MTTA offers a diverse range of community-based programmes designed to empower Tokelauan youth, preserve cultural traditions, and foster a strong, connected community.
These programmes include:
Voices from our community — the people, traditions and journeys that make MTTA who we are
For generations, Tokelauan women have gathered to weave — creating kie (mats), hats, fans and baskets from pandanus leaves. At MTTA, our weaving workshops bring together elders and younger members, ensuring these traditional skills are passed on. The sound of laughter fills the room as experienced hands guide younger ones, and stories are shared alongside strands of fibre.
Our elders carry the wisdom of Tokelau in their hearts. From leading prayer at community gatherings to guiding the next generation, they are the foundation upon which MTTA stands. Their stories of growing up in the atolls, the journey to Aotearoa, and building a community from scratch inspire all who listen.
For our young people, being Tokelauan in Auckland means navigating two worlds. Through MTTA, they find a place where their culture is celebrated, their language is spoken, and their identity is strengthened. From dance rehearsals to sports tournaments, these are the moments that shape who they become.
The fatele is more than a dance — it is the heartbeat of Tokelauan culture. When our community gathers to practise and perform, something powerful happens. Generations come together, voices rise in harmony, and the spirit of Tokelau fills the room. Each movement tells a story, each song carries the memory of our atolls across the ocean.
At MTTA workshops, knowledge flows naturally between generations. Elders share techniques they learned as children in the atolls, while younger members bring fresh energy and curiosity. These gatherings are about more than learning a skill — they are about strengthening the bonds that hold our community together and ensuring our traditions continue to thrive.
For our tamaiti, sports days are about so much more than winning. They are about belonging, teamwork, and the joy of representing their community. Whether it is tag football, kilikiti, or rugby, every game is a chance to build confidence and friendships that will last a lifetime.
Te Gagana Tokelau is the thread that connects us to our atolls, our ancestors, and each other. Through language programmes, workshops, and everyday conversation at MTTA gatherings, we are keeping our mother tongue alive for the next generation. Every word spoken in Tokelauan is an act of cultural preservation.
