New Zealand's opposition Labour Party says it will ensure the five main Pacific languages in New Zealand are promoted including through the education system.
It made the pledge as part of its election campaign.
The party's Pacific Affairs spokesperson, Su'a William Sio, says the significant role Pacific people will play in the future social, economic and political fabric of New Zealand cannot be overstated.
He says for this reason there is a need for a strong commitment to Pacific languages now and into the future.
Su'a says Labour will work alongside Pasifika communities to achieve their aspirations for the next generation of Pasifika people to thrive in New Zealand and to be smart, healthy and bilingual.
He says unless New Zealand acts quickly and decisively, the Pacific languages will not survive.
