Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Licence needed for work use Learn More

Local Govt | National News Video | Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Search

 

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.

A Programme for the event follows, with Hon Jenny Salesa, Minister of Ethnic Communities as the Chief Guest :

  • 12.00 pm : Welcome of Chief Guest - Hon Jenny Salesa, Local Member of Parliament and Minister for Building & Construction, Ethnic Communities, and Customs
                       Garlanding of Guests – Hon Jenny Salesa & Raghbir Singh
  • 12.15 pm : Official Opening & Blessing of Centre
                       Speeches & Entertainment
  • 1.15 pm : Lunch
  • 2.00 pm : Mix and Mingle
Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Rotuman people are a separate ethnic group with their own distinct language, culture and identity, and originate from the polynesian Island of Rotuma.

Rotuma consists of the island of Rotuma and its nearby islets, and is located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, about 500 kms north of Fiji, and 500 kms west of Wallis & Futuna. Rotuma was annexed by the British on 13 May 1881 (‘Rotuma Day’). Although Rotuma is its own nation, it is currently administered by Fiji as a dependency.

Rotuma is described as an ‘untouched paradise’ with some of the world's most pristine and beautiful beaches.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

Featured News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.