Latest news with #Rotuma
ABC News
14-05-2025
- ABC News
Eight people kidnapped in remote Papua New Guinea
In Papua New Guinea a male health worker, an elementary school teacher and their wives along with a number of school students were taken by the gang at the village of Adumari. The Solomon Islands government has announced the establishment of a commission of inquiry to investigate millions of dollars in missing mine payments. Oxford University has announced it will be honouring one of its alumni, the late Mākereti Papakura, with a posthumous degree. Samoa NRL have invited an indigenous women's rugby league team from Australia to visit the Pacific nation to play rugby league and exchange cultural ties. And, this week Rotumans in Rotuma and across the Pacific region mark the month the island was handed over to Fiji from Britain in 1881.
The Guardian
09-05-2025
- Science
- The Guardian
The woman unlocking the mysteries of the deep sea in Fiji
On the island of Rotuma in Fiji, Christmas is a time of joy, a celebration bursting with song, dance and laughter. Charlene Erasito remembers watching the festivities there when she was a child, captivated as people paraded through the village for 'fara,' a local Christmas celebration. Erasito never imagined that decades later, she would return to the same shores, no longer as a spectator but as a scientist. Erasito, now 30 years old, is the only female Pacific Islander aboard an ambitious expedition seeking to document unexplored ocean ecosystems in Fijian waters. The months-long project, led by National Geographic Pristine Seas, began in April with a crew of local and international experts. It starts with deep sea exploration and will later examine shallower parts of the ocean. The expedition began in Fiji and will also travel to Tuvalu and Tonga. Stepping on the deck of the research vessel last month, Erasito was affectionately nicknamed 'Moana' by her crew mates – a title she accepts with a laugh. 'It was funny because, as a child, I actually had a pet pig and chicken,' Erasito says, referencing the popular animated Disney film. 'Except I named them 'Pig' and 'Chicken'. Zero creativity there.' Erasito is studying for her PhD at the French national institute for ocean science and technology. The invitation to join the expedition came after her research on seamounts – underwater mountains that rise from the sea floor- and biodiversity in New Caledonia impressed the Pristine Seas team. In that project, she used remote-operated vehicles, imagery and acoustic data to explore deep-sea life. She has family links to Rotuma and was 'speechless' when asked to join the Fijian project. 'I was at work in France when the invitation came. It took me days to process and respond. It was surreal,' she says. 'I was thrilled to be going back to sea, but this expedition would be different. We would be exploring deep-sea ecosystems around my home island of Rotuma – something I never imagined I'd have the chance to do' she says. Erasito says it 'felt like a duty' to return to the Rotuma, where she remembers travelling as a child for her late father's work. She had fond memories of swimming, fishing and the beach. 'I used to listen to stories of night fishing that my dad would share or different aspects of Rotuma … but mostly the significance of the ocean to Rotuma and her people.' 'Every person we met on the island felt like family – whether or not we were actually related. That's the magic of home.' The expedition has given Erasito experience with new technologies including types of underwater cameras and video tools. 'Seeing the deep-sea footage – the fish, the corals, and the life hidden beneath the surface – was incredible. And to know we're exploring with minimal disruption to these fragile habitats was important to me.' The deep-sea part of the Rotuma exploration has wrapped up, and the vessel is on its way to Tuvalu. So far, scientists have documented diverse and healthy ecosystems, and have begun sharing their knowledge with village chiefs. At the end of the journey, they will report the full findings to government and other partners. Dr Keiron Fraser, expedition leader for Pristine Seas, said Fiji and Rotuma are home to 'an awe-inspiring array of marine life' 'Guided by our local partners, this team will help unlock the mysteries of the ocean so we can learn how to best protect it,' he said. The Pacific Ocean is home to many, but due to its sheer size, there are areas that are yet to be fully explored. 'For many of our islands, the ocean isn't just our back yard. It's our lifeline. Protecting it starts with knowledge – and that starts with expeditions like this,' Erasito says. Fraser says Erasito's involvement has been 'inspiring for the young people in Rotuma'. 'We've been unbelievably lucky to have Charlene with us. The children loved her… a real example of what's possible.' Erasito hopes other young Pacific women will follow her path. 'The ocean is in our blood, our stories, and our responsibilities. You belong – in science, on ships, in submarines, and in rooms where ocean decisions are made. Follow your heart.'
Scoop
09-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Rotuman Language Week Aotearoa 2025
Press Release – NZ Rotuman Community Centre Each day of the week has been allocated a different theme, Chairperson Rachael Mario said, With the Elders, Youth, Children, Community and Religious leaders hosting their days. Åf'kia ma rak'kia 'os fäega ma ag fak Rotuma – tēfakhanisit Gagaja nā se 'äe ma gou Treasure & Teach Our Rotuman Language and Culture – A Gift given to you and I by God This coming week Rotuman people and our Communities in Aotearoa celebrate Rotuman Language Week 2025. The week-long Community-led event by The NZ Rotuman Collective, will showcase the unique and beautiful language and culture of people who originate from the idyllic Pacific Island of Rotuma. 'Each day of the week has been allocated a different theme', Chairperson Rachael Mario said, 'With the Elders, Youth, Children, Community and Religious leaders hosting their days.' And as well as Language and Culture, the Rotuman Language Collective also focusses on key social justice areas that Communities need more awareness on, including: – Mother's Day acknowledging mothers and family (on Sunday 11 May) – Community Engagement (on Monday 12 May) – Decolonisation and Pasifika People's advocacy for social justice (on Tuesday 13 May) – Seniors Health & Well-Being with Hula Fit exercise, Lunch (on Wednesday 14th May) – Cultural Art Classes for the community (on Thursday 15 May) – Children's Day – La'ri'ri'i jump jam (on Friday 16 May) – Serving our Communities by Rotuman Youth – distribution of food parcels (on Friday 17 May) – Ethnic Festival – showcasing our dances and culture (on Sunday 18 May) 'It is extremely important for our migrant communities to connect with Maori as people of this land and be aware of colonisation and displacement. This will also help Rotuman people understand our own colonisation by the British and Fiji', Ms Mario said. The Language Week will commence tomorrow Sunday 11th May with a blessing and Church Service, led by the members of the Kingsland Rotuman Methodist Congregation, where the Group's origins began over 30 years ago. This Kiwi-led initiative was started in 2018 by the Auckland Rotuman Fellowship Group Incorporated (ARFGI) and has now grown to include many groups throughout the world. The feature event will be on Sunday 18 May Ethnic Festival, including the Rotuman Showcase with a traditional dance and fashion show. And followed by Community Engagement with Hon. Dr. Carlos Cheung (MP for Mt Roskill) and other community leaders. This year, UNESCO reaffirms its commitment in 2025 to celebrating and safeguarding endangered languages as vital components of cultural heritage and human diversity making this Language Week even more important. The theme for this year's Language Week is: Åf'kia ma rak'kia 'os fäega ma ag fak Rotuma – tēfakhanisit Gagaja nā se 'äe ma gou (Treasure & Teach Our Rotuman Language and Culture – A Gift given to you and I by God Rotuman people are a separate ethnic group with their own distinct Polynesian language, culture, and identity. Rotuma is described as an 'untouched paradise' with some of the world's most pristine and beautiful beaches. 'Language is what makes us who we are, and is part of our culture and identity', Ms Mario said. 'And it is our duty to preserve this invaluable taonga'. The Group hopes the week's activities will help bring people together, and showcase Rotuman culture. 'We invite everyone to come and join us, and celebrate being Rotuman', Ms Mario added. 'It has not been easy for our community to keep our language alive in Aotearoa', Ms Mario said, ' We pay tribute to our elders and leaders, who for the last 40 years, have continued to celebrate our culture in New Zealand, and for helping keep our customs and traditions relevant'. 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. The Rotuman language is listed on the UNESCO List of Endangered Languages as 'Definitely Endangered'.
