Unitec tackles controversial Pacific languages debate

12 July, 2011
For Immediate Release

Unitec tackles controversial Pacific languages debate

Talofa lava, Malo e lelei, Bula Vinaka, Kia Orana, Fakalofa lahi atu,

A hotly debated issue that has split New Zealand's Pacific island community in recent months will be the focus of Championing Pacific Languages, a live forum hosted by Auckland's Unitec on 28 July.

Recent funding cuts for bilingual education resources have angered many in the Pacific community. Studies already show a sharp downtrend trend in the number of Pacific peoples who know how to speak their mother tongue. Many now fear loss of culture if Pacific languages don't get the recognition and support.

Community groups such as Leo Pacific Coalition have already taken the government task and will present a petition to parliament in August.

Unitec has assembled a panel of politicians, academics, policy makers and community leaders, who have been active voices in the debate. They will be given an open forum to present their views in front of a live audience. Audience members and online bloggers will be able to take part in the debate and ask questions.

The debate will be controlled by TVNZ presenter and journalist, Sandra Kailahi.

Championing Pacific Languages is the second session of Unitec's annual Forum for the Future series, and will be held at the Unitec Theatre, Building 6, Entry 1, Carrington Rd, Mt Albert, Auckland on Thursday, 28 July at 6:30pm (guests to be seated by 6:20pm)

Entry is free to the public but seating is limited.

The Forums are LIVE events, filmed in front of a live audience and streamed live via Skype and Twitter.

For all enquiries contact: prees@unitec.ac.nz or (09) 815 4321 ext. 7284

For more information and instructions on how to follow the Pacific Languages debate online visit: www.forumforthefuture.unitec.ac.nz

Or visit our Facebook event page at: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=218631571507089#!/event.php?eid=218631571507089 and RSVP your attendance.

ENDS

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