Vela Mansaute and Hector-Jack outside the family home in Niue.
By Michelle Curran
Strategic Communications, Pasifika TV
Speaking to the complexities of identity, belonging, and the Pacific diaspora in Aotearoa New Zealand, the Children of Niue docuseries offers a sense of connection for Niueans living abroad, to home.
Co-Produced by Sandra Kailahi of Kingston Productions, and Esther Pavihi from the Broadcasting Corporation of Niue, Children of Niue is one of six projects to receive backing from the inaugural Aotearoa New Zealand Pacific Regional Media Fund (PRMF).
Run by NZ On Air in collaboration with Pacific Cooperation Broadcasting Limited (PCBL), the fund aims to pair Aotearoa New Zealand-based Pasifika producers with Pacific-based producers and broadcasters, to create and produce content shot in the Pacific and primarily in a Pacific language with English subtitles.
Pre-production for Children of Niue began in September 2024, and the docoseries is still being completed with a target of delivering it to Pasifika TV by September 1, 2025, Sandra says.
“By telling these stories through the eyes of those who live them, we provide an opportunity for broader audiences to gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be Niuean in the modern world,” she explains.
“For younger Niueans growing up outside of Niue or those who have Niuean ancestry but are not connected to the island, this series offers an opportunity to connect with their heritage in a way that is both empowering and validating.
“It reflects the experiences, struggles, and triumphs of their community, helping them understand their roots and navigate their place within both the Pacific and the wider world.”
Esther hopes the docuseries can serve as a mirror for other Pacific or migrant communities grappling with similar questions of identity, migration, and resilience.
Principal photography began in October 2024, to capture Niue’s 50th anniversary of self-governance in free association with New Zealand, as it is crucial to the narrative.
“In December 2024, we revisited Niue to film a poignant episode centred on Niuean-born playwright and director Vela Manusaute, capturing his emotional journey as he takes his youngest son, Hector-Jack, to Niue for the first time while exploring his own relationships with his late father,” Esther says.
“This personal journey adds a beautiful, generational layer to the series, reflecting the evolving relationship Niueans have with their homeland.”
The team is now preparing for its final trip to Niue, in May 2025, to bring together the diverse stories that capture the essence of Niuean identity in the 21st century.
From L-R: Rocky Manusaute, Vela Manusaute, Bill Vakaafi and Hector-Jack Polataivao Saute during the filming of Children of Niue.
Unforgettable moments
While experiencing a few obstacles, including tight deadlines during Niue’s 50th anniversary, Sandra says there have been more standout moments throughout the project and even some unforgettable ones.
“One of the most inspiring was our time filming with Coral Pasisi, the Director of Climate Change and Sustainability at the Pacific Community, and with Viarn Motufoou, the Head Girl at Niue High School in 2024.
“Both women bring unique, empowering perspectives on what it means to be Niuean.
“Coral’s passion for her work at the Pacific Community is inspiring just like her love for her homeland, while Viarn represents the voice of a new generation, grappling with the intersection of tradition and modernity.”
“Lastly, the natural beauty of Niue itself continues to leave a profound impact on the entire crew.
“The island’s landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and stunning coastlines serve as more than just a backdrop—they encapsulate the resilience, serenity, and strength of the Niuean people.
“The warmth of the island’s community, combined with its raw beauty, makes filming there an experience like no other.”
Story sovereignty prioritised
As with all the PMRF projects, Esther says story sovereignty is at the heart of Children of Niue.
“At Children of Niue, we believe that stories should be told by those who live them and understand their intricacies,” Esther says.
“This docuseries is the product of Pasifika creatives who are deeply connected to the cultures and stories we’re telling.
“The team behind this production is composed of individuals from Niuean, Pasifika, and New Zealand backgrounds, ensuring that the voices we amplify are genuine and culturally informed.”
She adds story sovereignty is not just about telling the stories—it is about how we tell them and who controls the narrative.
“By prioritising the voices of Niueans, both on the island and in the diaspora, we are actively pushing back against external narratives that often misrepresent or oversimplify Pacific identities.
“This approach allows us to present Niuean culture in all its richness, complexity, and diversity, offering a portrayal that’s both authentic and hopefully will resonate with Niueans themselves.”
Projects will be rolled out during 2025. Keep an eye on the Pasifika TV website for more information.
