9. Question No. 9—Pacific PeoplesANAHILA KANONGATA'A-SUISUIKI (Labour) to the Minister for Pacific PeoplesQuestion No. 9—Pacific Peoples9. ANAHILA KANONGATA'A-SUISUIKI (Labour) to the Minister for Pacific Peoples: He pātai ki Te Minita mō ngā Tāngata Pasifika: What initiative is taking place this week to support Pacific languages in New Zealand?Hon AUPITO WILLIAM SIO (Minister for Pacific Peoples): Fakaalofa lahi atu Mr Speaker. On Saturday I launched Niue Language Week and I want to thank all MPs today for acknowledging the Niue language in the House this week. The theme for this year's language week is Tokiofa ofania mokoina e vagahau Niue or in English: treasure love and cherish the Niue language. Niue is a Realm island nation of New Zealand and are New Zealand citizens. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is recognised affectionately by Niueans as a daughter of Niue. The Niuean language is currently classified by UNESCO as an endangered language and that's why as part of our Government's Wellbeing Budget a dedicated and historic Pacific Languages Unit will be established to ensure the Niue language survives and thrives. Young Pacific peoples of Aotearoa in particular identified thriving Pacific languages as integral to their sense of wellbeing and is a key goal for achieving their vision of Pacific peoples who are confident thriving resilient and prosperous peoples of Aotearoa. Anahila Kanongata'a-Suisuiki: Why is it important to celebrate Pacific languages weeks?Hon AUPITO WILLIAM SIO: The Government recognises the importance of heritage languages in the wellbeing of Pacific peoples of Aotearoa. They are assets to be protected and passed on to future generations. Pacific languages are powerful. They connect Pacific peoples with their history describe issues with great accuracy and allow us to attach metaphorical meaning to these issues and they hold valuable indigenous knowledge that can support modern science in finding lasting solutions to modern-day challenges like climate change. Pacific Language Weeks is about broadening the audience so that all New Zealanders get to hear the wonderful Pacific languages learn of Pacific cultures and see the important contribution that Pacific peoples make to Aotearoa New Zealand. Later this month I will celebrate—SPEAKER: Order! The member's answers have been very very long. Anahila Kanongata'a-Suisuiki: How can people get involved in supporting Niue or any other Pacific language week?Hon AUPITO WILLIAM SIO: I would encourage all people to visit the Ministry for Pacific Peoples website which has a wealth of information such as events calendars for events taking place across the country and education resources—Chris Bishop: She asked you a patsy and you've told her to go to a website. Hon AUPITO WILLIAM SIO: —which explain how to pronounce Niuean and other Pacific language phrases and greetings. I would also say to that member: listen; listen to those who speak the language ask questions about the meaning of those words and also speak some simple words like Ki a monuina." or in English "May you be blessed."Rt Hon Winston Peters: Can I ask the Minister as to whether or not these sorts of initiatives like those of the Pacific Reset have rejuvenated an enormous sense of confidence and belief in New Zealand that didn't exist before that?Hon AUPITO WILLIAM SIO: Absolutely I would say yes. Never before ever in the history of this Pacific region have the Pacific not felt a sense of confidence because of the Pacific Reset led by the honourable Deputy Prime Minister and because of the ongoing engagement that this Government—SPEAKER: Order! Order! This—it might be an application for something else but I think it shouldn't take place in the House."