Tongan Language Week is upon us! 

According to Stats NZ, Tongans are the fastest-growing Pacific ethnic group in New Zealand in recent years. 

The 2018 census found Aotearoa had a Tongan Population of more than 82 thousand - but only 12 percent of Tongans under 15 spoke the language. 

Now the Government is investing in Pacific bilingual education throughout the school system so young people can reclaim their language. 

Joining us now to share more on Tongan Language Week and the importance of keeping Pacific languages alive is year 12 student at McAuley Girls High School, Maleohi Tu’ipulotu.

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