Celebrate being Samoan in New Zealand

Celebrate being Samoan in New Zealand

The Samoa Celebration Ball next Saturday in Auckland marks the 100 years centenary of the relationship between New Zealand and Samoa.

Samoan community leader Teleiai Edwin Puni said the occupation of German Samoa by New Zealand Forces one hundred years ago is the beginning of thespecial relationship between New Zealand and Samoa.

Today New Zealand is home to nearly 145,000 Samoans and Samoan is now the 3rd most spoken language in New Zealand after English and Māori

“The ball is a special occasion to celebrate the journey of many Samoans that have made New Zealand their home.”

The impact of Samoans in New Zealand has left an indelible mark on the identity and culture of New Zealand and will continue to do so.

There are now Samoan Members of Parliamen, councillors and representatives in Local Government and others prominent in all walks of New Zealand life.

The influence of Samoans in New Zealand is quite evident in sports, music, art and culture with a growing participation in business and academia.

“It is also an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the blood ties of many Samoans who are of German and Kiwi heritage”, said Puni.

The occupation at the beginning of World War 1 was at the request of the British Empire, ending the Germany rule of Samoa.

Puni acknowledged Germany and Her people for a positive economic legacy they left for Samoa.

The Samoa Celebration Ball in on Saturday 15th November at the Pullman Auckland Hotel.

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