The Pacific Peoples Minister is saying Malo e lelei - that is, hello - to Tongan Language Week.

Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga said today marks the start of the week-long celebration of Tongan language and culture in New Zealand.

Lotu-Iiga said the theme of the week focuses on how the spirit of the Tongan people has contributed to New Zealand.

"It's important for Tongans certainly that are raised or born in New Zealand to keep a bit of their heritage, their history, their sense of belonging back to where they're from, but also celebrate the fact that they're New Zealanders as well."

He said events have already been taking place in churches today, and schools and libraries around the country will also be taking part.

The number of people who speak Tongan is rising - from 23,000 in 2001 to nearly 32,000 in 2013.