Innovative Projects
The Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs is also working on the following innovative projects to fulfil the cultural development objectives of the Pacific Economic Action Plan:
Pacific Language Strategy
We are working with the Ministry for Culture and Heritage (MCH) on ways to stem the declining use of Pacific languages in New Zealand. We have discussed the idea of a cross-government Pacific Language Strategy with other relevant agencies. We will be canvassing views on the nature of future government intervention, and how communities might provide input to the strategy.
Mind Your Language
This Pacific language project led by MPIA supports the use of Pacific languages in the home and community. We have developed a series of language resources in partnership with Niuean, Tokelauan and Cook Islands communities. They are available on websites as well as in paper-based format.
We have now launched new Cook Island language and Tokelau language websites and have re-designed and re-launched the original Niue language website.
These language resources are now available on interactive websites. Visit and learn through the following links:
The next phase of this three-year project will involve monitoring and evaluation of the resources.
Creative Industries
We have launched a resource for Pacific people working in creative industries, and those who wish to get established in their chosen careers. Our multifaceted website, Pacific Starmap, has been developed by the Ministry in response to a proposal by Pacific actor Nathaniel Lees.
Pacific Starmap profiles and promotes Pacific artists and offers them – and others interested in Pacific arts – information about creative work and professional development opportunities. It creates a forum in which established Pacific artists can advise and support others along their paths to success in the arts. It has up-to-date news about the arts in New Zealand, links to training and development opportunities, and sources of funding.