The week will open on Tuesday, 3 June with a lotu (prayer) and pese (songs) in Te Puna, Mt Albert and Tapa and Samoan displays on the ground floor of the Waitakere Campus. During the week, the Pacific Centre has organised Talanoa (discussion) and debate sessions around Samoan culture, a fun quiz of history and general knowledge, a screening of Samoan short films at B108 and a special Samoan cultural dance performance by Unitec ākonga.

Samoa Language Week is the second of the Pacific Language Weeks being celebrated this year and mandated by the Government’s Ministry of Pacific Peoples. The dates coincide with Samoa’s Independence Celebration on 1 June, the day Samoa gained its independence from New Zealand in 1962.

This year’s theme is Ia malu lou sā. Folau i lagimā' (A well-grounded self, is a successful self). 

The Ministry of Pacific Affairs explains the theme: "A well-crafted ocean sailing vessel, built with care and precision, ensures a safe and steady journey. When all its parts are thoughtfully constructed, the vessel remains balanced, strong and ready to face the open seas. Similarly, people who prepare thoroughly and with intention become grounded and resilient and well-equipped to navigate life’s challenges and succeed in their endeavours. No matter the challenges and hardships of life, a well-grounded person will not be easily shaken or defeated because they are firmly rooted and well-prepared".

We are proud to have many kaimahi of Samoan heritage at all levels of the division, within our schools, student services and directorates. They bring their culture, values, and perspectives to their roles.

During Samoa Language Week, will be profiling some of our Samoan kaimahi who will be sharing what this year’s theme means to them as well as their own connection to Samoan culture, identity and language. 

“Please take every opportunity to learn about Samoan culture by participating in the events that our Samoan staff and student community have planned at both the Mt Albert and Waitakere campuses during this year’s Samoan Language Week,” says Unitec Pacific Success Interim Manager, Sooalo Daisy Bentley-Gray.

“You can also participate by wearing your favourite Samoan attire during the week to go into the draw for one of two prizes which will be drawn next Friday, 6 June when we finish the week with a shared Samoan Lunch at the Pacific Centre.”

To see the full programme for Samoa Language Week at Unitec click here or see below.
Learn some common Samoan phrases on the graphic below.

If you have any questions about Samoa Language Week, please email Pacific Success Interim Manager, Sooalo Daisy Bentley-Gray dbentleygray@unitec.ac.nz