Aupito William Sio

Aupito William Sio says his government is making changes aimed at resolving the long-term challenges facing New Zealanders and to ensure the changing world of work brings benefits and opportunities for all.

He says languages are important as they are used to interpret what change means and it is important people can do this using their own words and references.

Tonga Language Week is the third of seven Pacific language celebrations over the course of the year.

He said Pacific people should be confident that his associate minister, Carmel Sepuloni, will provide a strong Pacific voice in the government's executive.

Ms Sepuloni is the minister of social development and Aupito says the minister of building and construction, Jenny Salesa, will also offer a Pacific perspective.

He says whether inside cabinet or not, the minister of Pacific peoples needs to be able to forge strong working relationships with other ministries.