Porirua came together this morning for the annual Samoa flag raising, celebrating Samoa Language Week and commemorating the 64th anniversary of Samoa’s independence.
Mayor Anita Baker joined community leaders, performers and residents at the ceremony, which recognised the contribution Samoan people make to the city and celebrated the language, culture and traditions of Porirua’s largest Pacific community.
The gathering was hosted by MC Nate Lopa and opened with a devotion from Rev Elder Nove Vailaau.
Guests were treated to a cultural performance by Lower Hutt-based Anamua Fou Dance, showcasing traditional Samoan dance and music.
This year’s Samoa Language Week theme, “Mai tumutumu mauga o faamanuiaga mo nuu” (“From the high mountains come blessings for the villages”), reflects the importance of provision, wellbeing and community support.
As part of the week’s programme, residents are invited to attend a Samoa Tuiga workshop at 12pm on Wednesday, June 3, in the Helen Smith Room at Pātaka Art + Museum.
The workshop will feature a presentation by the Tautua Dance Academy exploring the significance of the Samoan tuiga, the traditional ceremonial headdress worn by women, and its place in Samoan culture and identity.
Mayor Baker said the celebration highlighted the strong connections between Porirua and its Samoan community.
The Samoa Tuiga workshop is hosted by Tiumalu Perenise Ropeti. For more information, email [email protected].
