Former Fijian plans Fiji Day celebrations in NZ
Embracing Fiji’s unique culture while living abroad is something Kararina Nabola holds dear to her heart. While living in New Zealand since 2014, Ms Nabola has always been proud of her Fijian culture which she says defines her path in life.
While New Zealand continues to battle the pandemic, Ms Nabola plans to prepare BBQ with her family to mark Fiji Day.
“We might have a few relatives and friends over for BBQ and drinks specifically Fiji gold because Fiji sevens team won gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics. Just being around family is enough for us to mark Fiji Day because the pandemic has really taught us to value our relationship with family,” said Ms Nabola.
She said Fiji Day was something her family looks forward to because it was the time of the year Fijians all over can show the Fijian culture.
Ms Nabola resides in East Auckland with her family who have had to make changes to their plans to visit Fiji because of the pandemic.
Her family had plans to visit relatives in Fiji whom they have not seen for over a year now.
While she understood the safety protocols, visiting Fiji was always exciting for the family.
Ms Nabola always looked forward to Fiji Day to celebrate Fijian food, culture, and the Fijian language.
“Most Fijians who lived in Fiji for a long may have lost touch with their Fijian language, but for me, even though I have been in Fiji for seven years, I still speak the Fijian language because it’s what identifies who I am.
“Fiji Day is when we reminisce about where we grew up, our family soqos, the hidings we used to get when we misbehaved. Fiji day is when we pride ourselves in our culture.
Sometimes we lose track of culture so Fiji Day allows us to reconnect with our roots,” said Ms Nabola.
When international borders reopen for travel to Fiji, Ms Nabola plans to visit families in Fiji.