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From Scoop Independent News, NZ (27 July 2020) Rotuman community comes together to celebrate a 'world first' centre by Arvind Kumar
It was an historic day on Saturday for the Rotuman community living in New Zealand. The country's first Rotuman Community Centre officially opened in Papatoetoe, South Auckland, although officials said it was a world first. More than 100 guests, led by Ethnic Affairs Minister Jenny Salesa, members of the Rotuman community, Indian and Fijian community, got together for the opening at 35 East Tamaki Rd.
The centre comes courtesy of businessman and Indian community leader Raghbir Singh, who has given the space to the group to use. READ MORE: Singh is trustee of the Akal Foundation which rents the building, and has made the space available not just to the Rotuman community, but also to other Fijian communities, under the banner of the Whanau Community Trust.
Salesa lauded the efforts of the community to preserve their culture and language, and also thanked Singh for his generosity in making the space available. Faga Fasala, chair of the Auckland Rotuman Fellowship Group Inc, welcomed guests to the event, calling it "a milestone" for the community. "Today, we have come together to witness a milestone for this community as this is the first-ever community centre for the Rotuman people," Fasala said.
Fasala was thankful for the presence of Salesa, underlining the support of the government for the smaller communities. Formal ceremonies were followed by feasting - Fijian lovo, Indian curries and pulao, chop suey and more - and of course Rotuman dancing to mark the occasion. More Rotumans live around the world than on the island itself - close to 5000 in New Zealand, 10,000 in the United States, and more scattered across other countries.
Rotuma, administered by Fiji as a dependency, has a population of only 2000. The Rotuman people are a separate ethnic group with their own distinct Polynesian language, culture and identity. The island is described as an "untouched paradise" with some of the world's most pristine beaches. The group consists of the island of Rotuma and its nearby islets, and is located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, about 500km north of Fiji, and 500km west of Wallis & Futuna.
Rotuma was annexed by the British on May 13, 1881 (Rotuma Day), and although Rotuma is its own nation, it is currently administered by Fiji as a dependency. The Rotuman language is listed on the Unesco List of Endangered Languages as "Definitely Endangered".
See also Radio New Zealand Report (28 July) From Scoop Independent News, NZ (24 July 2020) Opening & Blessing Of First-ever Centre For Rotumans The Rotuman Community of Aotearoa/New Zealand is excited to announce the inaugural opening and blessing of the New Zealand Rotuman Community Centre - at 35 East Tamaki Road, Papatoetoe, Aotearoa-New Zealand. This is the first-ever Community Centre that the people from the small island Rotuma have ever had. It has been setup and managed by the Auckland Rotuman Fellowship Group Inc (ARFGI). Chairperson Faga Fasala said "We wish to extend a warm invitation to our friends in the media to this inaugural event tomorrow". "This is a world first for our small community and island nation – our very own Community Centre. It is a place where we meet, help and support each other, and more importantly, use our resources and knowledge to serve humanity". Secretary Rachael Mario added "We now have a place where the Community gather, the Elders meet, and Youth learn our unique Rotuman language and culture". The Centre is part of the Whānau Community Trust, delivering support and services for all New Zealanders. See Press Release |
