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NZ Government Slashes Pacific Language Funding by Over 50%, Sparking Backlash

Writer's picture: Elinor Kahurangi Elinor Kahurangi



A report from the Pacific Media Network (PMN) has revealed that the New Zealand Government has made significant cuts to Pacific language funding, reducing support by more than 50 per cent. The move, part of a wider cost-saving strategy across government departments, has drawn swift backlash from community leaders, educators, and political figures concerned about the long-term impact on Pacific languages and cultural heritage in Aotearoa.


Labour Deputy Leader, Carmel Sepuloni, a former teacher and a strong advocate for Pasifika communities, voiced her disappointment in a post on her social media account, calling the decision "a step backwards" in efforts to preserve and revitalise endangered Pacific languages. She highlighted that supporting these languages is critical, not only for cultural preservation but also for enhancing educational outcomes among Pasifika students.

“These cuts risk depriving Pasifika children of the learning strengths that come from being bilingual or multilingual,” Sepuloni stated, pointing to research that shows linguistic diversity can positively influence cognitive development and academic success.



The cuts come at a time when the proportion of native Pacific language speakers has been steadily declining. Over the past 15 years, key languages such as Samoan, Tongan, and Cook Islands Māori have seen significant drops in usage among New Zealand’s Pasifika population. Community leaders fear that without sustained government support, the next generation may lose a vital link to their identity and heritage.


Adding to the concern, reports have surfaced that the Ministry for Pacific Peoples (MPP) could face substantial staff reductions, with up to 40 per cent of its workforce at risk of redundancy. This development has raised questions about the government’s overall commitment to Pasifika initiatives.


“Pacific communities should be worried,” one community advocate commented in a statement to RNZ. “It’s not just about losing funding—it’s about losing momentum in preserving our heritage.”


Critics have urged the government to reconsider its approach, warning that failing to support Pacific languages could lead to long-term cultural erosion. The Pacific Languages Strategy (2022–2032), developed to combat declining speaker numbers and promote language revitalisation, may now face serious challenges due to insufficient funding.


In response to the backlash, government officials have cited budgetary constraints and the need for prioritisation across multiple sectors. However, for many in the Pasifika community, the explanation falls short of justifying the impact on a cornerstone of their cultural identity.

As debates around the cuts continue, Sepuloni and other advocates have pledged to fight for the restoration of funding. “This is more than a budget line item,” Sepuloni said. “It’s about ensuring the survival of our languages and the futures of our children.”


For now, the Pacific community is left in limbo, awaiting government reassurances and concrete plans to mitigate the damage. But for many, the fear of losing their languages—and with them, a crucial part of who they are—remains real and urgent.




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