From Port Vila to Auckland: Celebrating Bislama, family and culture
25 July 2026
Celebrating Vanuatu Bislama Language Week. "Tokbaot klaemet jenis – Hemi tru samting mo yumi mas lukaotem gud laef" - Talk about climate change – it is real, and we must look after life.
As Aotearoa celebrates Vanuatu Bislama Language Week 26 July – Aug 1, Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland student Ashley Kaukare hopes more people will discover the language, culture and values that have shaped his life.
The first-year Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Communication student grew up in Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu, where Bislama was an everyday part of life.
“I grew up speaking Bislama, which is my first language,” says Ashley.
Now studying in Auckland, Ashley sees Vanuatu Language Week as an important opportunity to raise awareness of a nation that is still unfamiliar to many New Zealanders.
“I'm very excited to see how our culture and our language are spreading internationally,” he says. “Hopefully everyone can learn something from our culture.”
For Ashley, the growing recognition of Vanuatu Language Week is especially meaningful because Melanesian cultures are often less visible in New Zealand's Pacific celebrations.
“When Bislama Language Week came last year, I was so happy,” he says. “I was there at Waikato when they celebrated it and I was happy to see it growing.”
One of the things Ashley values most about his heritage is the strong sense of identity that comes with being ni-Vanuatu.
“I'm proud of my language, my culture and my family,” he says. “I'm proud to be dark-skinned. I'm proud of being Melanesian.”
I'm very excited to see how our culture and our language are spreading internationally. Hopefully everyone can learn something from our culture.
Family remains at the heart of Ashley's world. The youngest of four siblings, he has two brothers studying in New Zealand and a sister studying in Australia. His older brother is completing a law degree at the University of Waikato, while his parents run a law firm in Port Vila.
But beyond immediate family, Ashley says community is central to Vanuatu culture.
“Islanders always need to stick together with families,” he says. “It can be your family, your church members, your community. We go everywhere together.”
Asked what that means in practice, Ashley smiles.
“Never alone.”
That spirit of togetherness extends to visitors as well. Ashley recalls inviting one of his teachers to visit Vanuatu, where his family immediately welcomed him with warmth and hospitality.
“When a visitor comes, we always show kindness,” he says. “We make sure they feel comfortable. That's what my parents always do.”
Ashley believes this generosity is one of the defining characteristics of Vanuatu culture and one he is proud to share with others.
Living in New Zealand has also highlighted how little some people know about his homeland.
“Most people don't know where Vanuatu is,” he says. “Sometimes I have to explain it using Fiji, New Caledonia or Australia.”
That is why he sees Bislama Language Week as an important celebration, not only for ni-Vanuatu communities but for everyone wanting to learn more about the Pacific.
As the week begins, Ashley has a simple message for those taking the opportunity to learn about Vanuatu and its language:
“Tangkyu tumas. God i stap wetem yu."
"Thank you very much. May God be with you.”
Fun Facts 🇻🇺
🌋 1. Vanuatu sits on the Pacific "Ring of Fire"
The archipelago is home to several active volcanoes, including Mount Yasur on Tanna Island, one of the world's most accessible active volcanoes. Visitors can stand near the rim and watch lava eruptions.
🗣️ 2. Vanuatu is one of the most linguistically diverse countries on Earth
Around 300,000 people speak more than 100 Indigenous languages across 80-plus islands. This gives Vanuatu one of the highest numbers of languages per capita anywhere in the world.
🇻🇺 3. Bislama helps unite the nation
Although English and French are official languages, Bislama is the national language and the most widely spoken. It evolved from a Pacific pidgin and serves as a bridge between speakers of Vanuatu's many Indigenous languages.
🏝️ 4. The country's name means "Our Land Forever"
The name Vanuatu comes from the words vanua (land or home) and tu (to stand), symbolising enduring connection to land and community.
🌏 5. Vanuatu was once known as the New Hebrides
Before independence in 1980, Vanuatu was jointly governed by Britain and France in a unique arrangement known as the Anglo-French Condominium.
💰 6. There are plans underway to introduce traffic lights in Port Vila.
Vanuatu has managed successfully to operate without traffic lights, however there are plans to introduce traffic lights soon.
🐠 7. Vanuatu has some of the world's most spectacular blue holes
These freshwater pools are renowned for their crystal-clear, electric-blue water and are popular swimming destinations.
🎶 8. String bands are a beloved Vanuatu musical tradition
Ni-Vanuatu musicians often perform using guitars, ukuleles and homemade instruments, creating a distinctive Pacific sound enjoyed across the islands.
🤿 9. One of the world's most famous shipwreck dives is in Vanuatu
The SS President Coolidge, sunk during World War II near Espiritu Santo, is considered one of the world's premier wreck-diving sites.
📜 10. Land in Vanuatu is traditionally owned
Approximately 98 per cent of land is held under customary ownership by Indigenous communities and clans, making land and identity deeply connected.
🎁 11. Hospitality is a treasured cultural value
Many ni-Vanuatu families take pride in warmly welcoming visitors, reflecting traditions of generosity, reciprocity and community, a value University of Auckland student Ashley Kaukare proudly highlighted in his interview.
🪢 12. Vanuatu's national symbol is a boar's tusk
The curved boar's tusk featured on the national flag represents wealth, prosperity and cultural significance.
📚 13. Some of New Zealand's Vanuatu students are studying to contribute back home. Families often invest heavily in education, sending children overseas to gain skills in law, business, health and other professions before returning to support their communities.
🌺 14. Vanuatu was named the world's happiest place multiple times
International wellbeing surveys have often ranked Vanuatu highly for community connection, culture and quality of life despite relatively low material wealth.