Vaitupu 2026 | Ta Atu Fenua, Ta Tofi | Our Nation, Our Heritage

Vaitupu, Tuvalu, 2026. A few memories from my recent visit to Vaitupu for the 2026 Traditional Leaders’ Meeting. It was good to get around the island, visit Motufoua School, see the telecommunications facilities, the hybrid solar and generator power station and the airfield under construction, and most importantly, spend time with the people of Vaitupu. The best part of visiting our islands is always the people. The conversations, the laughs, the generosity, the gifts, the fatele and the farewells. I was also honoured to join the memorial service remembering the 18 young girls and their matron who lost their lives in the tragic fire of 9 March 2000. Twenty-six years on, their memory remains part of the story of Vaitupu and Tuvalu. This short video captures a few of those moments. Ta Atu Fenua, Ta Tofi. Our Nation, Our Heritage.