In a bold and culturally rich event, the Vanuatu Canterbury Community gathered with Pacific neighbours and local leaders at Rutland Reserve in Christchurch to mark the launch of the first-ever Bislama Language Week in New Zealand by planting 600 native trees in just 30 minutes.
Held under the theme “Tokabaot Klaemet Jenj – hemi tru mo yumi mas lukaotem gud laef” (Talk about climate change – it is real, and we must look after life), the event was a powerful statement of environmental action and cultural pride. Participants included Ni-Vanuatu families, Solomon Islanders, Papua New Guineans, Christchurch residents, and RSE workers—united in their call for climate awareness and Pacific language recognition.
The day began with a pōwhiri (traditional Māori welcome) by local iwi Ngāi Tahu, honouring the land and the cultural significance of the site. Two tamtams—Vanuatu’s traditional carved drums—stood tall in the middle of the planting area, symbolising cultural identity and strength.
The first tree, a kahikatea, was planted by Vanuatu Canterbury Community President Richard George and local children, setting the tone for what followed. Three more trees were planted by dignitaries including Hon. Maaukoro Ishmael Kalsakau, Leader of the Opposition in Vanuatu; Gerardine Clifford-Lidstone, Secretary of New Zealand’s Ministry for Pacific Peoples; Senior Advisor Daniel Hytongue; and Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger.
“This tree planting is a legacy of language, identity and environment,” said Mr. Hytongue, who is also part of the Bislama National Working Group. “When children are strong in their languages and cultures, they are confident leaders.”
This effort builds on a growing tradition: a kahikatea tree gifted to the Vanuatu community during pilot events in 2023 and 2024 has now been honoured as “the tree of Vanuatu,” surrounded by hundreds of new plantings.
Co-chair of the National Melanesian Steering Committee, Leina Isno, said the initiative was a way to embrace civic spaces as places where overlooked voices could be heard. “This is a powerful way to give life to communities often left behind,” she said.
Bislama Language Week coordinator Tara-lee George added that the community envisions further development of the space. “We dream of building a glass house to grow Vanuatu plants and flowers, install community seating, and erect larger tamtams so that we reflect the depth of Vanuatu culture.”
Supported by the Ministry for Pacific Peoples and Christchurch City Council, the launch of Bislama Language Week in Aotearoa is both a celebration and a statement—a call to remember that the fight against climate change is deeply tied to culture, land, and people.
