The Ministry for Pacific Peoples and Creative New Zealand have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to co-deliver Tala: Sharing Pacific Stories, a new initiative that supports Pacific creatives to write and publish in Pacific languages.
This is the first formal agreement between the two organisations and marks a significant step forward in their shared commitment to supporting the maintenance and revitalisation of Pacific languages through the arts.
The initiative will provide up to $100,000 to support Pacific creatives to write or translate literary works in Pacific languages, focusing on those in need of urgent revitalisation - including te gagana Tokelau (the Tokelau language), vagahau Niue (the Niue language), and te reo Māori Kūki ‘Airani (Cook Islands Māori language).
Secretary for Pacific Peoples, Gerardine Clifford-Lidstone, says the initiative shows how government agencies can work together to support Pacific communities and protect what matters most to them.
“Language connects us to our land, our people, and our stories. By investing in Pacific language literature, we’re helping to keep those connections strong and ensuring Pacific peoples can continue to share their stories in the languages of their ancestors.”
Chief Executive of Creative New Zealand, Gretchen La Roche, says the MoU is about more than co-investment, it’s a commitment to uplifting Pacific voices and honouring the languages, stories, and creativity of Pacific peoples.
“This is about supporting Pacific storytellers to share what matters to them, in the languages that carry their culture, identity, and connection to home. We’re proud to work alongside the Ministry for Pacific Peoples to help bring these stories to life,” says Gretchen.
Tala: Sharing Pacific Stories, supports the goals of the Ministry’s Pacific Languages Strategy 2022 – 2032 and aligns with Creative New Zealand’s Pacific Arts Strategy 2023 – 2028. Both strategies prioritise efforts to support the revitalisation and intergenerational transmission of Pacific languages.
The Tala: Sharing Pacific Stories fund will be administered by Creative New Zealand. Applications are expected to open in early September, with more details to come on how to apply.