Three Auckland girls who lost family members in car crashes are raising awareness about road safety in their Niuean tongue.
(L-R) Rochantaye Salatielu, Jenna-Lee Tokimua, Taylyn Pulefale. Photo: RNZ / Laura Tupou
Waitakere College student Taylyn Pulefale, 14, Onehunga High School student Rochantaye Salatielu, 14, and Auckland Girls' Grammar School student Jenna-Lee Tokimua, 13, entered the Polyfest Niuean speech competition together, because their schools did not have Niuean performance groups this year.
Taylyn said one of her cousins died after drinking and driving. So did Rochantaye's cousin. Jenna-Lee's 16-year-old cousin died earlier this year after a hit-and-run in West Auckland.
The girls did not want to talk about their personal connections in their speeches, but wanted to raise awareness about transport issues. They could choose to speak on cycling or road safety.
They did not normally do speeches at school and were not confident with public speaking, they said. Rochantaye almost cried before she went on stage and was relieved when it was over.
Taylyn and Jenna-Lee talked about the importance of wearing a cycle helmet and ensuring the bike was well maintained.
Rochantaye talked about the importance of wearing a seatbelt and having a driver's licence.
"Sometimes seatbelts aren't there for decorations in the car. They're there for safety reasons... there's people out there they get their lives taken away for not wearing a seatbelt."
Taylyn said her brother and one of her cousins often drove without a licence. She said she kept telling them to get one, but they did not listen.
She said it was crucial they got them for the safety of others - and because they "might not know all the road rules".
None of the girls were born in Niue, but tried to recreate their culture in New Zealand where they were raised.
Polyfest was sponsored by Auckland Transport and police. The competitions were on Niuean, Samoan, Cook Island and Tongan stages.
