News Release

5 July 2012

Mayor Receives Samoan Title For Service To Community

Mayor, or Pulenuu, Len Brown has received the chiefly title of Taua’aletoa in honour of his service to the Samoan communities of Auckland and in the Pacific.

Mayor Brown is leading Auckland Council's first trade delegation to Samoa, Tonga and the Cook Island in order to foster stronger business links with Auckland. Organisations from the infrastructure, education and food and beverage sectors are present on the mission.

The title was given to Mayor Brown by Prime Minister Hon. Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi on behalf of his village of Lepa in a full traditional ceremony.

"I was humbled to receive this title as Mayor of the city with the largest population of Samoans in the world," says Len Brown.

"Aukilani's Samoan community retains very strong links back to the islands and it's been great to strengthen those ties on this delegation.”

More than 193,000 people live on the islands of Samoa and a further 131,000 live in New Zealand, 100,000 of those residing in Auckland. Two-way trade between New Zealand and Samoa for the year ending 31 December 2011 came to NZ$138 million.

"Trade with the Pacific is good for Auckland businesses and good for the islands. There is potential for development in the islands and Auckland is well placed to support that growth.”

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Samoan independence from New Zealand and the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Friendship between the two countries. Auckland Council has taken the opportunity to re-sign an Memorandum of Cooperation with the Government of Samoa.

"The council is focused on supporting and developing Pacific communities in Auckland. I was honoured that the work of so many people back home was recognised with this title.

"Auckland's many Pacific communities give our region a unique spirit. I'm committed to serving those communities and celebrating their contribution to our region," says Len Brown.

The trade delegation departed Samoa today for Tonga. It heads to the Cook Islands next week.

ENDS

© Scoop Media