Fa'afaletui O Le Aganuu Dates Changed

Fa'afaletui O Le Aganuu Dates Changed Due To Overwhelming Interest From Outside Of Auckland

Source: eventpolynesia.com (26 March 2009)

Organizers of the Fa’afaletui o le Aganuu, a two day community consultation to discuss Samoan culture and tradition, yesterday announced the change in dates to accommodate participants travelling from outside of Auckland. Instead of the event running on the 7th and 9th of April, it will now be staged on the 7th and 8th of April back-to-back days to help those taking annual leave to attend.

According to Mr. Pa’u Fereti Puni of the organizing committee, “The respond is overwhelming with interest as far as Samoans in the military in Iraq, Samoans working in UK, Dubai and especially Samoans living in Australia. It has certainly touched a nerve with so much demand to understand Samoan culture.”

The Fa'afaletui o le Aganuu to be held in Auckland is an initiative of the Faleula o Samoa, a committee of Samoan senior matai formed under the Samoa Ministry of Women, Community & Social Development. One of the key tasks being undertaken by the Faleula o Samoa is to address the excessive spending at Fa'alavelave, a real issue that impacts on the social welfare and wellbeing of Samoans everywhere.

Mr Puni said, “Culture is such a sensitive topic especially when it comes to Samoans. The difference in interpretation and application of culture is forever contested. Some proud Samoans especially abroad have disconnected themselves from their families because of the 'Fa’alavelave' word.

“The forum comes at the best of time with the economic recession affecting everyone and calls for Fa’alavelave to be done in moderation.”

Some of the feedbacks have pointed the finger to the role of the church saying it is unfair to storm only the culture which has been our pride, and will forever make us unique, and hiding the impact of church obligations. The difficulty for many is distinguishing between giving to the matai and to the family, and donating to supporting the faifeau and the church.

One feedback had raised an interesting question, why Samoans use the work ‘fa’alavelave’ which means a burden to describe family gatherings such as wedding and title bestowments which are supposedly happy occasions. Maybe its time to change the word ‘fa’alavelave’ or its use.

There is a huge interest from New Zealand born Samoans who have requested if there is an opportunity for the Fa’afaletui o le Aganuu to be delivered in English. The two half day event is the first time the Faleula o Samoa has taken their message outside of Samoa since its inception six years ago.

An official send off by the Samoa Government is set for Friday 3rd April for the twenty eight member delegation. On arrival in Auckland, the group will be officially welcomed with a tradition ‘ava’ ceremony by the Samoan Advisory Council and the Samoan community.

This is an opportunity not to be missed by those who are keen to learn and understand the Samoa culture.

A limited number of information pack containing the official program with course notes and four Faleula o Samoa DVDs is now on sale at $60 presold and $80 per pack available at the venue bending availability of stock.

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