Photo: Shannon Gillies.
Waitaki District Libraries youth librarian Fiona Kerr said it was important cultural minorities who made up North Otago’s community took part in events that celebrated their cultures.
It helped children who might be first generation New Zealanders or migrants to be proud of their culture and language, she said.
"It supports their growth as people."
Apasia Otua co-organiser Mele Fifita said there was a real need in the community to push Tongan-New Zealand children to learn Tongan so the language was not lost to them.
"The Tongan language is a gift from God."
