Empowering Tokelau Heritage: A Journey of Connection, Achievement, and Vision

Atafu Tokelau Community Group Inc (ATCG) stands as a testament to the resilience and vision of the Tokelauan people. Rooted in tradition, the group has evolved into a driving force for cultural preservation, education, and community empowerment, all while addressing the needs of their people. Aligned with the outcomes-driven focus of Pasefika Proud, ATCG exemplifies how community-led solutions can shape positive futures.

A Legacy of Perseverance and Vision

Founded by Tokelauan families who migrated to Aotearoa New Zealand from the late 1950s through the early 1970s, ATCG was established to nurture the values and traditions of Tokelauan life while supporting the community’s integration into a new land. The group’s cornerstone achievement was the purchase of a five-acre block of land in Porirua, where the Matauala Community Hall was opened in 1987. 

This hall became a sanctuary for cultural gatherings, educational programmes, and celebrations—a place where, as Zechariah Reuelu (pictured below - front row, first on left), Project Lead of ATCG, explained, “their cultural gatherings could continue without disruption.”

“Those experiences were a driving force for many of our early migrants to aspire to have their own space,” Reuelu shared. 

“Our founding parents’ dream was to have a place of their own, and Matauala became that space. It’s where we connect, celebrate, and continue their legacy.”

This shared vision of connection and collaboration mirrors Pasefika Proud’s commitment to mobilising Pacific communities to address challenges with culturally grounded solutions. ATCG’s achievements exemplify how collective efforts can foster strong, outcomes-oriented progress.

Milestones in 2024

The 30-Year Taiuli Strategic Plan: On 5 April 2024, ATCG launched its ambitious 30-year Taiuli Strategic Plan, officiated by Minister of Finance Hon. Nicola Willis. This roadmap focuses on measurable community outcomes in education, cultural preservation, and intergenerational wellbeing. “This plan reflects the commitment of our ancestors and ensures their dreams continue to inspire future generations,” Reuelu explained.

NCEA Community Course: In October, ATCG completed an eight-week NCEA-focused course designed to empower Tokelauan youth. By blending academic learning with cultural teachings, the course fostered confidence and connection among participants. Reuelu highlighted, “This initiative equips our youth with tools to excel both academically and culturally.”

Life-Skills Programme for Junior Pualuku Paddlers: This programme instilled leadership, resilience, and cultural pride in its participants. By focusing on traditional Tokelauan values, the initiative empowered young paddlers to grow into cultural ambassadors. “We’re seeing these young leaders carry their knowledge into their schools and communities, strengthening their identities,” Reuelu remarked.

Junior Pualuku Waka AMA Regional Fixture: November marked a proud moment as the Junior Pualuku Paddlers competed in the Waka AMA regional fixture. Zechariah Reuelu reflected on the experience: “At the end of November, we took almost 40 paddlers who had been practicing and training for three months to a regional event in Masterton. It was a first-time experience for all of our families and our community.

Seeing one of the largest Pacific clubs participate in what is traditionally a Māori-dominated space was a proud moment for us.” He added, “Whether we came first or last didn’t matter. The winner was the fact that we saw our kids participate. In fact, we had all female paddlers, mainly mothers and 1^st time paddlers. The focus now is embedding this cultural knowledge into the program, which we are planning to expand further in 2025.”

Looking Ahead: Projects for 2025

The Cultural & Language projects and the development of the Fatele resource book remain vital to preserving traditional Gagana Tokelau stories, songs, and cultural wisdom. These initiatives highlight the group’s dedication to ensuring cultural knowledge is not lost but passed down for generations.

In 2025, ATCG is preparing for transformational programmes that promise to deepen their impact:

• Kāiga Wellbeing Programmes to strengthen family identity, financial literacy, and emotional wellbeing.
• Family Vision Mapping and the New Plymouth Family Trip to foster community connection and shared goals.
• Advancing Education Opportunities for Tokelau youth, including tailored academic and cultural initiatives.
• Holistic Family Wellbeing, a summer health initiative integrating traditional knowledge with community-driven support services.

Partnerships That Strengthen Impact

Pasefika Proud has played a crucial role in enabling ATCG’s success. By providing resources, strategic support, and a shared vision of outcomes-focused growth, Pasefika Proud amplifies ATCG’s ability to deliver meaningful, measurable results.

“Pasefika Proud resonates with our approach,” Reuelu shared, “It’s about recognising the strengths in our culture and using them to address the challenges our community faces. Their partnership gives us the momentum to dream bigger and achieve more.”

As ATCG reflects on its journey, its mission remains clear: to honour its roots while preparing for the future. 

“This work is transformational,” Reuelu affirmed. “It’s about ensuring our cultural knowledge and stories remain vibrant for generations to come.”

CLICK HERE to visit the Atafu Tokelau Community Group Inc website for more information