, governedby a nine-member elected board of trustees,
receives funds from ceded lands – lands
owned by the Hawaiian kingdom before the1893 overthrow – for educational, culturaland other programmes for Hawai‘i’s native
people. The state government also administers
a Native Hawaiian homesteading programme,
originally established by the US government,on 200,000 acres of ceded lands. Hawai‘i has
four counties with elected mayors and councils,
and one other county with administrative
responsibility for a small area on Moloka‘i.
Although a small number of kānaka (Native
Hawaiians) hold both elected and appointed
positions in the governing bodies named
above, kānaka often look to Native Hawaiian
organisations for information, direction andleadership. Native Hawaiians also recognise
traditional leaders including kūpuna (elders),
kahu (priests), and cultural practitioners suchas navigators, kumu hula (hula masters) andkahuna lā‘au lapa‘au (medicinal experts).
Finally, some Native Hawaiians recognise

50

the symbolic leadership of members of the
Kawānanakoa family, descendants of thelast surviving heir to the Hawaiian throne.

Ceremonies

Hawaiians have retained, revived or
reinvented a wealth of ceremonies relating
to many aspects of life. Their ceremonial
practices are not uniform, often varying
from occasion to occasion, group togroup, and location to location.
With respect to ceremonial greetings anddepartures, Hawaiians are flexible hosts andtake pride in making their guests feel an
immediate sense of worth, welcome and ease.
For that reason, these ceremonies are often
conducted after consultation with the visiting
parties. In such cases, the framework of theceremony is mutually agreed on. In the absenceof prior consultation, the mea kipa (guest) can
expect to be met with a chant of welcome
followed, perhaps, by a dance and speech ofgreeting. The visitor may respond in the manner
they deem most appropriate (a response is not,however, required). They are then presented
with the lei and honi (a traditional greetingin which two people touch forehead toforehead, nose to nose), which signal an end
to the formalities. Some hosts may provide
a guide to aid guests through the ceremonyand offer chants or speeches on their behalf.

HAWAI’I

Daily Life
Religion
Many residents of Hawai‘i are Christian,with a wide variety of denominations
represented throughout the islands. Some
Native Hawaiians continue to recognise andhonour traditional akua (gods) as well asfamily ‘aumākua (beloved ancestors whotake the form of particular animals or plants
and offer protection, advice, and counsel).
Current Hawaiian spiritual practices also
include asking permission of and givingho‘okupu (offerings) to the appropriate deity
before using a resource, offering oli (chant) inhonour of and supplication to the ‘aumākua
and akua, and upholding hula traditions
related to specific akua and to specific places
associated with the akua. In recent years,
ceremonies such as the Makahiki celebration,
honouring Lono as the god of peace, fertility
and agriculture, have been revived.

Dress
Dress in Hawai‘i is usually casual and takes
into account the warm climate. Tank tops,
t-shirts, shorts and sandals are standard wear,
although business and formal occasions callfor dressier attire. For men, a polo or aloha
shirt with long pants and shoes is always
appropriate. Variations of the traditionalmu‘umu‘u worn with sandals or shoes areequally appropriate for women. It is important
to note that this generally relaxed dress code

does not extend to places of historical or sacredsignificance, such as heiau (pre-Christian placesof worship). In the absence of more specificguidance from your host or guide, visitors
to such sites are advised to dress modestly,
step carefully and behave respectfully.

In the home
Hawaiian custom requires that guests arewarmly invited into the home, fed andrefreshed, and made to feel comfortable withconversation and kind attention. Footwear
should always be left outside the door, neatly
lined up in a row. Although not required, amakana (gift) shows respect for your host; asmall gift from your homeland is appropriate.
Native Hawaiians are sensitive to the handlingof their possessions, particularly items of
traditional significance including dance
instruments, musical instruments, mats,paddles, clothing, adornments and fishinggear. Guests are urged to avoid touchingthese items unless invited to do so.

Despite a general
openness, guests should
be aware of the Hawaiian
disdain for behaviour thatis nīele or maha‘oi – idly
curious or exploring
spaces or topics to which
you have not been invited.

51

HAWAI’I

Out and about
Native Hawaiians are often passionate
guardians of the few sacred places left tothem. ‘Sacred’, moreover, is a term that a
Hawaiian is as likely to apply to a boulder orfield of broken lava as to a heiau. A related
term is kapu, which can be understood asboth taboo and precious. Visitors are asked toseek information, advice and a knowledgeable
guide before venturing into areas of possible
significance. If in doubt, approach a spacewith the respect with which you would treata sacred space in your own homeland.
Native Hawaiians are sensitive to bodylanguage and may take offence, however
quiet and unexpressed, at someone hiding
their hands behind their back, placing theirhands on their hips, or folding their arms
across the chest. Hawaiians also consider theindividual’s head to be sacred; patting a child’s
head, though deemed affectionate in some
cultures, is viewed with considerable discomfort
by many traditionally raised Hawaiians.
Native Hawaiians revere their elders and makeevery effort to ensure their comfort, seek theirinstruction and counsel, and demonstrate
their respect and affection for them. The
visitor is advised that time, itinerary andagenda rarely apply to kūpuna (elders). You
should listen with full attention for as long as
a kupuna cares to talk, defer to their wishes
and adjust to their schedule. For traditionallyraised Hawaiians, the senior elder is always
allowed the last word. Traditionally raised
Hawaiians measure themselves and their52

guests by the respect shown to kūpuna.
Gatherings of all kinds – meetings, parties,
weddings, dance competitions, concerts,
canoe races – frequently begin and end
with a prayer offered by a kupuna.

Greetings
Hawaiians nod, smile, and raise their eyebrowsin recognition of one another. Hawaiian
greetings take a variety of forms: a handshake,hug, kiss, honi, or combinations of the four
depending on the mood and familiarity of theparticipants. The handshake is often viewed
as the most Western and therefore least
affectionate of greetings. Hugs and kisses are
more common in Native Hawaiian exchanges,
although the honi is now practised regularly
in formal circumstances. The visitor is advised
to be observant and follow the lead of others.

Meals
The people of Hawai‘i are known for their
hospitality and love of food. An offer of foodshould generally be accepted, even if one is not
hungry; it may be declined, but with grace andhumility. Traditional Hawaiian dishes such as
laulau (pork and fish wrapped in taro leaves),poi (pounded taro), ‘opihi (limpets), and poke(raw fish with seaweed) are today difficult toobtain and often require much preparation,
so you should feel honoured and attempt topartake wholeheartedly if these dishes areserved. Hawaiians usually pray or otherwise
offer gratitude before eating; the visitor should
avoid starting before the food is blessed.

KIRIBATI

Palmyra (US) (É.-U.)
Teraina
Tabuaeran

Makin

Butaritari GILBERT ISLANDS
Abaiang MarakeiÎLES GILBERT
TarawaMaianaKuria Abemama
Aranuka
Nonouti
BanabaBeru Nikunau
Tabiteuea Onotoa
TamanaAroraeNORTHERN LINE ISLANDS
ÎLES DE LA LIGNE (NORD)

Howland (US) (É.-U.)
Baker (US) (É.-U.)

PHOENIX ISLANDS
ÎLES PHOENIX
McKeanNikumaroro

KantonBirnieOronaEnderbury
RawakiManra

Kiritimati

Jarvis (US) (É.-U.)

CENTRAL LINE ISLANDS
ÎLES DE LA LIGNE (CENTRE)

MaldenStarbuck

COOK ISLANDS
ÎLES COOK Penrhyn

Naa

VostokSOUTHERN LINE ISLANDS
ÎLES DE LA LIGNE (SUD)

TARAWA

Caroline

Flint

Biketawa
Tabiang

BikemanTemaiku

1 ISLAND
32 ATOLLSSETTLEMENTBEGAN ABOUT

2000
YEARS AGO

1979
BECAME AN

INDEPENDENTREPUBLIC

53

KIRIBATICountry Information

Leadership and Protocol

The Republic of Kiribati comprises 32 atolls
and one island in two main groups: the Gilbert
Islands, and Line and Phoenix Islands (the lattergroup combines the former Phoenix Islands
and Line Islands). All the islands in Kiribati aresituated near the equator, but thousands ofkilometres separate the easternmost of the Line
Islands from the Gilbert Islands in the west.
All the atolls are low-lying, rising no morethan three to five metres above sea level.

Background
Kiribati has a 45-member Maneaba ni
Maungatabu (House of Parliament), elected
every four years. The Beretitenti (President) is
elected from among three or four candidates
nominated by the Maneaba ni Maungatabu
from its ranks. The Beretitenti also chooses a
14-member cabinet from the Maneaba.

Settlement of the islands began about 2000
years ago. The islands were declared a British
protectorate in 1872. Kiribati became an
independent republic in 1979. The capitalis situated on the atoll of Tarawa in the
Gilbert Islands. The people of Kiribati are
Micronesian and are referred to as I-Kiribati.

Language
Kiribati (also called Gilbertese) and English
are both official languages. In isolated areas,
many people speak only Kiribati and theservices of an interpreter may be required.
TERM

KIRIBATIENGLISH

Greeting(informal)

Ko na mauri

Blessings/
helloWhere areyou going?

Ko na aera

54

Appreciation

Ko bati n
rabwa

Thank youvery much

Farewell

Tiabo

Goodbye

The family occupies a central role in society.
Large families are highly valued andI-Kiribati typically live in extended families.
Adoption of children by relatives is common.
The oldest man heads the household, andelders are treated with respect. Authority
throughout the islands is invested in theunimwane (the councils of elders), who are
the decision-making body of each village.

Protocol
A meeting should be held with the traditional
leader of the island where you are working.
Contact the island’s unimwane to arrange
the meeting, which is typically informal (seatedon a mat) and does not involve an exchangeof gifts. The purpose is to talk and exchange
ideas. An interpreter will probably be required.

KIRIBATI

Ceremonies
Welcoming ceremony
Whether or not a welcoming ceremony isheld for SPC staff members on their arrival
in a village depends on the nature of the
project and size of the team. Such ceremonies
are not typically held for individuals. If
a ceremony is held, it may be formal orinformal and may include speeches (byelders), a prayer, a feast and dancing. An
appropriate response is a speech and a gift(a gift of cash in an envelope is suitable).

A celebration held in a maneaba requires awritten invitation, delivered a few days inadvance. When visiting one for the first time,
it is the convention to bring a mweaka (acustomary gift of a tin of tobacco) to be divided
among the older men. For some occasions, acash donation is expected. An amount of
AUD 20–50, placed in an envelope, is generally
appropriate, but check with your host. If aceremony is being given in your honour, it islikely that a formal speech will be given andyou will be expected to respond. Always standand direct your response to the unimwane.

Daily Life
Other ceremonies
Special occasions are celebrated with a botaki(feast) held in a maneaba (meeting house).

Maneaba are thecentre of community
life and there are strict
traditions regarding theirconstruction, seating
arrangements, andmembers’ duties.
Every village, mostchurches and evensome family groups
have a maneaba.

Religion
The majority of inhabitants of Kiribati are
Catholic or Protestant. Other churches
are also represented. Attendance atservices is not expected but is always
appreciated. Conservative dress is expected,
but it is not necessary for women towear a hat or men to wear a tie.

Dress
Dress standards in Kiribati are informal but
modest. I-Kiribati women usually wear atibuta (a locally sewn blouse with gathered
short sleeves and neckline) with a lavalava.
Women visiting Kiribati may wear a shorter
skirt than is typically worn by I-Kiribati.
However, you should carry a lavalava to wrap
around your legs and feet when sitting. Smallor revealing tops are not acceptable. Men

55

KIRIBATI

typically wear loose-fitting shirts and shorts; itis permissible for men to remove their shirts.
Swimwear for both men and women is modest;
women usually swim in t-shirts and a lavalava
or long shorts.

In the home
The home is for casual visiting, conversationor card playing but not usually for formal
entertaining. If you are invited to a home, thehost may put down a clean mat and tell you
where to sit. A host might also call to a passerby to join the group – it is considered rude
not to immediately accept such an invitation,even if you have something else planned.
By accepting offers of refreshments,
guests demonstrate their appreciation of
the host’s hospitality. A cigarette (handrolled tobacco in a pandanus leaf) is often
smoked. This may be shared between thegroup or one may be offered to each guest
individually. It is not impolite to refuse.
The length of a social visit depends on thehost’s preparations. Visits may last from a
few minutes to a few hours over a pot oftea. Be aware that some hosts go to a great
deal of trouble to be hospitable and leavingprematurely may be considered impolite.

56

Arriving unannounced for a casual visit iscommon and is a part of daily life. On southern
islands, before approaching the doorway or
the buia (a raised platform with a thatchedroof but no walls), it is customary to call out
from a distance for the male of the household.

Out and about
Members of the opposite sex do notdisplay affection in public, but peopleof the same sex often hold hands or put
their arms around the waist of a friend
while walking or talking together.
To get someone’s attention, I-Kiribati call out
neiko (woman) or nao (man), even if theperson’s name is known. People address eachother by their first names in informal situations.
This tradition extends to children, who address
their parents in this way. A person’s familyname is often their father’s or grandfather’s
first name. In more formal situations, thetitles Nei (Miss or Mrs) and Ten (Mr) are used
before a person’s first name to show respect.

Greetings
People do not usually shake hands when
they greet each other, except at official
gatherings. Instead, they nod their heads
upward while saying ‘Mauri’. Handshakes
are used to send someone off (such as tostudy overseas) or between people whohave not seen each other for some time.

KIRIBATI

Meals
I-Kiribati sit cross-legged on pandanus matsto eat. The mats are either placed on the
ground or on the family’s buia. Bowls of foodare passed around and spoons and fingers
are used for eating. Grace is offered before
meals. Traditionally, men eat first and womenand children eat in a separate area after themen finish. It is good manners to eat all
the food on your plate and is considered acompliment to the cook to accept a second
helping. People converse freely during afamily meal, but in the maneaba, they refrainfrom conversation until the dishes havebeen cleared and everyone is relaxing.

57

MARSHALLISLANDS
RoguronCalalin Channel
Chenal Calalin
Calalin

Laura

Robokaere

DALAP-ULIGA-DARRIT
Taongi

MAJUROUlga

Fordyce Channel
Chenal Fordyce

Bikar
EnewwtakEniwetok

Rongelap

BikiniRongerik

Ailinginae

Jemo

Wotho

Ujelang

UtirikTaka

Kwajalein
Ujae

Wotje
Erikub
Maloelap
Aur

Lae

RALIK CHAIN Lib NamuÎLES RALIK Ailinglapalap

Namorik

Ailuk
Mejit

LikiepRATAK CHAIN
ÎLES RATAKMAJURO
Jaluit
Kili

Arno
Mili
Knox

Ebon

29

ATOLLS

58

5

SMALL SEPARATEISLANDSFIRSTSETTLED ABOUT

2000
YEARS AGOMARSHALL ISLANDSCountry Information

including the test of the world’s first hydrogenbomb, at Enewetak Atoll on 1 November 1952.

The Republic of the Marshall Islands comprises
29 atolls (which include many islets), andfive small separate islands. The islands werefirst settled about 2000 years ago. They
have been ruled by Germany, Japan and theUnited States. Today, Marshall Islands is aself-governing republic with a Compact of Free
Association with the US. The capital is Majuro,
located on Majuro Atoll. Kwajalein Atoll is
the site of a large US Army base. The island ofEbeye, located within Kwajelein Atoll, is alsoa major population centre. The indigenous
peoples are referred to as Marshallese
and are of Micronesian descent. Many
Marshallese also have German, Portuguese,Chinese, Japanese and American ancestry.

Language

From 1946 to 1958, Marshall Islands served as
the Pacific proving grounds for the US. Sixtyseven nuclear tests took place on various atolls

Both Marshallese and English are official
languages. Marshallese is used in daily lifeand during parliamentary sessions, while
English is spoken widely in schools.

Nuclear testing began in 1946 on Bikini
Atoll after residents were evacuated. In 1954,
the 15-megaton Castle Bravo hydrogenbomb test produced significant fallout inthe region. Since testing ended in 1958,
just one island has been cleaned by the US
government, and people are still waiting
to receive USD 2 billion in compensationas assessed by the Nuclear Claims Tribunal.
Many of the former inhabitants and theirdescendants live in exile because the islands
are contaminated with high levels of radiation.

TERM

MARSHALLESE

ENGLISH

Greeting

Iakwe/Iōkwe
Iakwe/Iōkwe in jibon
Iakwe/Iōkwe in ralep
Iakwe/Iōkwe in jota
*Note: You can also just say Iakwe/
Iōkwe for all greetings throughout
the day.
Iakwe/Iōkwe, Ejet am mour?

Hello (common usage)
Love (literal meaning)
Good morning
Good afternoon
Good evening

Response to greeting

Iakwe/Iōkwe, kommool emman
ao mourHello, thank you, I’m fine.

Appreciation

Kommool
Kommool tataThank youThank you very much

Apology

Jolok ao bwod / Jolok bwod

I’m sorry

Farewell

Bar Iakwe/Iōkwe
Bar loe eok

GoodbyeSee you again

How are you?

59

MARSHALL ISLANDS

Leadership and Protocol

Ceremonies

Background
The Nitijela (legislature), which is elected
every four years, has 33 members, whoin turn elect the President. There is also a
12-member traditional advisory council
made up of iroij (traditional leaders) called
the Council of Iroij (or council of chiefs). The
council addresses custom and land issues.
There are 24 local jurisdictions, each comprising
a mayor and local government council.

Before attending formal ceremonial occasions,
it is always best to inquire about and be
mindful of the protocol relating to traditional
leaders. During ceremonies, traditional
leaders, then church leaders are recognised
and addressed ahead of government officials.
Prayers are normally offered when opening
and closing ceremonies, meetings, events andmeals. Visitors may be invited to local feasts,
Sunday church and gatherings, birthdays,
funerals, weddings or local council meetings.
Follow your host’s lead and ask questions
beforehand if you need information.

Marshallese land rights are governed by
the jowi (clan). In traditional terms, the iroij(chiefs) have ownership of the land, while
the alap (senior member of the clan) ensures
the rijerbal (workers) are carrying out daily
work on the land, including clearing, farming
and construction. Marshall Islands has amatrilineal society with land ownershippassed down by women to their children.

ProtocolThe Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tradeis typically the focal point for contact withinternational and regional organisations andgenerates meeting schedules as requested. SPC
staff are encouraged to meet with focal points tocoordinate meetings before carrying out work orrequesting local support and authorisation. For
initiatives targeting outer islands, focal points
can coordinate with either the local senator or
the mayor, who will inform and gather together
the appropriate leaders and communities.

60

During formal ceremonial occasions, visitors
are expected to sit quietly and listen. If you
wish to ask questions or speak aloud, request
permission and then wait for the appropriate
time to begin. If a speech is made on yourbehalf, it is appropriate to give a speech inreturn. When making a speech, a visitor
can sit or stand, depending on what seems
appropriate. Out of courtesy, convey an apology
for standing up to make your remarks. Groups
will generally sing and give guests local gifts
to show their appreciation for visitors. It isconsidered rude to stand above people who are
sitting, or to walk over them. This is particularly
the case for women – it is considered rude
for women to stand before men and/or
leaders (traditional, church or government
leaders) and to walk in front of them. Out of
respect, when walking in front of traditional,
church or government leaders, bend down
or lower your head saying ‘Jolok bwod’.

MARSHALL ISLANDS

Daily Life
Religion
Most Marshallese are Christian. Sunday is a
day of rest, so refrain from work, recreation
or loud activities. Prohibitions on activities
are not as strictly followed on Majuro, but
most people still recognise this day of rest. To
attend church services, women should wear
long dresses or skirts that are below the knee,
and blouses that are not short sleeved; men
should wear long pants and a buttoned shirt.

Dress
Dress is casual but modest. In some instances,when women wear trousers in formal orinformal settings, it is considered appropriate
to wear a modest long blouse or top thatreaches mid-thigh; see the General Guidelines.

In the home
When guests are invited to a private
home, they are not expected to bringgifts; the setting is generally informal.
Remove your shoes before entering a homeand behave with general courtesy.

Out and about
Marshallese always appreciate visitors
taking an interest in their customs andway of life. Ask focal points or hotel staff
about daily events and local attractions.
If you wish to swim, ask a focal point or
hotel staff about swimming spots to avoid
trespassing on private beaches. Be courteous
and aware of your dress and behaviour.

Greetings
It is appropriate to greet people witha handshake, a wave or verbally.

Meals
Prayers are always offered before meals. Accept
food if it is offered; if not hungry, then eat justa small amount and take the rest with you.

The act of sharing foodis regarded as a signof great respect. It isconsidered offensive
for commoners to refuse
food and any other gifts
from traditional leaders.

61NAURUNAURU
ANIBARE BAY
BAIE ANIBARE

Menen Point
Pointe Menen

YAREN

18

KILOMETRES IN
CIRCUMFERENCE

62

BECAMEA MEMBER OF THE
COMMONWEALTH IN

1999

WORLD'S
SMALLESTINDEPENDENTREPUBLIC

NAURUCountry Information

Language

The Republic of Nauru is situated in thecentral Pacific, about 42 kilometres southof the equator. The island is only 18
kilometres in circumference and has a total
land area of 21 square kilometres. It is theworld’s smallest independent republic.

The Nauruan language is widely spoken.
English is the official language andmost Nauruans are bilingual.

The Nauruan people, who are of Micronesianorigin, inhabited their island for many hundredsof years before it was first sighted by Europeansin 1798. Whaling ships began visiting in the
1830s, seeking fresh water and food supplies.
Germany took formal control of the island in
1888. Its administration was taken over by
Australia in 1914, and the island was underjoint Australian, British and New Zealandcontrol until independence in 1968, except
for a brief period of Japanese administration
during the Second World War. Nauru becamea member of the Commonwealth in 1999.
Phosphate mining, which was formerly
the cornerstone of the Nauruan economy,
has left most of the land uninhabitableand unsuited for other purposes.

Mining has also had an
impact on the Nauruan
culture and economy,
effectively transforming
the culture into one
that is compatible witha cash economy.

TERM

NAURUANENGLISH

Greetings‘Mo yoranGoodmorningGood
afternoonGoodevening
How areyou?

‘Mo yekwo‘Mo yemero
W reit ed?
Response to
greeting

Omo korVery good

Appreciation

Tubwa korThank youvery much

FarewellAng baoenAngtarowong

GoodbyeSee you

Leadership and Protocol
The Parliament of Nauru has 19 members
elected for a three-year term. The President,
who is both the executive and head of state,is elected by the members of parliament. The
island also has a Local Government Council
whose members elect a head chief. The council
has significant responsibilities and serves
as a second tier of government. Nauruansociety is matrilineal, with tribal affiliations
passed down by mothers to their children.

63

NAURU

Daily Life
Religion
Both the Catholic Church and various Protestantdenominations are represented in Nauru.

Dress
Casual attire (e.g. shorts, shirts and singlets)
is acceptable, but very short skirts are
not considered appropriate. Walking inpublic in swimwear is not acceptable.

Out and about
It takes about three hours to walk aroundthe island, following the main road that
encircles the island along the coast. The best
time to take a walk is early in the morningor late in the evening to avoid the hot sun.
Hire cars are available at various outlets.

Meals
All food (apart from fresh fish) is imported,primarily from Australia. Supplies are brought toNauru on regular cargo ships and via Air Nauru.

64

NEW
CALEDONIA

Huon
Surprise
RenardAvon Is
Chesterfield Islands

Pott
Art
Baaba Balabio
Ouvéa

LOYALTY ISLANDS
ÎLES LOYAUTE

Lifou

NOUMÉA

Tiga

MaréIsle of Pines

Sarcelle Passage
Passe de la Sarcelle

ESTABLISHEDAROUND6000
YEARS AGO

28

DISTINCT KANAKLANGUAGES

Walpole3

PROVINCES

65

NEW CALEDONIACountry Information
New Caledonia includes the main island(Grande Terre), a group of offshore islands(Loyalty Islands), and various smaller islands
located within the large barrier reef, including
the Belep Islands and Isle of Pines. New
Caledonia was established around 6000
years ago by Melanesian people, the Kanak
people, and was annexed by France in 1853.
New Caledonia has a special status of broad
sui generis autonomy established in 1999
by the Noumea Agreement, and is one of
the Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs)
associated with the European Union. It has its
own identity signs, which are used alongside
the national emblems of France (an anthem,a motto and a specific banknote script).

66

The motto of the country, ‘Land of words,
land of sharing’, signifies that New Caledonia
is a land of welcome for all the communities(French, Arab, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Tahitian,Wallisian and Futunan, West Indian, Reunioneseand ni-Vanuatu, for the main) who have settled
there since its colonisation. New Caledonia isadministratively divided into three provinces(Loyalty Islands, Northern and Southern), eightcustomary areas containing 341 tribus (Kanak
communities) and 33 communes. The capital,
Noumea, is located in the Southern Province.

Language
There are 28 distinct Kanak languages ​​and12 dialects spoken in New Caledonia. Frenchis the official language of New Caledonia
and is widely spoken. A limited number ofpeople speak English (it is used primarily inthe tourist industry). In addition, Tahitian,Wallisian, Futunan, Indonesian and Vietnameseare also spoken, mainly in Noumea.

TERM

FRENCHENGLISH

Greeting

Bonjour
Bonsoir
Comment allez-vous?
Comment vas-tu?

Good morning
Good evening
How are you? (formal)
How are you? (informal)

Response to greeting

Très bien

Very well

Appreciation

Merci
Merci beaucoup

Thank youThanks very much

Apology

Excusez-moi

Excuse me

FarewellAu revoir (formal)
Tata (informal)
Bonsoir

GoodbyeSee you later
Good evening

NEW CALEDONIA

Leadership and Protocol
Background
There are four levels of government in New
Caledonia: state (France, through the HighCommissioner of the French Republic); national(Government of New Caledonia); provincial(executives and provincial assemblies ineach province); and municipal (mayors andmunicipal councils). In addition, the Sénat
coutumier (customary senate) works in anadvisory capacity on issues relating to Kanak
culture and identity. Each customary area
elects its council, which nominates two
representatives to sit in the Sénat coutumier.

ProtocolShowing respect for traditional authority
is still the practice in New Caldeonia and it
is important to always have authorisationfrom the local tribu before working in tribal
areas or using tribal resources. On entering avillage, you should meet first with the village
chief. For formal events or visits, welcoming
and farewell ceremonies are typically held.
When an event such as a training programmeis planned over two days or more, it isaccepted that those coming from town willbring some food (e.g. rice, Sao biscuits,frozen chicken, etc., and soft drinks, but noalcohol). When asking permission to stepon the land, the spokesperson will mention
the food very briefly in their speech.

During meals, visitors may observe that women
do not sit at the men’s table (visitors are notasked to follow this custom). Sisters andbrothers abide by this rule and avoid being inthe same room at the same time. If this cannot
be avoided, a woman may decline to speakin front of her brother. This should be kept inmind when running training programmes
or meetings. You should not hold your headhigher than an elder’s, and to show respect you
should stoop when walking close to an elder.

Ceremonies
Welcoming ceremony
In a welcoming ceremony, a committee(composed of chiefs and elders) gathers,
usually to one side of the meeting house. The
visitor stops a few metres from the group at a
distance that allows each group to be heard
when addressing the other. The visitor sitson the floor (usually on a mat) and presents
gifts as a sign of respect for the land and its
people. Traditional gifts include pieces of cloth,
tobacco (raw or cigarettes), rolling paper, boxesof matches and one or more bank notes (notmandatory). SPC staff should be aware that the
Sénat coutumier encourages people to avoid
giving tobacco or cigarettes; an alternative is tooffer gifts representative of your own culture.
Note also that the amount of money given
should not be large as the recipient may feel
obliged, albeit unable, to respond appropriately.
Visitors first seek permission to enter and speak,
and then state the reason for the visit. Before

67NEW CALEDONIA

responding to the speech, the welcominggroup typically lays a piece of cloth on top of
the gifts, and then answers. At the end of the
speech, a visitor will pick up the fabric offeredby the hosts, and the hosts will pick up thegifts offered by the visitors. The welcoming
committee will then form a receiving line andthe guests move along the line shaking hands.

Farewell ceremony
The hosts will make several farewell gestures:a piece of cloth to put over your shoulders (toavoid catching a cold on your way home), somecigarettes to smoke on the way home (to help
think over what was said during the encounter),and a bank note (to buy a drink, which helps toremember the pleasant time spent together).
When responding to this farewell gift,
those leaving should include in their speech
special thanks to the women and men who
worked hard to prepare food for everyone.

Daily Life
Religion
There are many Christian denominations
in New Caledonia and a respectful attitude
towards the church is expected. Visitors
are not required to attend services, but
it is appreciated, particularly in rural
areas. There are no restrictions on Sunday
activities in urban areas, but in more
traditional rural areas it is customary to
refrain from work or noisy activities.

68

Dress
Outside of Noumea, the General Guidelines
on dress should be followed.

In the home
It is good manners to remove your shoes
before entering a Melanesian home. General
courtesy applies; follow the lead of your host.

Out and aboutLand is important to the Kanak people andall land is owned by someone. It is important
not to enter any private land without firstasking permission from the owner.

Greetings
In rural areas it is common courtesy to wave
and greet passers-by, even if you are in a vehicle
passing pedestrians. Greet people by shaking
hands, but out of politeness avoid staring into
the eyes of the person you are meeting.

Do not be offended
if people do not lookat you when talking toyou, as it is bad manners
to look directly into theeyes of others.

NEW CALEDONIA

Meals
Wait until everyone is present before eating
and remember that prayers are often said
before meals. Kanak people are happy if
you eat well and enjoy their hospitality.

69

AOTEAROA /NEW ZEALAND
Three Kings Islands
SOUTH PACIFIC
OCEANGreat Barrier Islands
Auckland

NORTH ISLANDTASMAN SEA

WELLINGTON
Cook Strait

Christchurch

SOUTH ISLAND

Solander Island

SOUTH PACIFIC
OCEAN
Foveaux Strait
Stewart Island
Bounty Islands

Snares Islands

AOTEAROAMEANS THE LANDOF THE LONG
WHITE CLOUD

70

2

MAIN
ISLANDSPOPULATION

4.7

MILLIONAOTEAROA / NEW ZEALAND

Country Information
Aotearoa (the Māori name for New Zealand)means the land of the long white cloud. It lies inthe southern Pacific Ocean and consists of two
main islands and a number of smaller islands.
The population of Aotearoa is currently 4.7
million (2018 census). The majority of residents
are of European descent. Indigenous Māori,who settled New Zealand at least 1200 years
ago from eastern Polynesia, represent about
16.5 per cent of the population (2018 census)
and belong to over 50 iwi (tribes or clans).

There is also a large population of other
Pacific Island people (6.8 per cent of the total
population). Auckland has the largest Māori
and Pacific population in the world, andthere is an increasing number of immigrants
from Asia and other parts of the world.

Language
Te Reo Māori (the Māori language) andEnglish are official languages. English is thecommon language. More than one dialectof Te Reo Māori is spoken in Aotearoa.

TERM

MĀORI

ENGLISH

Greetings

Kia oraMōrenaTēnā koeTēnā kōrua
Tēnā koutou

Hello
Good morning
A formal hello to one person
A formal hello to two people
A formal hello to three ormore people

Farewell

Haere rāFarewell(to someone who is leaving)
Farewell(to someone who is staying)See you again

E noho rāKa kite anō

71

AOTEAROA / NEW ZEALAND

Leadership and Protocol

Ceremonies

Background
The Government of Aotearoa is a constitutionalmonarchy, with Queen Elizabeth II as head ofstate. The Treaty of Waitangi is the founding
document of Aotearoa and underpins
relationships between Māori and the Crown.
New Zealand uses a proportional voting system
to elect its parliament of 120 members. Under
this democratic system, the government isusually formed by two or more political parties.

Welcoming ceremony
Arrangements should be made to alert those at
the marae of your anticipated time of arrival
for the pōwhiri. If you are part of a large
group, meet together before arriving at themarae and only proceed to the marae when theentire group is present. If your invitation does
not include a specific time, try to arrive justbefore lunch or dinner, but definitely not atnight. If activities are taking place when you
arrive (e.g. other visitors are being welcomed),
wait at the gateway until informed by one ofyour hosts that the marae is ready to begin the
pōwhiri. Arrange yourselves with women in
front followed by children and then men.
Proceed as a compact group to convey the ideathat you have a unified purpose. Once thepōwhiri begins there should be no talking.

ProtocolMāori protocol and ceremonies are observed
and practised on marae, which are locatedthroughout the country. The marae is themeeting place for Māori communities, andis used primarily for formal ceremonies,
tangihanga (funerals) and cultural and whānau(family) celebrations. Traditional protocols
differ, with regional and local variations. It istherefore desirable to have a guide from themarae you are visiting to give you specificguidance. Visitors to traditional venues
and events should dress appropriately.
The guidelines below assume that you areattending a formal Māori gathering andhave been informed that you are to begiven a pōwhiri (ceremonial welcome).

72

If your leader is of greatmana (prestige) he or
she will be given a wero(ceremonial challenge).

Up to three separate male challengers
will approach one after the other, executecomplicated movements with a taiaha(traditional weapon), and kneel and place
carved sticks or small branches at the leader’sfeet. The original purpose of the wero was todetermine whether visitors came as friend or
foe. Today the wero serves to demonstrate highrespect for a visitor, and the physical prowess ofAOTEAROA / NEW ZEALAND

the warrior (and by implication his marae). In
response to the challenge, the male leader(s) of
the visiting group picks up the dart or branches
placed before them, signalling that they
have come with peaceful intentions. Visitors
continue to wait at the entrance of the marae
for the karanga (ceremonial call of welcome).
The karanga is the welcoming call of the kuia
(mature woman of the marae) to visitors. It isan emotional call of welcome and an invitation
to come forward on to the marae. It is also agreeting and acknowledgment of those whohave passed on, and may include a brief historyof the marae for the benefit of the visitors, ora call about the reason for the gathering.
The whakaeke (procession on to the marae)
is the formal passage of visitors on to themarae. Leader(s) of the group move to thefront, followed by women, and then men.
Walk slowly on to the marae and then pause
for a time. The pause is to remember thedead, and reinforces the idea that visitors
who are welcomed to a marae represent
many people: they are the living link to theirancestors and descendants to come. Yourhosts will then direct you to your seats – maleleader(s) in front and women behind them.
The whaikōrero (formal speech of welcome
usually conducted by men) is a form of
poetry, rich with symbolism and allusions. The
speech-making always begins with an elder ofthe host people speaking first. Depending on
the protocol of the marae, either all the host
speakers will speak, followed by the visitors, orthe speeches will alternate from one side to theother. As a visitor you may have an opportunity

to speak during the official welcoming
ceremony. Women rarely speak at this part ofthe ceremony and messages should be given
to a male in the group who will speak on theirbehalf. If you are from another country, yourspeech could include information about thenature and purpose of your visit to New Zealandand to the marae, and some information about
your country and your work at home. After yourspeech, it is customary to sing a waiata (song).
In the past, people attending gatherings
would customarily take a koha, a contributionof food or some other gift (such as matsor baskets). Today a donation of money isplaced in an envelope and laid in front of thetangata whenua (hosts) by the last manuhiri(visitor) speaker. The way that this is presented
varies from place to place. By giving a koha
you are showing respect to your hosts.
The hongi (touching of noses) is a sharing
between tangata whenua and manuhiri
of breath and is an indication that the twoparticipants meet as equals and in peace.
Proceed, leaders first, to the front of the hosts’line. Participants in the hongi shake hands
and, at the same time, lightly touch noses.
The ending of all the hongi signifies thatthe protocol of the welcoming ceremony
is over: the visitors have been received by
the people and have become, symbolically,tangata whenua (one with them).
It is usual for refreshments to beserved at this point. An elder will firstbless the food with a prayer.

73

AOTEAROA / NEW ZEALAND

When you are on a marae, do not wear shoes
inside the meeting house; do not take food,alcohol or cigarettes inside; do not step overpeople where they are lying (equally theyshould be aware of this rule and not block yourpassage); do not, even in jest, touch a person’shead, or pass food over a person’s head as thehead is considered tapu (sacred); do not sit ontables, or put hats or other items worn on thehead on a table as the table is for kai (food).

Daily Life
Religion
Although Christianity is the dominant religion
in New Zealand, many Māori belong to thereligions of Rātana, Tutekohi Rangi, Ringatū
and Pai Mārire, which were started by matakite(spiritual leaders and prophets, as referred
to by some) in response to the changing
society of Aotearoa. Members of other ethnic
groups in the country follow the religion
and traditions of their respective cultures.

Dress
Western-style dress is the norm in Aotearoa.
Traditional Māori dress is worn for formal
ceremonies and cultural celebrations.

74

Out and about
The majority of Māori live in urban centres andin papakainga (modern housing developments
on multiple-owned Māori or ancestral land).
They do not live in traditional whare.

Meals
Māori eat the same range of food as other New
Zealanders. The traditional method of cooking
food on hot stones under the earth (hāngī) is
used for large gatherings, hui and celebrations.

A hāngī may include
meat (lamb, pork andpoultry) and vegetables(potatoes, kumara,
pumpkin and cabbage)served alongside fresh
seafood, paraoa (bread),salads and fruit.

NIUE

Alofi Bay
Baie d’Alofi

ALOFI

NIUE

Avatele Bay
Baie d’Avatele

A
RAISEDCORAL
ATOLL

SETTLED>1000
YEARS AGO

1974

BECAME SELFGOVERNING

75

NIUE

Country Information
Niue is a raised coral atoll (the former reef
and lagoon are now about 60 metres above
sea level). It was settled over 1000 years
ago and became a British protectorate in
1900, after which it was annexed to New
Zealand as part of the Cook Islands.
Niue became self-governing in free association
with New Zealand in 1974. New Zealandretains responsibility for Niue’s externalaffairs and defence, and Niue people are
New Zealand citizens. A small number ofEuropeans, and people from Tuvalu, Tonga, Fijiand other Pacific Islands also live in Niue.

Language
Vagahau Niue and English are official
languages, and most Niue people arebilingual. Business and government affairs
are conducted in English and Vagahau Niue,and both languages are spoken in homes
and at most social events. Despite being
bilingual, Niue people are appreciative when
visitors attempt to speak their language.

76

TERM

NIUEANENGLISH

Greeting

Fakaalofa atu

Hello (Lovebe with you)

Appreciation

Fakaaue lahi

Thank you

FarewellTo feleveia

Until wemeet again

Leadership and Protocol
Background
The legislative body, called the Assembly,
has 20 members (one from each village andsix elected from the general population). The
Assembly elects one of its members as thePremier; the Premier is head of government
and together with the members of cabinet
has full legislative and executive power.
Niue has 14 village councils, each with three
to five councillors. The councils make most
local-level decisions; there are no hereditaryranks or ruling class. The magafaoa(extended family) is the centre of Niuean
life. Land is owned by the magafaoa,
not by individuals, and land courts keep
genealogical records dating back several
generations in order to settle ownershipdisputes. Oral genealogies in various forms
extend back to the first settling of the island.
Magafaoa membership is patrilineal, andthe head of the family is usually a man.

Protocol
Initial inquiries should be directed to theSecretary to Government, who will put SPC
staff members in contact with the chair ofthe village council for the village they will beworking in. The village council chair is in chargeof meeting coordination and decision-making.

NIUE

Ceremonies
Welcoming ceremony
A welcoming ceremony will typicallybe organised by the village council. It isappropriate to present a small gift and to
make a brief speech or presentation. There
are no special ceremonial protocols.

Daily Life
Religion
Religion greatly influences life in Niue.
Most social activities are organised by andaround churches, and the Sabbath remains
important. Boating, fishing, swimming,
dancing, sports, business, and broadcasting areeither frowned on or prohibited on Sunday.

Dress
Casual dress is the norm, but clothes should
not be revealing, short or tight fitting. Women
normally swim in shorts and t-shirts.

In the home
It is polite to remove your shoes
before entering a Niuean house.

Out and about
As a sign of acknowledgement and respect,
it is important to say ‘Tulou’ wheninvading someone’s personal space, suchas in a crowd, or when passing behind or
in front of someone who is sitting down.

When passing in frontof someone, crouch
down slightly, or at least
lower your head while
saying ‘Tulou’.

Greetings
Shaking hands is appropriate
when greeting others.

Meals
Eating without sharing is considered
rude in Niue, so out of politeness always
offer to share food with others. Cutlery iscommonly used, although people may also
eat with the fingers of the right hand.

77

NORFOLKISLANDNORFOLK ISLANDKINGSTON
SOUTH PACIFIC
OCEAN

ORIGINALLYSETTLED BYPOLYNESIANPEOPLE78

NORF'KLANGUAGEIS PROTECTED BYLEGISLATION

NepeanAROUND
1800 - 2000
PERMANENTRESIDENTS

NORFOLK ISLANDCountry Information
Norfolk Island was inhabited byindigenous Polynesian peoples until
approximately 1600, when the settlement
was mysteriously abandoned.
The island was uninhabited in 1774 when
discovered and claimed for the British Crown
by Captain James Cook on his second voyage
around the world. Because of its ample natural
resources and isolated position, the island
was made a British penal colony in 1788.
The first penal settlement closed in 1814; asecond penal settlement was built in 1825
and closed in 1854. Rather than abandon theisland, the British government, by Order in
Council of Her Majesty Queen Victoria, agreed
to relocate the entire small community of
Pitcairn Island to Norfolk Island in 1856.
The story of the origins of Pitcairn Island people
has been popularised by numerous novels,
plays and films of the Bounty mutineers whowith their Tahitian companions, in 1790,
seeded a new society that against all odds,
survives to this day. Her Majesty’s instructions
to the Governor were that he preserve andmaintain the laws and usages of the Pitcairnpeople. They were to be allowed to continue
their self-government, compulsory education
and universal suffrage in the same way as
they had done on Pitcairn Island in their new
homeland, Norfolk Island. This extension
naturally included the integrated systems oflanguage, culture, tradition and practice.

A Melanesian mission that was located in
Norfolk Island between 1867 and 1920
employed island residents in mission workand opened important cultural linkages andopportunities between many Pacific Islands,
particularly New Zealand and Solomon Islands.
In 1914, Australia became the administering
authority for the island and there have since
been multiple changes to the governance andadministration of local affairs. From 1979 to2015, the island maintained a significant levelof devolved self-government under the Norfolk
Island Legislative Assembly. The Assembly
was controversially abolished and replaced in2016 with a colonial-style lower level of local
government as a (Australian) Regional Council.

Today, Norfolk Island
remains the homeland of
the Pitcairn descendants.
The population of around1800 to 2000 permanent
residents also includes
free settlers from manyother countries, with the
majority from Australia,
New Zealand, the United
Kingdom, Fiji and
Vanuatu.

79

NORFOLK ISLAND

Language
When the Pitcairners arrived in Norfolk Island
they were bilingual in both Pitkern and English.
The isolation of Norfolk Island, together
with established patterns of language use
and transmission, provided the ecologicalsupport system for this bilingualism.
From 1914, the New South Wales (Australia)
syllabus was introduced to the island school
and the attitude to local and mixed ‘non-English’
languages changed. The education system
weakened the culture and Norf’k language by80

generating shame among users. Such measures
provoked resistance and affirmed for thoseaffected the value of their language as not only
a tool of communication, but also a means ofexpressing identity, social bonding, ecologicalmanagement and ‘memory of experience’.
Legislation to preserve the Norf’k language
was passed in 2004 and UNESCO recognised
it as an endangered language in 2007. Some
progress has been made in developing
language capacity through the introduction of
written teaching as part of public schooling.

TERM

NORF’KENGLISH

Greeting

Watawieh
CushooHello, how are you?
Very well, thank you

Appreciation

PrinkeAmalgamation of praise andthank youUs, our People

UcklunSullunYoryleOur clan – collectively we, all of us
PeopleYou, people

Ancestry

KamframOur history and culture
The reason we do things
the way we doNORFOLK ISLAND

Leadership and Protocol

Ceremonies

Background
The five-member elected Regional Council
is chaired by the mayor. An Administrator(who fills a role similar to that of governor)
is a senior Australian government
appointment and holds some of thedelegated functions of the federal minister.

Government ceremonies are limited andusually relate to hosting visiting dignitaries.
These occasions are by invitation only.

ProtocolThe Norfolk Island Regional Council should
be contacted for advice and assistanceregarding government protocols, which varydepending on the purpose of the visit.
For cultural protocols, the Norfolk Island
Council of Elders should be consulted
on all matters relating to the protection,
preservation and promotion of the identity,
values, welfare and well-being of the Norf’kcommunity and its traditional knowledge
and expressions of culture. The role of thecouncil was reaffirmed in 2008 by the 12th
Norfolk Island Legislative Assembly.

Cultural ceremonies mostly relate tocelebrating heritage and have both exclusive
and open aspects. Anniversary Day includes
a local gathering and re-enactmentof the arrival of the ancestors, who arehonoured at their resting place, followedby family and community activities.
Visiting cultural dignitaries are always received
by the President of the Council of Elders underreciprocal cultural protocols that are respectedby government and free of political interference.

Daily Life
Religion
Religion is a cultural value of the Norfolk
Island community. A number of religions
are represented on Norfolk Island andvisitors are welcome to attend any of theservices. Offerings are taken up during theservices. Churches play a role in outreachto young people and the elderly throughsupport services and programmes that
promote connection and inclusion.

81

NORFOLK ISLAND

Dress
Island attire is smart casual dress withappropriate footwear, and more formal
dress as occasions require. Generally,
hats are not worn indoors. Islanders wear
traditional hats woven from local fibres
and decorated for special occasions withfresh flowers and coloured leaves.

In the home
You should remove your shoes before entering
a home. Hospitality, including food and drink,is freely offered to visitors, and you may accept
or decline without offence. Islanders are
generous in spirit and revere the opportunity
to share their offerings with visitors.

Greetings
Islanders usually greet each other with awarm embrace. For non-islanders, shaking
hands is usual, both when first introduced
and at formal gatherings. A verbal greeting
is appropriate at informal gatherings.
People who know each other well are
likely to exchange a kiss on the cheek.

82

Meals
An invitation to share a meal is genuine. It is
not offensive to decline politely. Many families
continue the practice of grace before meals.
Island-style picnics are open invitations andeveryone who attends contributes a main
dish, salad, vegetable and/or dessert.

PALAU
Kayangel Is

BABELDAOB
Urukthapel
Eil Malk
Ngemelis Is
Peleliu
AngaurNgamegei Passage
Passe de Ngamegei
Ngardmau Bay
Baie de Ngardmau
SonsorolNgaregur
Arekalong Peninsula
Presqu’île d’Arekalong

Aiwokako Passage
Passe d’Aiwokako
West Passage
Passe Ouest

Namai Bay
Baie de Namai

Pulo AnnaBABELDAOB

Merir

Komebail Lagoon
Lagon de Komebail

KOROR

Koror
Urukthapel
Tobi

Helen Reef

300

ISLANDSSar Passage
Passe de Sar
Eil Malk

16

STATESFIRSTSETTLED AROUND3000YEARS AGO

83

PALAUCountry Information
Palau, on the western edge of Micronesia,
comprises about 300 islands that werefirst settled some 3000 years ago. It has
been administered by Spain, Germany,
Japan and the United States and in 1994
became a self-governing republic with aCompact of Free Association with the US.
Most of Palau’s islands are enclosed by a barrier
reef; nine are inhabited. Palau includes 16
states. Koror is the main urban centre and thecapital, Ngerulmud, is in Melekeok State on
Babeldaob, which is the largest island. There are
two distinct ethnic groups in Palau: Palauans
and Southwest Islanders. All indigenous

Language
Palauan and English are the official languages.
Palauan is widely spoken in the communities,
while English is used interchangeably with
Palauan in business and government settings.
Schools teach both languages and most
Palauans are bilingual from an early age. Other
languages spoken in Palau include Sonsorolese,
Hatohobei and Japanese (primarily among
Palauans born before 1940). The terms Palauand Palauan are typically used in English; Belauis the equivalent in the Palauan language.

TERM

PALAUANENGLISH

Greeting

Alii

Hello

Appreciation

Sulang
Ke kmal mesulang

Thanks (informal)
Thank you very much

FarewellMechikungGoodbye(to one or more people leaving)
Goodbye(by one person leaving)
Goodbye(by more than one person leaving)

Ak morolung
Aki morolung
Terms of respect84

people are referred to as Palauans. The
population also includes people of American,
Asian, European or Pacific Island descent.

OmengullNgerachelOmelengmes
Klaukerreu

Respect
Responsibility
To place someone ahead of oneself
Caring for one anotherPALAU

Leadership and Protocol
Background
Palau has adopted a democratic constitution,and the government includes executive,
legislative and judicial branches. The President,
Vice-President and members of the national
congress are popularly elected. The Rubekul
Belau (council of traditional chiefs) advises
the President on traditional matters. The
Mechesil Belau (association of traditional
matriarchs), which is the counterpart ofthe council of traditional chiefs, holds anannual conference addressing issues ofculture, custom and modernisation.
The 16 states elect their own governors andstate legislators. The traditional chiefs are verymuch a part of the leadership system. Palauan
villages are organised around 10 matrilineal
clans. A council of chiefs composed of men fromthe 10 ranking clans governs each village, anda parallel body for women has a significant rolein the division and control of land and money.

ProtocolIn addition to following standard protocols
established between the Palauan government
and SPC, staff who will be working in a village
should meet with both the chief and thegovernor of the state to explain their work. The
counterpart Palauan government agency willassist you in making these contacts. Before
meeting with a traditional leader, ask the local

contact to brief you regarding the leader’s title
name. If a title is not known, refer to an elderman (or men) as Rubak and an elder woman(or women) as Mechas. During the meeting,
be respectful and observant. A handshakeis a proper greeting for a chief; to greet amatriarch, it is appropriate to bow your head.

Ceremonies

Normally, ceremonies of welcome and farewellare held for visitors working in a village. Public
government functions or ceremonies generally
combine Western and Palauan protocols;
praying and chanting always play a part, andgifts are typically exchanged between the hostand the guests. In a farewell ceremony, a village
representative will normally present a gift onbehalf of the village. The representative may
be a woman, a youth or a man, depending on
the nature of the work conducted. SPC staff
members should make a speech thanking
the villagers and present a gift in return. A
contribution toward expenses may also beappropriate and will be appreciated. If a chief
or a matriarch is present, it is important toknow their title name and refer to the title
when making a speech. Speeches are normallygiven first in Palauan and then translated
by a village member into English. Whenparticipating in a ceremony, observe where
the leaders and guests each sit. Do not partakeof food before a chief or a matriarch does.
Both men and women should avoid putting
their back toward Rubak and Mechas,
whether they are sitting or standing.

85

PALAU

Daily Life
Religion
Palau is predominantly a Christian society,and several churches are present in Palau.
Modekngei (a traditional religion)is still widely practised and runs its own
primary and secondary schools.

Dress
Dress standards in Palau are casual. Pants(or long shorts) and blouses are commonlyworn by women; men often wear t-shirts,
and in villages commonly go about theirwork without a shirt. For meetings or otherfunctions, dress should be more conservative;
see the General Guidelines. Women should
avoid showing their inner thighs andcleavage when seated in a gathering.

In the home
When approaching a house, always say‘Alii’ (hello). The custom in Palau is to makea guest feel at home, which is captured by
the saying ‘Mokelii a songerenger, bemtuu’(‘Welcome, my house is your house’).
It is polite for visitors to accept offeringsof food and drink.

86

Greetings
Nodding one’s head is a common way ofrecognising others, and people of all ages
also simply raise their eyebrows or wave theirhands. Handshakes are exchanged when
meeting someone for the first time, or if two
people have not seen each other for a longtime. Congratulations are also given with ahandshake. When approaching someone,always say ‘Alii’. If meeting someone you do
not know, show respect. Be humble in asking
for a stranger’s name and do so indirectly. If
you do not know their title name, always say‘Alii Rubak’ (for elder men) or ‘Alii Mechas’ (forelder women). This applies to all people older
than yourself, whether they are a title bearer
or not. If you have a meeting scheduled, findout before the meeting who will be there, theirtitles, and how they should be addressed.

Out and about
When passing people on the road, always step
aside and let them pass first. Respect for others
is important in Palauan culture. Both men andwomen recognise people older than they are; inturn, older people recognise youth for showing
respect. In Palau it is impolite to point towards a
person.

PALAU

A bul is a traditional
moratorium on taking
and harvesting resources.
If there is a bul in a village,
it will be indicated at
the entrance to the village
by young half-woven
coconut leaves tied toa tree or a pole.

Tipping in restaurants in Palau isvoluntary but is accepted.

Meals
When attending village functions, guests
are always served first, but be observantof who begins eating first. Typically, chiefs
start first, then matriarchs, and then thegeneral public. If you do not wish to partakeof a certain dish, politely let your host knowthat you do not eat that type of food.

87

PAPUANEWGUINEAADMIRALTY ISLANDS
ÎLES DE LA L’AMIRAUTÉ

WuvuluManus
RamutyoMussauSaint Matthias Group
Groupe Saint Matthias

New Hanover
Nouvelle-Hanovre

Tabar GroupÎles Tabar
Lihir Tanga GroupÎles Tanga
Feni IsÎles Feni

BISMARCK ARCHIPELAGO
ARCHIPEL BISMARCKNEW IRELANDNOUVELLE-IRLANDEKar Kar

NEW GUINEANOUVELLE-GUINÉE

Long

Buka
Umboi

Gulf of Papua
Golfe de Papouasie

Bougainville

NEW BRITAINNOUVELLE-BRETAGNE

Huon Gulf
Golfe de Huon

Kiriwina
GoodenoughFergusson

PORT MORESBYMarshall Bennett Islands
Woodlark

Normanby

D’ENTRECASTEAUX ISLANDS
ÎLES D’ENTRECASTEAUX
MisimaLOUISIADE ARCHIPELAGO
ARCHIPEL DE LA LOUISIADE

LARGEST
PACIFIC ISLANDNATION

88

HOME TO OVER

800

LANGUAGES

RosselTagula19

PROVINCES

PAPUA NEW GUINEACountry Information
Papua New Guinea (PNG) is the largest PacificIsland nation in terms of both land area andpopulation. It occupies the eastern half of
the island of New Guinea and more than 600
offshore islands. The New Guinea mainland was
first settled over 40,000 years ago. Suspicions
and rivalries, together with the rugged,
mountainous landscape, helped to isolate
different groups, with the result that hundredsof distinct languages and traditions developed.
New Guinea was colonised by Germany,
Great Britain and Australia. It became

independent in 1975. PNG is divided into 19
provinces and the National Capital District, andinhabitants typically distinguish themselvesby the name of their home provincial areas(e.g. Kerema, Goilala, Sepik or Milne Bay).
The capital, Port Moresby, is located on
the southern coast of the mainland.

Language
PNG is home to over 800 languages. Tok Pisin(Melanesian Pidgin) and Motu are widely
spoken and regarded as national languages,
while English is the official language forboth government and education.

TERM

PIDGINMOTU

ENGLISH

Greeting

Yu orait?

Oi namo?

How are you?

Response to greeting

Mi orait tasol(Lau) namoherea

I am fine

Appreciation

Tenk yu tru

Tanikiu bada herea

Thanks very much

FarewellLukim yu bihain

Bamahutu

See you later

89

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Leadership and Protocol

Ceremonies

Background
Members of the national parliament, which isa single house of representatives, are popularlyelected for five-year terms. The national
executive council is composed of the Prime
Minister and ministers. The independent
judicial system includes the supreme court,
national court, and local and village courts.

Traditional ceremonies
Ceremonies for reciprocal gift-giving involving
pigs, yams and other goods, and compensation
and reconciliation, are common in PNG. SPC
staff members are not expected to participate
in such traditional ceremonies as many are
only relevant to community residents, clans
or families. On special occasions, such as
the Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture, thePacific Games and state visits, gift-giving isappropriate and appreciated but not expected.

PNG society includes both traditional
village-based life, dependent on subsistenceor small-scale agriculture and fishing, andmodern urban life in all provincial capitals
and the national capital. The main cities
are Port Moresby, Lae, Madang, Wewak,
Goroka, Mount Hagen and Rabaul.
Inheritance of land and other property may bematrilineal, patrilineal or ambilineal, dependingon the region. Men may acquire statusthrough performance, such as giving feasts
and exchanging gifts. Husbands are generally
acknowledged as the authority figure in thehousehold, but exceptions may be made whena husband is absent (through death, illness
or separation).

Daily Life
Religion
Rituals and traditional practices remain
important throughout PNG but differ greatly
from one area to another. If attending a
traditional ceremony, SPC staff should act
in accordance with the instructions of theirlocal guide. Many people are Christians
and visitors’ participation in local church
activities is accepted and welcomed.

Dress
Male visitors to traditional villages should
be reasonably dressed, no matter how little
clothing village men may be wearing. Men
are expected to wear a shirt at all times
in public, but this rule does not apply tobeaches, where men are usually shirtless.

90

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Women may wear loose skirts or dresses,with hemlines below the knee, and shoulders
and chests covered. Sheer clothing is not
acceptable. Women usually swim in shorts
and a t-shirt, or in normal clothes.

In the home
A visitor will always be directed to a place
to sit, whether on a chair or on the floor.

Out and about
It is common to see people of the same sex
holding hands in public. It is not considered
acceptable, however, for husbands
and wives to hold hands in public.
Betel nut chewing is common in PNG,
particularly in rural areas. If betel nut isoffered, it is acceptable to decline. You may
also accept betel nut and not chew it (itcan be given to someone else later).

Meals
If invited to a home, your hosts will probably
offer food. It is considered polite to accept thefood, even if you are not hungry or intending
to eat. You can request that the food is packed
so you can take it with you when you leave.

91PITCAIRN
ISLANDS
Oeno
Oeno
Henderson

Ducie

Henderson

Ducie

PITCAIRNPITCAIRN

Western Harbour
Western Harbour

ADAMSTOWNJohn Mills
HarbourJohn Mills
Harbour

ADAMSTOWN

Bounty Bay

PITCAIRN Bounty Bay
PITCAIRN
Gudgeon Harbour

Gudgeon Harbour

4

ISLANDS92

PITCAIRN
IS THE ONLYINHABITEDISLANDTOTALPOPULATIONOF AROUND

50PITCAIRN ISLANDSCountry Information
Pitcairn Islands comprises four islands(Pitcairn, Oeno, Ducie and Henderson)of which only Pitcairn is inhabited. It is a
British overseas territory. The majority of
Pitcairn Island people are descendants ofBritish seamen (Bounty mutineers) and theirTahitian partners. Other ethnic groups are ofEuropean, Pacific Island and New Zealanddescent. The total population is around 50.

Language
Among themselves, Pitcairn Islanders speak
Pitkern, a mixture of old English and Tahitian.
All speak and understand English well.
TERM

PITKERNENGLISH

Greeting

Wut awaye?

How arethings?

Response to
greeting

I es gud un

I am good

Leadership and Protocol
Background
The official head of government (Governorof Pitcairn) is the British High Commissioner
to New Zealand, based in Wellington. The
High Commissioner is supported by a Deputy
Governor (non-resident) and a Governor’s
Representative, who is permanently stationedon the island. The local government is managed
by a 10-member Island Council. It comprises
an elected Mayor, who serves a three-year
term; the chairperson of the island’s InternalCommittee; four elected councillors, who serve
one-year terms; the Island Secretary; one

member appointed by the Governor; and two
non-voting, advisory members (one chosen
by the Governor and one by the council). The
Island Mayor chairs the council and serves as
the community and island spokesperson.

ProtocolSPC staff should liaise with the Governor
and the Island Commissioner (bothbased in Wellington) and meet the Island
Mayor at the beginning of a project.

Ceremonies

Public gatherings and meetings are common
on Pitcairn, and most of the adult population
attends. Most public meetings (including
those of the Island Council) start with the
Mayor inviting the pastor or church elder togive a blessing. Visitors arriving to assist thecommunity in any way are normally invited
to address a public meeting and to respondto questions that may have arisen. It is notnecessary to stand while giving an address.
Public dinners are held frequently, often to
acknowledge or to thank a visitor for theircontribution. Every household brings a dishof food. The visitor’s host family provides
the plates and utensils for visitors at thesegatherings. The pastor, or an elder of thechurch, blesses the food before the meal
begins. Community members (in no particularorder) serve themselves by filling their own
plates. Food is typically plentiful and visitors
are encouraged to return for more helpings.
93

PITCAIRN ISLANDS

A visitor may be presented with a carving
or basket at a public dinner as a token of
the community’s appreciation. Althougha reciprocal gift is appreciated it is notexpected. The best gifts are items that canbe displayed and that reflect the culture of
the visitor. If a visitor intends to give a gift, it
is best to advise the Mayor well in advanceso that a presentation can be allowed for.

Daily Life
Religion
The Seventh-day Adventist Church is the
only church on Pitcairn. Although today the
majority of Pitcairn Islanders are not members,
most were raised in this faith and manychurch customs and teachings govern daily
life. Saturday is observed as the Sabbath,and no work should be carried out between
sunset Friday and sunset Saturday. Most in
the community do not work outside theirhomes during this time; some refrain from
activities, including swimming. Sunday marks
the beginning of the working week. Although
not expected, it is always appreciated when
visitors attend a church service. Normal
dress applies; see the General Guidelines.
Visitors who usually wear the traditional
attire of their own country or territory tochurch are welcome to do so on Pitcairn. An
offering is taken up during the service.

94

Dress
When attending meetings or visiting
for an evening meal, men and women
dress casually. Footwear is optional
during dinners and meetings.

In the home
There are government accommodationbuildings on Pitcairn, but most visitors staywith a local family. The host family is normally
pre-arranged through the Island Council.
The cost of accommodation is typically about
USD 35 per night and includes all meals andlaundry services. Many Pitcairn Islanders do not
close the door to their homes and typically no
one knocks when visiting. The normal meansof announcing your arrival is to call out loudly
while approaching the door. When visiting,it is usual to be offered food and a drink. It is
not offensive to decline politely. Alcohol is notconsumed in public or at public functions, andmany residents prefer not to serve alcohol.

There are few smokers on
Pitcairn and most preferthat people do not smokein their homes. Smoking
is tolerated elsewhere.

PITCAIRN ISLANDS

Greetings
Greet people by shaking hands when firstmeeting or being introduced. A nod and verbal
greeting are appropriate in relaxed settings.

Out and about
Normally people stop to have a chatwhen passing. Physical contact otherthan a handshake between those who
do not know each other well is rare.
Currently, everyone arriving at Pitcairn comesashore in either a longboat or runabout. The
runabout is used occasionally to disembark
passengers from small yachts, but thosearriving on larger vessels must climb down
the ship’s Jacob’s ladder to the longboat
below. Pitcairners are used to assisting people
from the Jacob’s ladder into the longboat
and it is safest to follow their advice.

Meals
If invited to a meal at a private home, normal
protocol is to arrive promptly at 6:00 p.m. toallow time for conversation before being invited
to the table. Not all homes observe the practiceof saying a prayer before a meal – it is best topause and take your lead from your host. Whenthe meal is over, the host and others may workon baskets or carvings while carrying on aconversation. They are always willing to explain
their techniques and to let visitors participate.
Public dinners are often held in private homes
to celebrate a family member’s birthday. It
is expected that everyone on the island who
is able to will attend these occasions. Eachfamily normally contributes a main and dessert
dish and gives a small gift to the person
celebrating a birthday, particularly a child.

95

RAPA NUI /EASTER ISLAND

PACIFICOCEANRAPA NUI /EASTER ISLANDHANGA ROA

Motu Nui

FIRST
POPULATEDAROUND

400 A.D.
96

FAMOUS FOR
ITS MOAI(LARGE STONESTATUES)A WORLDHERITAGE
SITERAPA NUI / EASTER ISLANDCountry Information

TERM

RAPA NUIENGLISH

Rapa Nui (Easter Island) is an isolated
Polynesian island of volcanic origin
located between the west coast ofSouth America and Pitcairn Islands.

Greeting

Ia orana
Pehe koe

Hello
Hello
(to oneperson)Hello(to two
or morepeople)Archaeological studies estimate that Polynesian
peoples first populated this island around 400
A.D. The first inhabitants called it Te Pito O Te
Henua (the navel of the world) and a uniqueculture developed, as shown by the moai (large
statues), and rongo rongo (tablets) that areevidence of a written language. Beginning in
the 14th century, Rapa Nui fell prey to civil war.
The Dutch arrived on Rapa Nui on Easter
Day, 1722. It was annexed by Chile in1888. Today, the country, the native
inhabitants and the language (Polynesian)
are all referred to as Rapa Nui.

Language
The local Polynesian language, Rapa
Nui, is still used by most inhabitants,
but it is being replaced by Spanish.

Spanish is the official
language of this provinceof Chile and is used by
the government andschools.

Pehe korua

Response to
greeting

Rivariva

Fine or good

Appreciation

Mauru’uru

ThanksLeadership and Protocol
BackgroundA local Governor represents the Chilean
government. Originally, the island was divided
into tribes that had their own lands and theirahu (platforms) where the moai were erected.
Today, most of the inhabitants live together
in a single village, Hangaroa, and the land
mainly belongs to the Chilean government.
The Alcalde (mayor) represents the local
community. The village of Hangaroa is managed
by the Alcalde and a municipal council.

ProtocolShow respect for the various local
authorities and customs.

97

RAPA NUI / EASTER ISLAND

Ceremonies

outside the village as it may be difficult forthem to buy supplies. Other appropriate gifts
include feathers, shells and local handicrafts.

Important people are received by the Governor
and/or the Alcalde with the presentationof a flower lei and an exchange of gifts.
Welcome and departure ceremonies,
including dances, songs and speeches, arealways held together with the umu tahu,
the traditional meal cooked in a Polynesian(earth) oven. It symbolises blessingsthat bring luck to the event and to thepeople who are arriving or departing.

Out and aboutLand is important to Rapa Nui people.
You should always ask the owner for
permission to enter land; be aware thatland boundaries may not be marked.
The most important places are theahu where the moai are located. It
is forbidden to climb or sit on them.

Daily Life

98

Religion
A large number of Christian churches are
represented on Rapa Nui, but the main one is
the Catholic Church. Many people go to church
on Sundays and generally refrain from working
or taking part in noisy activities on Sundays.

Greetings
In rural areas, it is normal to greet people
by saying hello and waving, even if you arein a car passing people who are on foot.
Handshakes are an accepted greeting; kissing
is reserved for close family and friends.

Dress
People wear Western-style or
Polynesian-style clothing.

Meals
People generally say grace before meals(either a Christian prayer, or one in Rapa Nuito the god Make Make) to give thanks for theirguests being there and sharing their meal.

In the home
It is polite to take off your shoes before enteringa house. It is normal and thoughtful to bringa gift of food when visiting people who live

Rapa Nui people prefer eating with theirhands from banana leaves, but plates andcutlery are sometimes used. All meals areaccompanied by bread, salt and lime.

SAMOASAVAII
Apolima Strait
Détroit d’Apolima

APIA

UPOLU

2

MAIN
ISLANDSFIRST SETTLED>3500
YEARS AGO

1962

GAINEDINDEPENDENCE

99

SAMOACountry Information
Samoa, officially the Independent Stateof Samoa, lies south of the equator and to
the west of American Samoa with which
it shares a common history, language andculture. It has two main islands, Upolu andSavaii, two smaller islands and six islets.
Archaeological discoveries indicate that Samoa
was settled more than 3500 years ago.
The Tripartite Convention signed in Washington
in 1899 between the Governments of theUnited States, the German Empire andGreat Britain divided Samoa and American
Samoa between Germany and the UnitedStates respectively. In 1914, New Zealand100

occupied German Samoa and took control
of its administration on behalf of Britain.
This situation lasted until Samoa gained its
independence in 1962, becoming the first
Pacific Island country to do so. (Until 1997,
Samoa was known as Western Samoa.)
The majority of the population resides inor around Apia on the island of Upolu.
Apia is the capital and the administrativeand commercial centre of Samoa.

Language
Samoan and English are official
languages. Samoan is more widely used,
but understanding of English is also
widespread, even in rural villages.

TERM

SAMOANENGLISH

Greeting

TālofaTalofa lava
Mālō
Mālō le soifua

HelloGreetings
Hi (informal)
Hello (formal)

Response to greeting

TālofaTalofa lava
Mālō
Soifua manuia

HelloGreetings
Hi (informal)
Greetings (formal)

Appreciation

Fa’afetaiFa’afetai lava
O lau pule lea

Thanks / Thank you
Thank you very muchThank you very much(formal, oratorical)

FarewellTōfā soifua
Tōfā
Tōfā soifua

Goodbye / Farewell
Goodbye (informal)
Goodbye (formal)

Apology

Malie lou fingalo
Ou te fa’amālūlū atu
Tulou

My apologies / I apologise
I’m sorry / I apologise
Excuse me / Pardon me

SAMOA

Leadership and Protocol
Samoa’s form of government is a parliamentarydemocracy that recognises local cultural
practices. Executive authority is vested in
the Head of State, with the government
administered by the cabinet led by the Prime
Minister. The legislative branch is composedof a parliament (Fono) of 50 members, who
are all matai (chiefly titleholders). Ten percent of parliamentary seats are reserved for
women representatives. All are elected bycitizens aged 21 years and over. Samoa has anindependent judiciary, including a Lands andTitles Court to resolve disputes over traditionallands and chiefly titles. All laws passed by
the Fono require the approval of the Head ofState. Under the constitution, the Fono elects
the Head of State for a five-year term.
At the local level, fa’a Samoa (the Samoanway) is a communal system guided bytraditional political and social practices.
These practices govern, support and guidevillage development, law and order andsocial cohesion, and safeguard traditional
protocols relating to kinship, genealogy
and familial ties. Fa’a Samoa is based on
traditional mores and Christian values andmaintains order in the Samoan community.
A matai is the head of an aiga (extended family)
and is chosen from and by members of theaiga. A typical Samoan village is made up of anumber of families. Together, the matai of a nu’u
(village) form a council called a Village Fono,
which meets monthly to oversee the affairs ofthe village, consider traditional judicial issues
and ensure customs are observed. Each matai
is responsible for his or her family (extended
family), which includes everyone related tohim/her by blood, marriage or adoption.

Ceremonies
Kava ceremony
The 'ava ceremony is Samoa’s customary way of
honouring, welcoming and farewelling visitors
to a village or to the country. It is important
to observe the etiquette of a traditional ‘ava
ceremony and non-Samoan visitors are usually
briefed on this before they attend. Often, aSamoan spokesperson will accompany you on
your visit, but this is not mandatory. Discuss
the ceremony beforehand with your host.

Daily Life
Religion
Christianity is an integral part of Samoan
life. Most public services are closed on
Sundays. Visitors should observe Sunday asholy to Samoans and behave accordingly.

Dress
Modest dress is the norm. In Apia andurban areas, this dress code is not as strictly
observed. Follow the General Guidelines.

101

SAMOAIn the home
You should remove your shoes when enteringa Samoan fale (house) and sit where thehost indicates – either on mats in a traditional
fale or on chairs in modern homes. On amat, sit cross-legged and cover your legs.
Never stretch your legs out in front of you.
If you do need to stretch, use another mat
to cover your legs before you do so.

Out and about
Avoid walking through villages during theevening prayer curfew, which is usuallysometime between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
The prayer typically lasts for 10 to 20 minutes
and is often marked at the beginning andend by a bell or the blowing of a conchshell. If you unintentionally enter a village
during evening prayer, sit down and wait
quietly until the all-clear is sounded.

Greetings
A simple handshake is appropriate for initial
greetings or farewell. It is acceptable toremain seated while shaking hands. Close
friends and family members often greet
each other with a kiss on the cheek.

102

Meals
People tend to eat together and share theirfood. When dining with others, wait until
everyone has been served before startingyour meal. Grace before eating is customary.
Samoan hospitality is especially generous
where food is concerned. Do not be offended
if they force you to have more food or takesome away with you. You are not obliged
to eat if you are not hungry, but foodofferings are a part of a Samoan welcome,acceptance and show of gratitude all in one.

Traditional Samoan foods
are eaten with the fingers
although generally thatis no longer the norm.
During or after a meal,a bowl of water will often
be provided for washinghands. As it is importantthat hands are clean
before eating, you may
request a water bowl
before the meal if one
is not offered.

SOLOMONISLANDSFLORIDA ISLANDS
ÎLES FLORIDA

Ngela Sule

Savo

HONIARA

Frindsbury
Ontong Java

Ngela Pile
Vulelua

Roncador
Oema
Fauro

SHORTLAND
Alu
Mono Vella
ISLANDS
LavellaÎLES SHORTLAND Ranongga

Bradley Reefs
Récifs de Bradley

Choiseul

Vaghena
Kia
Santa Isabel
Kolombangara
NEW
GEORGIA
Vona Vona
NLLE-GEORGIE
Rendova
Vangunu San Jorge
Tetepare Mbulo

Marau

GUADALCANAL

Dai
Leli
Malaita

RUSSELL ISLANDS
ÎLES RUSSELL

Maramasike
Ulawa

GUADALCANAL

Ugi

Three Sisters

MakiraBellona
Rennell

SOLOMON SEAMER DES SALOMON900

ISLANDS

Indispensable
StraitDétroit deI’Indispensable

FIRST
SETTLED SOME

10,000YEARS AGO

REEF ISLANDS
ÎLES REEF
NdendeDUFF ISLANDS
ÎLES DUFFSANTA CRUZ ISLANDS

Tomotu Noi ÎLES SANTA CRUZ
UtupuaAnuta
Vanikoro Tevai
FatakaTikopia63

DISTINCTLANGUAGES

103

SOLOMON ISLANDSCountry Information

Leadership and Protocol

Solomon Islands consists of some 900 islands,
including a double chain of six large islands. The
islands were first settled some 10,000 years ago.
Solomon Islands became a British protectorate
in 1893, at the urging of missionaries, andbecame an independent nation in 1978.
The main islands are Guadalcanal (home of
the capital, Honiara), Malaita, Santa Isabel,
Choiseul, Makira and the New Georgia Group.

BackgroundThe national parliament comprises 50
members elected for a four-year term. The
Prime Minister is elected by an absolutemajority of members of parliament. In addition
to the national government, there are nine
provincial assemblies, each led by a Premier.

Melanesians make up the majority of the
population, and there are also smaller
Polynesian, Micronesian, Chinese andEuropean communities. At the local level,
Solomon Islanders prefer to describe
themselves by their provincial or tribal
name (e.g. Bellonese or Malaitan). They also
accept being called Solomon Islanders.

Language
There are 63 distinct languages in Solomon
Islands, with numerous local dialects. Solomon
Islands Pijin is the lingua franca for the majorityof people and English is the official language.

104

TERM

SOLOMON
ISLANDSPIJINENGLISH

Greeting

Yu hao?

How are you?

Response to
greeting

Oraet nomoa

Just fine

Appreciation

TanggioThank you

FarewellLukim iu moa

See you
again

ProtocolSPC staff members should make initial
contact through the national government.
The national or provincial government
will provide staff with appropriate contact
information for village leaders, and advise
on protocols for contacts with traditional
leaders, which vary between provinces.
Make arrangements to see village leaders
before arrival if possible. If this is not feasible,
ask to see or talk to the local leader on
your arrival. Depending on the situation,
this may be a chief, church pastor, priest
or village elder. The village leader may
decide to consult with other influential
villagers before making a final decision on
important issues affecting the village.

A small gift (such asfood) is appropriate when
meeting the leader.

SOLOMON ISLANDS

Ceremonies
Welcoming
A meeting or gathering may be called towelcome a visitor; the type and size of theceremony will depend on the importanceof the visitor or the project to the lives ofvillagers. Your host will indicate where you
should sit. You are expected to respond to
any welcoming speeches or remarks.

Daily Life
Religion
There are various Christian churches in Solomon
Islands. Some Solomon Islands people adhere
to traditional beliefs. Visitors are welcome toattend church services, but it is not required.
Saturday and Sunday are set aside as days ofworship and rest and limited activity is thenorm, but protocol varies from one village tothe next. Inquire locally regarding appropriate
behaviour on Sunday for the area you are in.

Dress
Casual clothing, such as shorts, shirts andsandals, is generally acceptable throughout
Solomon Islands. For more formal meetings,
pants and casual buttoned shirts are
suitable for men, and long skirts or dresses
for women. In general, a woman’s clothes
should cover the knees. Tight-fitting or
short clothing is considered disrespectful
and will attract unwanted attention.

In the home
When visiting a home, follow the lead of yourhost or guide. Sitting on the floor rather thanon chairs is common, especially in rural areas orin settlements. Sit as directed. It is disrespectful
to step over someone’s outstretched legs,
especially those of an older person. Excuse
yourself when passing, giving them an
opportunity to shift for you. If you are invited
to stay in the home of a Solomon Islander, a
suitable gift might include taiyo (cannedtuna) and rice. Any food purchased shouldbe left with your host on your departure.

Out and about
Once you have been introduced to a village
community, you may wander freely, but
it is recommended that a guide or local
person accompany you. It is common tosee people of the same sex holding hands.
In public, moderate forms of affection
such as hugging and holding handswith your partner are acceptable.
Do not take photographs of people without
first asking permission. This does not apply
when taking general photographs of public
events, market places or festivals. However, if
you want to take a photo of an individual atsuch an event, you should ask permission.

105

SOLOMON ISLANDS

Meals
Sharing food is an important part of daily
life. Be gracious and polite when accepting
food and do not begin eating until thosearound you have started, unless you areinvited to eat first. Always wait to see if a
blessing will be offered before starting. It is
polite to eat everything on your plate, but
feel free to say ‘I’m full’. If you cannot eat
everything, offer your leftovers to your host.

106

TOKELAU

ATAFU
Fenualoa

NUKUNONU

Tokelau
Taulagapapa

FAKAOFO
Fenua Fala
Fenua Loa

3

SMALL
ATOLLSSETTLED SOME1000
YEARS AGO

Fenu Muli
Matagi

TOKELAUANSARE
NEW ZEALAND
CITIZENS

107

TOKELAUCountry Information

Leadership and Protocols

Tokelau comprises three small atolls, Atafu,
Nukunonu and Fakaofo. Settled some 1000
years ago, the islands became a British
protectorate in 1889, with New Zealandassuming administrative responsibility in
1925. Today Tokelau is a non-self-governing
territory under New Zealand administration.
Tokelauans are New Zealand citizens.
Tokelau is one of SPC’s least accessible member
countries and can be reached only by ship,with services departing from Apia, Samoa.

Language
Tokelauan, a Polynesian language similar toSamoan, is the official language and is spoken
in everyday life. English can be used for basic
necessities, but if making a presentation in
Tokelau it is best to use an interpreter.

108

TERM

TOKELAUANENGLISH

Greeting

Talofa ni
Malo ni

Hello
Hi

RequestFakamolemole

PleaseAppreciation

Fakafetai

Thank you

Apology

Tulou

Excuse me

Farewell

Tofa

Goodbye
Bye

Background
There are a number of decision-making
bodies in Tokelau. Each of the three atolls
is governed by the Taupulega (council ofelders). Collectively, the islands are governedby the General Fono, which is composed of
22 elected delegates from the three atolls.
When the Fono is not in session, the islands
are governed by the six-member Council
for the Ongoing Government of Tokelau,
which is made up of the Faipule (leader)and Pulenuku (village mayor) of eachof the three atolls. These officials areelected for three-year terms.
Faka-Tokelau, the Tokelauan way of life, iscentred on family and community. The socialand economic order is based on the values ofcommunity and sharing, and Faka-Tokelau
remains strong despite the pressure of external
influences. The Taupulega for Nukunonu andAtafu are composed of representatives ofvillage families (matai), while for Fakaofo,
membership of the Taupulega is by invitation
to elders 60 or more years of age. They
are the highest village authority and playa large role in community development,
customary practices and local village issues.

TOKELAU

Daily Life
Protocols
When addressing members of the Council for
the Ongoing Government of Tokelau, use thetitle of Minister, Faipule or Pulenuku before
their names, according to their respective
status. When addressing an individual elder,
you can use Toeaina (elder) and Taumatua
for the most senior elder in the Taupulega.

Ceremonies
Welcoming ceremony
A formal welcoming ceremony will almost
certainly be held in your honour. You will betold where to sit, normally at the front of thegathering, and presented with a green coconut
and a garland. When everyone has a drinking
coconut, a prayer is offered and you can thendrink your coconut. A welcoming speech froman elder normally follows. You will be prompted
when to respond before the conclusion of all
the welcoming speeches. When making aspeech, it is acceptable to remain seated onyour chair or mat. It is common practice on
Fakaofo and Nukunonu atolls to begin awelcome by offering guests a kava ceremony(kava o kava or hua respectively).

During ceremonies,
always sit cross-leggedon the mat.

Religion
Religion is a large part of Tokelauan life andSunday service is an important event. On
Sunday, depending on which island you areon, residents and visitors may be expected tobehave quietly and not work. On Nukunonu
atoll, it is possible to go for a picnic or playgames on a Sunday. If attending a church
service, women should wear a skirt reachingat least below the knees, rather than pants.
Men should wear a collared shirt.

Dress
Skimpy clothing, especially shorts for women,
is not acceptable in villages and causes
offence. Shorts should be covered or replaced
by a lavalava. Most Tokelauans wear clothes
that cover their thighs when swimming.

In the home
Visitors should not enter a Tokelauan home
unless invited. You should remove yourshoes when entering a fale (house) and sit
where the host indicates. If you are seatedon a mat, sit cross-legged or cover yourlegs. In less traditional homes, chairs areused instead of mats. It is impolite to speak
to someone in a home while standing.

109

TOKELAU

Young children are taught not to bother adults
and are usually supervised by older children.
Any adult may freely scold or discipline any
child when necessary. Discipline within thehome is generally strict; children are taught
to respect authority and the elderly.

Out and about
Avoid walking through villages during theevening prayer curfew (usually sometime
between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.). The
prayer typically lasts for 10 to 20 minutes
and is often marked at the beginning andend by a bell or the beating of a lali (woodendrum). If you unintentionally enter a village
during evening prayer, sit down and wait
quietly until the all-clear is sounded.

Greetings
A simple handshake is appropriate for
initial greetings or farewell. You can remain
seated while shaking hands. Close friends
and family members often greet each otherwith a kiss on the cheek. It is customary to
say ‘Tulou’ (to excuse yourself) wheneverwalking through groups of people orwalking near people who are sitting.
Always ask permission before taking photos.

110

Meals
Eating in Tokelau is a social activity andpeople tend to eat together and share theirfood. When dining with others, wait until
everyone has been served before startingyour meal. A short prayer before eating is also
customary. If food is placed before you, accept
graciously and eat as much as you can.

TONGANIUA GROUP
GROUPE NIUA

Niua Foou

Niua Toputapu

VAVAU GROUP
GROUPE VAVAU
Late

Haano
Lifuka
Uiha

Kao
Tofua

Fonuafoou
Hunga Tonga

NUKUALOFA

Kapa

Vavau
Kapa
Maninita

HAAPAI GROUP
GROUPE HAAPAI

Atata

Limu Barrier Reef
Récif-barrière LimuNOMUKA GROUP
GROUPE NOMUKATONGATAPU

NomukaLolonaMotu Tapu
Fafa

NUKUALOFA

OnevalNuku

Piha Passage
Passe PihaTONGATAPU GROUP
GROUPE TONGATAPU

Eua

TONGATAPU

Ata

3

MAIN ISLANDGROUPS

177

SMALLERISLANDSACONSTITUTIONALMONARCHY111

TONGACountry Information
The Kingdom of Tonga consists of threemain island groups and about 177 smaller
islands. Tonga has been inhabited for
close to 3000 years. The country declareditself an independent constitutionalmonarchy in 1875 and retains that status
today, making it the oldest (and lastremaining) Polynesian monarchy.
Tonga is the only Pacific nation that has nevercome under foreign rule. The capital, Nuku’alofa,

112

is located on the island of Tongatapu, where
about 75 per cent of the people reside.
About 98 per cent of the population is ofTongan descent, with small minorities ofother Pacific Island people and Europeans.

Language
Tongan is the primary language, but
English is widely taught in schools andused in government, and is understoodby a majority of the population.

TERM

TONGANENGLISH

GreetingMālō e lelei
Fēfē hake?

Hello
How are you?

Response to Greeting

Sai pē, mālō

Fine, thanks

Appreciation

Mālō ‘aupito

Thank you very much

Apology

Fakamolemole/Kātaki/Tulou

Sorry/Please/Excuse me

Farewell‘Alu ā
Nofo ā

Goodbye (to someone leaving)
Goodbye (to someone staying)TONGA

Leadership and Protocol

Ceremonies

Background
The Tongan government is highly centralised
and tradition plays an important role. The
reigning monarch (King Tupou VI) is advised
by a Privy Council, whose members areappointed by the monarch. The Legislative
Assembly includes 17 elected representativesof the people and nine representatives of
the nobility (hereditary chiefs). The Prime
Minister is appointed by His Majesty the King,
after being nominated and elected by the
representatives of the Legislative Assemblyfrom amongst the representatives. At a local
level, district and town officers are elected
every three years. Their powers are limited
and devolve from the central government.

Welcoming ceremony
A ceremony is typically held to welcome SPC
staff to a village. It will include a prayer by aminister and words of welcome from local
leaders. An SPC staff member will be expected
to give a speech, but gifts are not necessary.

In Tonga, the basic social unit is theextended family. Its members assist
parents in rearing children and children
may have several places to call home.

Ceremonies involving royalty
When in the presence of royalty who arestanding, courtesy requires that you physicallylower yourself to demonstrate respect. If
a member of the royal family is attending
an event, everyone else must be seated
before they arrive. Once they are seated, no
guests may be admitted or seated. In thiscase, punctuality is absolutely necessary.
To address royalty, you must have a degreeof competence in the language used fornobility if conversing in Tongan, but English
is an acceptable (and easier) alternative.

Daily Life
ProtocolThe standard procedure for SPC staff working in
Tonga is to first contact the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs. An officer will introduce you to the CEOof the government ministry involved in yourproject, who will then make introductions
to appropriate community leaders.

Religion
The Christian faith is important in Tonga, withvarious forms of the Wesleyan (Methodist)
Church being the most popular denomination.
Tongan churches enjoy a strong influence
over their congregations. Sundays are legally
proclaimed to be a day of rest and the primaryactivities of the day are attending church,eating and sleeping. Modest, conservative
dress is appropriate when attending church.

113

TONGA

Dress
Modest dress is required by law. There are
expected standards of dress for different
occasions, e.g. formal (not casual) for
meeting a minister, black for funerals,
etc. Ask your host for guidance.

In the home
Unexpected guests are usually welcomed(although if a family feels their house is notadequately furnished or cleaned, they may
be reluctant to invite a visitor in). Visitors
should remove their shoes on entering a houseand are often directed to the best seats. In a
traditional home, men sit cross-legged on thefloor and women sit with both legs tucked
behind them to one side. Children are kept
out of the way as much as possible. Hosts
usually offer refreshments such as water,
coconut, ‘otai (a mixture of cut fruit) or soda. A
complimentary speech from departing guests
is welcomed and appreciated by the family.

Tongans generally enjoy giving and receiving
personal compliments. Guests may compliment
the home or family but should avoid admiring
any one object too specifically (the host may
feel obliged to offer the item as a gift). Tongans
welcome but do not expect gifts from guests,
and gifts are not opened in front of the giver.

Greetings
It is appropriate to greet people with either
a handshake or a verbal greeting. Men often
hold the handshake for several seconds during
a brief conversation. Tongans customarily callacquaintances by their first names. People
meeting for the first time often use titles andfamily names to show respect. If professional
titles are not used, Tangata’eiki (Mr), Fine’eiki(Mrs) and Ta’ahine (Miss) are appropriate.

Meals
Urban households often have dining
tables and other furniture, but on outerislands sitting on woven mats is morecommon. People traditionally ate with
their fingers and while some still do, knives
and forks are now commonly used.

Flowers are suitable gifts on special occasions such as weddings
or funerals, but other items may be more appropriate when
visiting a home socially. Honoured or new guests may be given agift by hosts when they leave. It is an insult to decline such offers,
which may include fruit, tapa cloth or handicrafts.

114

TUVALU
Fualefeke
Te Afualiku

AmatukuTengako

TepukaTe Ava Tepuka Vili

Tepuka Vili Vili
Fualopa
Nanumea

Fuafatu

LAGOON

NiutaoFongafale

Te NamoNanumanga
Vasafua
FuageaFatatoFunamanu
Papa EliseTe Ava Pua Pua
Fale Fatu

Nui

TefafaVaitupu
Tutanga
Tengasu
Teafuafou
AvalauNukufetau

Mateiko
Funafala
Telele

FUNAFUTI
Nukulaelae

Niulakita

8

ISLANDS

26 km

2

LAND AREA

60%

OF POPULATIONLIVES ON FUNAFUTI
ATOLL

115

TUVALU

Country Information

TERM

TUVALUANENGLISHTe Atu Tuvalu, commonly known as Tuvalu,
means a group of eight islands standing
together. Tuvalu is an archipelago of atolls
and islands situated midway between
Hawai’i and Australia. Legend and historicalevidence suggest that the early settlers
probably came from Samoa, Tokelau,
Cook Islands, Tonga, Futuna, the Gilbert
Islands (now Kiribati), and beyond.

Greeting

TalofaHello

Response to
greeting

TalofaHelloAppreciation

Fakafetai

Thank you

Apology

Tulou

Excuse me

Farewell

Tofa

Goodbye

Leadership and Protocol
Tuvalu was part of Britain’s Gilbert andEllice Islands colony until 1975 and is today
an independent state and member of theCommonwealth. With a land area of 26
square kilometres, it is one of the world’s
smallest and most isolated independent
nations. Sixty percent of the total population
lives on the capital island, Funafuti Atoll.

Language
Tuvaluan, which is spoken on all the islands, has
two groups of dialects, based on the dialects
spoken in the northern islands (Nanumea,
Nanumaga and Niutao), and southern islands(Vaitupu, Nukufetau, Funafuti and Nukulaelae).
The Nui dialect is influenced by migrants from
Kiribati, immediately to the north of Tuvalu andis therefore linked to the I-Kiribati language.

Tuvaluan is closely
related to Samoan andalso distantly related tomost of the other
Polynesian languages.

116

Background
Tuvalu has a parliament with 15 members, whoare elected through a general election held
every four years. The Prime Minister is chosenfrom among them by a majority of members.
Tuvalu’s head of state is Queen Elizabeth II,
who is represented by a Governor-Generalappointed on the advice of the Prime Minister.
The Falekaupule – the traditional assemblyof elders on each island – operate inaccordance with Tuvaluan customs andtraditions to bring peace, harmony andsecurity to the community. They have anelected six-member executive arm, called
the Kaupule, and provide local government
on each island and are also consulted on bills
proposed by the national government. The
Falekaupule system is a fusion of traditionaland democratically elected governance.
Communal living in Tuvalu still functions under
the hierarchical leadership of the kaiga-aliki(council of chiefs) supported by matai okaiga and their family members. Tuvaluan
communities are not homogeneous and there

TUVALU

are marked differences in the organisationof their traditional governance systems.

in the case of women, may sit with theirlegs to the side – either to the right orleft – but covered with a lavalava (that also
applies to those sitting cross-legged).

Protocols
The contact in Tuvalu for any official visit
is the Ministry of Justice, Communication
and Foreign Affairs. The ministry inturn notifies the appropriate ministries
for support and assistance.

It is bad manners to stretch your legs out in frontof you during the formal part of a gatheringor meeting, especially if seated within the
inner posts of the Falekaupule, unless allowedby the Tukumuna (master of ceremonies).

If an SPC staff member wants to meet with anisland’s traditional leaders or Falekaupule, theMinistry of Local Government and Agriculture is
responsible for contacting the relevant Kaupule
Secretary regarding the visit and a programmeof meetings and appointments if required.
If you need to meet with the chiefs
and elders of the Falekaupule, it isculturally acceptable to present a gift to
the Falekaupule but not expected.

Ceremonies

When a visitor is invited to a Falekaupule
feast, it is appropriate to present a small gift(money is acceptable). If the feast is held in
honour of the visitor, they will be presented
with a traditional gift and, in this case, a more
impressive reciprocal gift is appropriate.
By custom, people sit cross-legged in the
Falekaupule and everyone is requested tocomply if they are able. Anyone who has
difficulty sitting in that position, especially

When there is a meeting or function in the
Falekaupule, you may walk past or watch
from a reasonable distance. However, it isdisrespectful to ride or drive a vehicle close
to the Falekaupule during these events.
If you are in a village during a traditionalcelebration, you will be welcomed andencouraged to join in the festivities.

Daily Life
Religion
Religion is a major part of Tuvaluan lives. It
could be said that community life, especiallyon the outer islands, revolves around religion.
The Ekalesia Kelisiano Tuvalu (EKT) is the
predominant religion and the EKT pastor
is a prominent figure on each island.
A typical village day begins and ends withfamily devotions. The morning reveillebegins at 5:00 a.m. and the evening callfor devotion, which is usually a curfew,
starts at 7:00 p.m. in most cases.

117

TUVALU

Sunday church services are held at various
times and are well attended. Virtually nowork is performed on Sundays and people are
expected to behave reverently and respectfully.

Dress
Modest dress is appropriate; see
the General Guidelines.

In the home
Tuvalu’s traditional timber-framed houses do
not have permanent walls but instead have
shutters that can be lowered. The open designmeans visitors rarely need to knock to announce
their presence. It is customary to first remove
any footwear and then to enter and sit downon the mekei or papa (pandanus mat). If there
is no mat, a visitor should wait for one, or analternative, to be laid down. If it is necessary
to walk past someone who is sitting or lying
down, say ‘Tulou’ to apologise for being above
the level of the person’s head. Also say ‘Tulou’
when reaching for something above anotherperson’s head. Hosts normally offer guests
fresh toddy, or share green drinking coconuts
or tea. If it happens to be mealtime, guests arenormally invited to have some refreshments
or to eat. If you do not wish to eat or drink, it
is acceptable to say you have already eaten.

118

Greetings
The Tuvaluan people have an open, respectful
relationship with visitors. When greeting
locals, a simple ‘Talofa’ is adequate andappreciated. Shaking hands is appropriate but
is considered a more formal way of greetingpeople. Kissing the cheek is regarded as aforeign custom and is frowned on (especiallyin the outer islands) unless the person being
greeted is an acquaintance or associate.

Meals
It is acceptable to politely decline an invitation
to eat if you have already eaten or do notwant to eat. If your hosts insist, then accept
graciously. If a friend or relative passes by thehouse during mealtime, someone in the housemight call out ‘Vau o kai!’ or ‘Vau o Inu!’ (Comeand eat or drink). It is polite to pause and chatbriefly and carry on your way if you do not wantto eat or drink. You may also politely decline
and mention you have a prior commitment.
If you do share a meal, it is customary for yourhost to say grace or a prayer before eating.
As a guest, you will normally be invited
to start eating first with the men or headof the family. Coconut juice is an essential
beverage during meals and is commonly
offered to visitors. Toddy made from coconuts
is a primary source of vitamin C, especiallywhen fresh. It can also be made into syrup
for cooking or fermented as an alcoholic
beverage. These are also offered during meals.

VANUATU
Hiu
Tegua
Lo
Ureparapara
Toga
Hiu
Motalava
VanuaTegua Mota
TORRES ISLANDSBANKS ISLANDS LavaLo
UreparaparaÎLES TORRES
TogaÎLES BANKS
Gaua
Merig Motalava
Vanua
Mere Lava
Mota
Lava
C. Cumberland

TORRES ISLANDS
ÎLES TORRESBANKS ISLANDS

C. QuirosÎLES BANKS
Gaua
Merig
ESPIRITU
MaewoMere LavaPatteson Pass
C.
Cumberland
Ambae
SANTO
Passage
Patteson
ESPIRITUMalo C. Quiros Maewo
Pentecost
Patteson Pass
Ambae
SelwynPatteson
StraitSANTO
Passage
Détroitde Selwyn
AmbrymPentecost
MALAKULA Malo Paama
Selwyn Strait
Epi

Lopevi

SHEPHERD GROUP
Tongoa
MALAKULAEmaeÎLES SHEPERDSHEPHERD GROUPÎLESSHEPERD
PORT
VILA

Ambrym Détroit de Selwyn
Paama
LopeviEpi
Nguna
TongoaEmae

EFATE

PORT VILA

Nguna

EFATE
Erromango
Aniwa
Tanna Erromango
Futuna

Nguna

Moso

Undine Bay
Baie Undine

Lelepa

Moso

Emao

Nguna

Undine Bay
Baie Undine

Emao

EFATE

Mele Bay
Baie de MelePORT VILA

Mele Bay
Baie de Mele

12

LARGE
ISLANDS

Futuna

Pele

EFATE

LelepaAniwa
Tanna
Aneityum

Pele

Aneityum

Forari Bay
Baie de Forari
Forari Bay
Baie de Forari

PORT VILA70

SMALLER
ISLETSAROUND105

LANGUAGES

119

VANUATUCountry Information

TERM

BISLAMAENGLISH

Vanuatu is an archipelago of 12 large islands
and 70 smaller islets. The islands were settled
some 3200 years ago. For most of the 20th
century, the islands were administered bya joint French-British condominium, which
saw the use of two official languages (French
and English) and dual administrations.
Independence was declared in 1980.

Greeting

Halo
Olsem
wanem,
yu oraet?

Hello
How are you?

Response
to greeting

I stret!
I gud!

I’m okay/
I’m fine
I’m good/fineAppreciation

Tankiutumas

Thank youvery much

Apology

Sori tumas

Very sorry

FarewellLukim yu

See you

The people of Vanuatu are mostly Melanesian,although there is significant Polynesian
influence on many islands, including on
language and social structure. Vanuatu’s
population also includes people of Chinese,
European, other Pacific Islander and Vietnamesedescent. Citizens of Vanuatu are called niVanuatu (meaning ‘of Vanuatu’). The capital,
Port Vila, is situated on the island of Efate.

Language
Vanuatu is linguistically diverse, with at least
105 local languages. Bislama (an Englishbased pidgin influenced by French), English
and French are all official languages.

Most ni-Vanuatu speak
Bislama along with
their mother tongue,
except for those inremote areas or young
children who only speak
their mother tongue.

120

Leadership and Protocol
Background
There is an elected assembly (parliament),
which in turn elects the Prime Minister, whoholds executive power. The head of stateis the President. Vanuatu is divided into six
provinces, which are made up of three ormore islands. The Malvatumauri (national
council of chiefs) is elected by district
councils and has its own president. Thisbody has the power to discuss all mattersrelating to custom and tradition and to makerecommendations relating to the preservationof ni-Vanuatu language and culture.
Women can attain significant status in theircommunities, and in some islands in thenorth of Vanuatu can become chiefs. A niVanuatu chief acts as a justice of the peaceand as a spokesperson for each village. Most
chiefs are chosen by consensus or elected,
although in some areas the position is
ascribed or inherited. Chiefs are the head

VANUATU

of their communities and also the gateway
to the community for all outsiders.

ProtocolSPC’s official contact in the Government of
Vanuatu advises the Malvatumauri of confirmed
projects and informs the appropriate authorities
in the provinces. On arriving in a village, SPC
staff should meet first with the chief, or in someareas the assistant to the chief, who advises
on matters of protocol and accompanies avisitor when meeting with the chief. The chief
may refer staff to village experts if special
knowledge of a certain issue is required.

Ceremonies
Welcoming ceremony
The chief of the village will gather people into
a nakamal (meeting house) or community
hall and briefly inform them of your visit andproject. Your hosts will give you time to standand speak, so observe and wait for your cue.
Expressions of gratitude and acknowledgement
are appreciated. On this occasion it may beappropriate to present the chief with a small
gift that should in some way represent youor your people or institution. In a traditional
welcoming ceremony, kava or coconut juice
is normally offered to guests. You are under
no obligation to drink it, but it is consideredpolite to do so. In some communities, there
are restrictions about women entering
the nakamal so follow the advice of yourguide; the general recommendation isthat women only enter when invited.

Farewell ceremony
The village usually holds a ceremony involving
food, and you may receive a gift. The chief will
deliver a speech of thanks, and you should
respond with appropriate acknowledgements
and thanks. Another gift may be appropriate.

Kava ceremony
The kava ceremony is an important partof Vanuatu custom. If you are invited to a
ceremony, it is customary to drink the kava
all at once. If you feel you cannot finish yourshare, you can discreetly tip it out to the side.
If you do not drink, you should touch the cupof kava to indicate that you have symbolicallydrunk it. In some rural communities,
women are prohibited from drinking kava
so follow the advice of your guide.

Daily Life
Religion
Nearly all large villages have their own church.
In some areas, an entire village belongs to
one particular denomination. If a village
follows two or more faiths or religions (e.g.
two Christian denominations, or a Christianreligion and a traditional religion), it is usual
for the village to be physically divided, usuallyspatially, so that the different groups worshipin separate areas. Most denominations
worship on Sunday, although Seventh-day
Adventists worship on Friday evenings andSaturdays. You should respect the restrictions
121

VANUATU

on work or recreation on the day relevant tothe community you are visiting. There is no
obligation to attend church services, but asa visitor you are welcome to participate.

appreciated in any form. If food is offered, try
to eat what you are given; it is appreciated.

Prayers may be said before or after aceremony or village activity, so you should
follow the lead of the host. This practicevaries – in villages where traditional religion
is followed, there is less emphasis on prayer.

Out and about
Once a village community has accepted
your presence, you are free to wanderaround. It is recommended, however,that you are accompanied by a guide or
local person for the first few days andwhen you are visiting other villages.

DressIn villages, men may remove their shirts
when working or when it is hot. Wearing of
shorts by women in villages was formerly
prohibited but is now more common; it isstill frowned on by some elders, however.
Female visitors are advised to wear dresses
and skirts. Bathing suits, shorts and skimpy
clothes should be restricted to designatedtourist areas. Shorts and t-shirts or halter tops
are appropriate swimwear in rural areas.

Sticks set in the ground and bearing the leaves of
the namele plant (a cycad, which is a symbol ofpeace, and is depicted on Vanuatu’s flag) indicate
a tabu. If you encounter this sign, always ask
about the tabu, which is a local method used
to preserve or restrict access to fruit trees orbush localities, or marine areas in some places.

In the home
Visitors are generally welcome in the home
unless particular ceremonies or practices aretaking place. If this is the case, follow theadvice of your guide. Men may opt to sit on achair or stool or any object that takes the formof a seat. Women usually sit on the ground,but this varies depending on the village. Your
host will normally guide you on where to sit.
When sitting on the ground, you may sit in theposition that is most natural and comfortablefor you. Gift giving is not expected but is122

Greetings
A simple handshake, together with asmile and a few words, is appropriate
for an initial greeting or farewell.

Meals
In Vanuatu, prayers are always said before
meals, so it is best to wait for the host before
beginning a meal. Generosity in providing foodis considered a great virtue and it is importantfor your hosts to feel that their hospitality ishighly appreciated. Utensils and plates arealways provided; however, it is polite to eat withyour hands when food is served on leaves.

WALLISAND
FUTUNA
Nukuloa
Nukuteatea
Nukutapu

WALLISUVEA
MATA UTU

Luaniva
Fungalei

Baie Mata’ Utu
NukuofoNukuaeta

Nuku Fetau
Baiede MuaFenua Fu

Plage des Cocotiers
Anse De Sigave

FUTUNA
Sain Channel

ALOFI

2

GROUPS OFISLANDSANOVERSEAS
COLLECTIVITYOF FRANCE66%

OF INHABITANTSLIVE ON WALLIS

123

WALLIS AND FUTUNACountry Information
Wallis and Futuna comprises two groups ofislands of volcanic origin, located about 240
kilometres apart in the central Pacific. The
Wallis group consists of the main island ofWallis (Uvea) and more than 20 surrounding
motu (small islands on the barrier reef).
The highest point of Uvea is only 145 metresabove sea level. The Futuna group includes
Alofi (currently uninhabited) and the mainisland of Futuna, which rises some 700 metresabove sea level. Futuna is today an importantpilgrimage site for people who come to pray
to the first Catholic martyr saint in the PacificIslands, Father Pierre Louis Marie Chanel.
Wallis and Futuna is an overseas collectivityof France. The people of Wallis and Futuna
are Polynesian – Wallis has cultural ties

Language
The indigenous languages, Wallisian and
Futunan, are widely spoken. Wallisian isclosely related to Tongan, while Futunan
shares many linguistic characteristics with
Samoan. French is the official language.
English-speaking staff will need interpretation
assistance if they do not have a working
knowledge of French or Wallisian or Futunan.

TERM

WALLISIANENGLISH

FUTUNANENGLISH

Greeting

Malo te ma’uli

Hello(until noon)Hello(rest of the day)Malo le ma’uli
Malo le kataki

Hello(until noon)Hello(rest of the day)Malo si’I kataki
Apology

Silou or Tulou

Excuse me/
pardon me

Tilou or tulou

Excuse me/
pardon me

Farewell

Alula

Goodbye (to one
person leaving)
Goodbye (to two
or more leaving)
Goodbye (to one
person staying)
Goodbye(to two or more
people staying)

Anola
NofolaGoodbye (to one
or more leaving)
Goodbye (to one
or more staying)

Olola
NofolaNonofola124

with Tonga, and Futuna with Samoa.
Two thirds of the inhabitants live on Wallis,
and the other third on Futuna. Mata-Utu,
the territory’s political, business andadministrative centre and largest urban
area, is located on Uvea. In the 2018
census, the resident population was
11,562. Many thousands of Wallisians
and Futunans live in New Caledonia.

WALLIS AND FUTUNA

Leadership and Protocol
Background
Executive power lies with the Frenchgovernment. The Territory of Wallis and Futuna
is governed by the Prefect, who is the Chief
Administrator and head of the territory. The
Prefect is assisted by the Territorial Council.
The three kings of Wallis and Futuna serve as
ex officio members of the council. As Chief
Administrator, the Prefect is also the head of
the three administrative districts corresponding
to the three kingdoms of Uvea, Alo and Sigave.
Matters related to defence and maritime
affairs are under the direct jurisdiction of theFrench High Commission in New Caledonia.
Legislative power lies with the Territorial
Assembly, which has 20 members who areelected by universal suffrage for a five-year
term. The head of government is the Presidentof the Territorial Assembly. One Deputy andone Senator represent the territory in the
French National Assembly and Senate.
The traditional chiefs hold customary power.
The Hau or King of Uvea has the title of Lavelua
and is assisted by a council of chiefs called
the Fa’u. On Futuna, the Tuiagaifo of Alo
and the Tuisigave of Sigave, also called the
Keletaona or Tamolevai, are each assisted by
a Fa’u composed of five customary chiefs. The
members of the Fa’u are now called customary
ministers. The customary institutions retain
considerable power in the territory’s social
life and organisation, and customary law isenforced by the customary chiefs. The Frenchgovernment guarantees the populations ofWallis and Futuna liberty in the practice of
their religion and respect for their beliefs
and customs as long as these are not incontradiction of French law. In addition, French
law applies in the territory in legal matters andthere is a tribunal of first instance in Mata’Utu.

ProtocolProtocol visits are important for SPC staff
working in Wallis and Futuna. Visits to boththe appropriate government official (inthe office of the Prefect or administration)and the traditional leadership are always
appreciated. Any visits relating to fisheries, land,
agriculture, etc. must include presentations
to the traditional rulers. Women are usually
not present during discussions and meetings
unless they are part of the visiting group or
directly involved in the issues being discussed.

Ceremonies
Kava ceremony
District and village festivals provide an
opportunity to keep traditions such as the kava
ceremony alive. This ceremony can only be held
if it is accompanied by a traditional presentationof food items. Once the ceremony is over, theitems are distributed to the chiefs and thepeople attending the ceremony. No moving inor out, smoking or noise are allowed during theceremony and hats should not be worn. When
paying a courtesy visit to the one of the kings orchiefs, you should bring a kava root or other gift.

125

WALLIS AND FUTUNAThis physical item symbolises your respect andopens the door of the chief’s dwelling to you.

As a sign of respect, during official ceremonies
or when visiting chiefs, Wallisians wear a belt ofplant fibres called a ta’ovala around their waists.

Daily Life
The social life of Wallisians and Futunans centres
on a system of mutual exchange that allows
people to live together as a community on thebasis of reciprocal aid, sharing and respect.

Religion
The Catholic Church is the main denominationin the country. Modest dress should
be worn when attending services ortaking part in religious ceremonies.

Dress
Modest dress standards apply; see theGeneral Guidelines. Swimwear should not
be worn when walking about on the islands,
in the hotels or any other public places.
Wallisians and Futunans wear bothtraditional dress, mainly manou(lavalava), and Western-style clothes.

Garlands, made in
the traditional way by
women, are worn every
day and garlands offragrant local flowers areused to welcome guests.

126

In the home
Unexpected guests are always welcome.
It is common practice to welcome andmeet visitors on the veranda of a house.

Greetings
When greeting each other, men shake hands.
Men and women greet each other with akiss on the cheek. When meeting people,
visitors are expected to shake hands witheveryone present. If a man is working andhas dirty hands, he may extend his wrist or
elbow. A smile and nod of the head are also
acceptable. (Note that the official greeting
protocol is different for the King of Wallis.)

Meals
Families usually eat their meals
together. When invited to a meal, it iscommon practice to bring a gift.
The guest is served first, and the host last.
You should wait until the blessing has
been said before beginning to eat.

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