It’s Fijian Language Week - Macawa ni Vosa VakaViti from 5 – 11 October 2025,
Customer Service Representative Hazel Volavola likes to bring her Fijian cultural values of respect and friendliness to her role at Open Polytechnic.
For Hazel, who was born in Fiji, and moved to Aotearoa New Zealand 19 years ago, respect means always being considerate to her team leader, supervisors, work colleagues and Open Polytechnic learners.
“I use polite words and tone for communicating and respecting other people’s culture, religion and work habits,” Hazel says.
Hazel also likes treating her workplace, with care as if it’s her own house.
According to Hazel, Fijians are known for their radiant smiles and infectious energy.
“Friendliness is about being kind, sharing and helping your work colleagues or the learners out when they need help,” she says.
The theme for Fijian Language Week is “Na noqu vosa: me na tekivu mai vale – My language: Starts at home”.
Hazel’s Fijian heritage plays a vital role in her daily life, with family, faith and community important.
“Family is a big part of my life,” Hazel says.
“Everything we do is centred around family, checking up on each other, encouraging each other, supporting each other or even by just sharing a meal together.”
Hazel really enjoys cooking and sharing Fijian food, especially lovo and fish suruwa with loved ones.
Lovo is where meat, fish and vegetables are wrapped in leaves and slow cooked over hot rocks in an underground pit.
While fish suruwa is a popular curry made with fish in a coconut milk base with spices and vegetables served with roti (Fijian naan bread).
For more information on Fijian Language week please visit:
Macawa ni Vosa vakaViti – Fijian Language Week
Common Fijian phrases:
