Samoan Language Week: Oamaru Pacific Island Trust (OPIT) marked Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa with an evening of legends, history, screen-printing Samoan patterns, coconut scraping (“valu le popo”), songs, and shared food like pani popo, koko Samoa, sapasui and fa’alifu taro. Community & libraries: Auckland Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson helped close the week at Manurewa Library, saying public spaces should help others understand Pacific languages and culture, not just celebrate within the community. Pacific arts & dance: Pacific Dance Festival 2026 opens in Māngere with a two-and-a-half-week run of Pasifika movement and story, featuring artists from across the region including Niuean performers. Niue culture in music: Niuean icon Che Fu won a Lifetime Achievement award at the 2026 Aotearoa Music Awards and opened with a takalo, calling the honour a tribute to his Niuean family and community. Honours spotlight: New Zealand’s King’s Birthday Honours named Pasifika leaders including Beatrice Faumuinā (sport and governance) and other Pacific recipients across education, health, arts and community service. Remembering: Sir Kenneth Keith, a major New Zealand jurist and legal architect, was remembered in an obituary.