Uike Lea faka-Tonga 2023 - Message of the Day from Dr Melenaite Taumoefolau

Dr Melenaite, 2021 Tonga Language Week Champion, explores the meaning of this year's theme, which is the Tongan language will last forever if it is spoken often at home, in church, and in the community.
Here is an English translation of Dr Melenaite's message:
"I encourage Tongan parents, caregivers, church leaders, pastors, and Sunday school teachers, indeed all Tongans to speak Tongan at home, in church, and in the community. I explain that although the majority of NZ-born children and youth are losing aspects of the Tongan Language, there is a minority who speak the language very well, and that is because their parents and caregivers speak to them in Tongan at home. I encourage Tongans to do what those parents and families do - use Tongan at home so that their children grow up to be bilingual in Tongan and English."
mpp.govt.nz/Tonga23