Akoteu Kato Kakala is an immersive early childhood ‘language nest centre’, located in Otara, the heart of South Auckland. Jeanne Teisina is the centre manager; she spoke to Education Gazette about celebrating Tongan Language Week; a chance, she says, to remind themselves of their mission, share their language and culture with all New Zealanders, and of course it’s a great excuse for a Tongan feast as well!

The vision that has become Akoteu Kato Kakala began life as a playgroup that started meeting and sharing ideas in a Mangere garage belonging to Meleane Pau’uvale, in 1997. Amazingly, all these years later, Meleane remains as head teacher at Akoteu Kato Kakala, a testament to her passion for nurturing among the very young a culture that – though its origins are far away – is very present in New Zealand. Dedicated to creating an environment with Tongan values and culture as its foundation,