In September 2025, something new happened in Nelson. Something worth celebrating.

Secondary students from across Te Tauihu (Nelson, Marlborough, Golden Bay and the West Coast) gathered at Nelson College for the inaugural Pacific Languages Speech Festival. They came dressed in traditional clothing, prepared speeches in their heritage languages, and stood before their peers, their families, and their communities to be heard.

It was the first event of its kind in the region. And it was made possible through the generous support of donors to the Top of the South Community Foundation.

THE KAUPAPA

The Pacific Languages Speech Festival was organised by the Nelson Tasman Pasifika Community Trust, through the Nelson, Marlborough and West Coast Pacific Collective. The festival was designed as a dedicated platform for Pacific learners in Years 9 –13 to prepare and present speeches in their heritage languages, or in English aligned to Pacific Language Weeks themes.

The festival was intentionally non-competitive, it was all about providing a platform for secondary students. To build their confidence, and establish a foundation for something that could grow year on year. Every participant was acknowledged with a certificate.

WHAT THE FUNDING MADE POSSIBLE

The Top of the South Community Foundation grant covered the full cost of the event: venue koha to Nelson College, audio-visual equipment and technician, printed programmes, certificates and judging sheets, photography, catering and hospitality for students, teachers, and community champions, event coordination, volunteer support, school engagement and outreach, and a performance by the Tinumasalasala Siva Academy.

Pacific community champions (language experts and feedback providers) were engaged to support students and provide collective, constructive feedback throughout the day. Their involvement ensured the event was grounded in cultural knowledge and genuine community connection.

THE IMPACT

For the students who took part, the festival was far more than a speech event. It was a chance to stand in their language, in their culture, in their identity and be affirmed for it.

Students gained increased confidence, a stronger sense of cultural identity, and enhanced public speaking skills. The non-competitive approach meant students at all levels of language fluency could participate without fear, creating a genuinely inclusive environment for learners across the region.

The ripple effects reached further. Families watching, some streamed the event live from home, experienced pride and deep connection. Schools strengthened their relationships with Pacific learners and communities. And at a regional level, the festival contributed to language revitalisation by normalising the use of Pacific languages in formal, public settings.

As one teacher put it:

"It was lovely to hear the different Pacific languages that you don't normally hear around the region. The food was great; everything was planned well. Great concept. I loved the entertainment."

A parent whose husband attended and streamed the event shared:

"I enjoyed the speeches — all the students that spoke were courageous. It is an exciting programme, and I am sure it will be supported more by the Pasifika communities in the future. Thank you for starting it."

And from one of the student participants:

"I appreciated having the opportunity to stand in front of my peers, my family and community speaking in my Pacific Language. With more time, I could have been better prepared and more of my friends may have joined too."

A BEGINNING, NOT A ONE-OFF

The organisers were clear from the outset: this was a first step. The intention is to grow the festival year on year, eventually moving toward a competitive format as participation increases and communities become more familiar with the kaupapa.

What started as an idea — to give Pacific learners across Te Tauihu a platform to speak in their languages — is now a regional event with a track record, a community of supporters, and a future.

That's what donor generosity, channelled through the Top of the South Community Foundation, makes possible.

To find out more about the Nelson Tasman Pasifika Community Trust and their mahi, visit nelsonpasifika.org.nz

Together, we're building a stronger, more connected community across Te Tauihu.