Samoan Language Week - Vaiaso o le Gagana Sāmoa is the celebration of Samoan culture and language and aims to encourage New Zealanders to learn and experience some of it.
Samoan make up the largest group of Pacific Islanders living in New Zealand so it's very important to recognise and commemorate their heritage. There are around 150,000 people residing in NZ who identify as Samoan. Samoan Language Week gives students of all backgrounds the chance to learn some basic Samoan and gives students who speak Samoan the opportunity to share their knowledge in the classroom. There are also community events that take place across New Zealand to celebrate it.
In Tamaki college, Samoan language week is celebrated from 31 May to 2 June. All students were invited to dress "Cultural wear with a Samoan Flair". Girls were invited to wear puletasi and for the boys wear a tidy aloha shirt with an 'ie faitaga. This week we had a Samoan language house competitions. Students performed Samoan cultural dance in assembly. It was great to watch our mentoring students perform the Samoan language week celebration. Happy to see Pasifika students all around New Zealand embrace culture and pride. This week we had a very delicious kai from Samoan cultural teachers. very pleased to see and share their culture with them.
Pacific languages, cultures and identity are essential to the health, wellbeing and lifetime success of Pacific peoples and their communities in Aotearoa.
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