Epsom Girls Grammar Fiafia Night marks milestone with first Niuean performance

Epsom Girls Grammar’s first Niuean performance group took the stage at the school’s annual fiafia night on March 14.

The event also featured cultural performances from Sri Lanka, Thailand, China, Japan, India and Aotearoa New Zealand.

The new Niuean group was brought together by Falalahemotu Makapatama, the cultural group organiser for Epsom Girls Grammar.

“Not many people realise that Niue is a Realm Country in free association with New Zealand, and that Vagahau Niue is currently listed as an endangered language,” said Falalahemotu.

“That alone is a strong motivation for me to continue creating spaces where Vagahau Niue [Niue Language] and Niue Aga Fakamotu [Niue Culture and Traditions], can be seen, heard, and celebrated.”

Learning area director of English at EGGS, Tric Milner, said: “Our aim is to be as inclusive of all of our different cultural groups and provide them with opportunities.”

Milner says Epsom Girls Grammar is a culturally diverse school and students should continue to express their cultural pride through events such as fiafia Night.

“It is something we are hugely proud of and that our community absolutely embraces and supports.”

She says fiafia night continues to serve as a platform for students to share their cultural identities through music, dance, and storytelling.

Falalahemotu says: “In Vagahau Niue, ‘fiafia’ means celebration or making people happy, but it is deeper than that.

“Fiafia Night brings everyone together to celebrate identity, culture, and community through dance, music, storytelling, and shared joy,” she says.

Students involved in Polyfest groups practised their routines over many weeks in the beginning of the school year.

Epsom Girls Grammar aims to enter groups into Polyfest every year.

“This year we had 10 cultural groups performing, and we had another three engaged in our fiafia Night,” said Tric.

Falalahemotu said: “It’s important for EGGS to continue this tradition, ensuring that all cultures within the school are not only represented, but feel valued and celebrated.”

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