For many Pacific students arriving in Ōtepoti Dunedin far from home, Vaitoelau ‘Vai’ Kumitau has been a source of comfort, connection, and belonging.
A respected elder in the Niue community, Vai has spent decades supporting families and students who move to Dunedin, welcoming them with traditional island food, cultural connection and the reassurance that they have someone to turn to.
As one of five Pacific community champions nominated by the Ministry for Pacific Peoples for the 2026 King's Birthday Honours, Vai has been awarded the King's Service Medal for services to the Niue community.
Vai has shown a profound commitment to supporting scholarship students studying at the University of Otago and Knox Theological College. From helping students navigate homesickness to providing practical and emotional support, she has helped create a sense of home for many young people while they are away from their families and communities.
"What I do for the students comes from my heart. I always encourage them to speak their languages. When I host them for to'ona'I (lunch), they often say, 'Oh nana, this reminds me of home,' and to me that is very special – to be able to give them a piece of home.
For many years, I have helped and supported young Pacific people from the islands who came here on scholarship, cooking them traditional food from Niue and other island foods," says Vai.
Alongside her support for students, Vai champions Niue culture and Vagahau Niue (the Niue language). After joining Pacific Trust Otago in the 1990s, shortly after its establishment, she ensured Niue representation at the table and actively supported the Niue community. Through storytelling, songs, and community events, she inspires younger generations to stay connected to their language, culture, and identity.
"You can sing, play a guitar at home – you can sing by yourself. Nobody can hear but you. Use your heart, speak the language. Even if it's wrong or right, don't be scared to speak your language."
Vai also extends this commitment to service and cultural leadership into her faith community. She has served as an elder at the Pacific Islands Presbyterian Church in Dunedin, since it opened in 1992, continuing her lifelong dedication to strengthening and supporting Pacific communities.
Beyond Otago, she has supported researchers to contextualise Niue artefacts in museum collections, helping ensure they accurately reflect Niue culture and history.
Through her service to students, families and the wider community, Vai's commitment to supporting the next generation of Tagata Niue aligns with the Ministry for Pacific Peoples' priority to revitalise Pacific languages, helping ensure language, culture and heritage continue to thrive for future generations.