Mafutaga Tupulaga Tokelau i Aukilani (MTTA) are proud to represent the young people (tupulaga) of one of the Pacific's smallest and most unique nations. Tokelau is made up of four coral atolls — Olohega, Atafu, Nukunonu, and Fakaofo — located about 500 km north of Samoa. Tokelau is only accessible by boat; a journey of more than 24 hours from Apia, Samoa.
Though remote and home to fewer than 2,000 people, Tokelau carries a proud heritage of language, song, dance, and traditions that bind its people together. At the heart of Tokelau is mafutaga — unity, togetherness, and collective strength.
Tokelau is a non-self-governing territory administered by New Zealand, which supports governance, education, and health services, while Tokelauans maintain strong self-determination through their village councils (Taupulega). Across the globe, including within Aotearoa New Zealand, Tokelau people continue to nurture their identity, share their culture, and build strong communities for future generations.
Ioane Iosua founded Mafutaga Tupulaga Tokelau i Aukilani (MTTA) in the early 1970s, and was the MTTA President for 20 years; a first-generation Tokelauan in Aotearoa. It all began with Rugby League when Ioane and his cousins walked to the nearest club and asked to play. Before long he had formed an Auckland team and connected with family in Porirua to organise the first of many regional Tokelau rugby matches. Win or lose, every game ended the same: sharing food, singing, and dancing fatele.
The games became an annual event, alternating between Auckland and Porirua, then expanding to include other regions — Rotorua, Taupō, Manawatū, Hutt Valley — and eventually, other sports.
I knew then, this was the start of something big for our culture and future generations. — Ioane Iosua
Today, the biennial Tokelau Easter Festival spans four days, welcoming national teams, and inviting international teams from Tokelau, Hawai'i, and Australia, to celebrate sport, culture, faith, and education. Now governed by Mafutaga Tupulaga Tokelau Niu Hila (MTTNH), the festival also paves the way for Tokelauan youth to engage in wider opportunities, including participation in the South Pacific Games and the ability to compete nationally and internationally across various sporting platforms such as rugby league, touch, and golf.
Ioane's vision remains unchanged: “To share our culture with the wider community, while being a cultural anchor for my family and the Tokelauan people.”
Get involved. Bring your families. Don't just turn up for the festival, get in the community and be part of the journey. — Ioane Iosua
For the first time in 2026, the founder — Ioane Iosua will be experiencing The Easter Festival 2026 with FOUR generations of his family present!
Mafutaga Tupulaga Tokelau i Aukilani (MTTA) is a Tokelauan-led, youth-focused non-profit based in Auckland. Our work ensures Tokelauan language, cultural practices, and community values are preserved and celebrated by current and future generations, starting with our youth.
From national sports tournaments and cultural knowledge sharing to large-scale festivals, MTTA is a vital space for connection, leadership, identity-building, and Pasifika excellence.
To uplift our tupulaga Tokelau (youth) through cultural pride, leadership, education, and well-being — ensuring they can thrive, and fully contribute to Aotearoa New Zealand's future. By sharing our heritage, honouring traditions, and strengthening ties with Tangata Whenua and Pasifika communities, we build unity, respect, and opportunities for generations to come.
Tokelau people are one of the smallest Pasifika ethnic groups in Aotearoa and one of the most vulnerable to cultural loss.
of Tokelauans under 15 can speak the language
Pacific Languages Strategy 2022–2032, Ministry for Pacific Peoplesof all Tokelauans in NZ live in Auckland, the majority in Māngere-Ōtāhuhu
2023 Census, Stats NZIf we don't teach them, they don't learn. And if we don't show them, our language and culture is gone.
— MTTA ElderMTTA is where I first stood up and said a speech in Tokelauan. I'd never been proud of being Tokelauan before that.
— MTTA Youth Member, 16We connect with a culturally rooted, community-focused audience that spans generations.
Including students, athletes, performers, emerging leaders, families active in church, sport, culture, service, Māori and Pasifika allies.
With the right investment, MTTA can build on these improvements and accelerate positive change.
From humble beginnings in the 1970s to a thriving community today — the moments that shaped MTTA.
What Our People Say
Being part of MTTA has taught me so much about my culture and made me feel proud to be Tokelauan. The programmes have really helped me stay connected.
MTTA is such an important part of our community. It's amazing to see our children learning our language and traditions.
MTTA's work in preserving Gagana Tokelau and empowering our youth is invaluable. Their programs have a lasting impact on cultural pride and identity.
