Meet Byron Iosia, who loves cycling and Ota ika. He reflects on what Niue language and culture mean to him, in celebration of Niue Language week.
What is your role?
Fakaalofa lahi atu, and happy Niue language week. I am currently the only Scholarships Advisor at Unitec. I help students apply for scholarships and let them know what is available and when to apply. I enjoy the student interactions and witnessing the journey of each student that I have helped from the application stage, right up to the point where they have successfully been awarded a scholarship.
Behind the scenes I also work alongside our small team, with the admin, promotional material, and marketing of scholarships.
Trekking through Sapa, Vietnam 2018)
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?
I recently invested in a bike and now call cycling one of my hobbies. I have been enjoying my bike rides after work, and find it has been a good way to unwind from all the screen time that gets done throughout my day. I can proudly say that I have cycled from Lincoln Road to Waterview along the North Western cycleway.
Prior to the Covid pandemic, I had enjoyed a life of trekking, hiking and travelling around New Zealand and the world. One of my favourite treks was through Sapa in northern Vietnam. The views looking down at the terraced rice fields were amazing, and the local hospitality reminded me of home. My favourite New Zealand hike would have to be The Pinnacles.
In my spare time I enjoy a bit of drawing, working out at the gym, trying new eateries, and chilling with my friends and family, and watching rugby and rugby league.
What does the Niuean language and culture mean to you?
I was born in New Zealand and much of my upbringing was very Kiwi influenced. My mother, who migrated from Niue island in the late 70s, did her best to raise me and my three siblings with the culture and language.
It is Niuean custom for boys to grow their hair long from birth and not cut it until they reach a certain age. The age to have your first haircut is decided by the parents and grandparents. A haircutting ceremony is held to celebrate the first haircut and is called a Hifi Ulu, the ceremony is followed by a gathering of family, big feast and exchange of gifts and money to celebrate the event. I was 8 years old, and my brother was 12 years old when we had our hair cutting ceremony. The tradition is said to mark the right of passage into manhood.
As a Niuean it is important for me to hold onto the traditions, customs, and Vagahau (language) of my ancestors, because it is the link that binds me to who I am, and where I come from. I have been fortunate enough to have grown up and participated in cultural events at church, the ASB Polyfest, and in my community, which all help me stay connected to my roots.
Where did you grow up?
I am a proud Westie – I grew up in the suburb of Ranui and attended Birdwood Primary, Henderson Intermediate and Kelston Boys High School. I still reside in West Auckland, and love how close we are to Piha and Bethells Beach.
Tell us a memory from childhood…
I will always remember my Dad teaching me and my siblings how to prepare an Umu. An Umu is a traditional Polynesian way to cook food in a hollow in the earth on heated stones, very much like a Māori hangi. A lot of work went into preparing and cooking an Umu, but it was always very rewarding when it was Kai (eat) time.
Do you speak any other languages?
I lived in Kiribati for two years, and was able to pick up the language there. My Niuean is not as fluent as I would like, but I am getting better at it. I am currently also on a journey to learning te reo Māori and Gagana Samoa. I think learning any language is a beautiful thing and it can always be used as an advantage in life.
What is you favourite book or movie?
I enjoy reading a good biography or any autobiography on sports athletes, celebrities, and world leaders. But one of my favourite reads is a book called Purple Heart – a memoir by Ta’afuli Andrew Fiu. The book is full of Polynesian humour and tells a story of Andrew and his journey with rheumatic fever and how he survived five open heart surgeries, and navigated a health care system that struggled to understand Andrew and his migrant parents.
Me and my siblings grew up with action movie series like the Terminator and Rocky series’, which I still love watching today. The Pursuit of Happyness starring Will Smith is a very inspirational movie for me and the themes throughout the movie can relate to anyone who has ever had set backs in life and then finally got a break through in reaching success.
My Sister Katrina, dad, me, mum and sister Stevie at my graduation 2019
Tell us an achievement you’re proud of…
I am proud to have completed both undergraduate and post-graduate studies at a tertiary level. I know my efforts will set a good example to other members of my family and community. The learning with me never stops, I am currently doing some part time studies in Digital Marketing.
Best concert you’ve ever been to?
I enjoyed the Raggamuffin Music Festivals that were held in Rotorua, and listening to the legendary sounds of UB40 and other international and local reggae acts. I believe the festival is now called One Love and is held at Tauranga instead. Soulfest was also another favourite music event.
What’s your favourite traditional Niuean dish?
Takihi – I would describe as a Niuean lasagne with a twist. Takihi is made up of layers of thinly sliced taro and papaya and dressed with coconut cream between each layer, which helps to bind it all together. It is the fusion of a vegetable and fruit that gives it an interesting sweet taste.
Ota ika – Raw fish salad that is made up of, snapper fillets, spring onions, tomatoes, chili, lemon juice and coconut milk. My mum makes the best Ota ika.