Aupito William Sio said 2019 is a momentous year as the UN has declared it the International Year of Indigenous Languages.
The UN aims to raise awareness about the consequences of losing indigenous tongues.
Aupito said indigenous languages are important for a people's development, reconciliation, good governance, peace building and general well-being.
He said it's important to protect and nurture Pacific languages for the well-being of New Zealand's Pacific peoples and the broader community.
