What does it mean to you to be Samoan?

I’m proud to be Samoan, it is my identity. I am named after my grandfather and so I get to represent him every day.  

What Villages do you hail from?  

Falealupo, Leulumoega and Fasito’o Uta 

How do you keep your culture and language alive here in New Zealand?  

Through the work I do, supporting our Samoan families with their wellbeing and interacting with them in the language.   

What is a Samoan quote or proverb that you admire? 

“O le tele o sulu e maua ai figota, e māmā se avega pe a tāamo fa’atasi”  - “My strength does not come from me alone but from many”. 

What is your favourite Samoan food?  

Sapasui, Luau and Pisupo with Fa’alifu Kalo. 

Has there ever been a time in your life where you struggled with your identity as a Samoan living in NZ?  

Many times, the lifestyle here in NZ is different so I don’t get to experience the everyday Samoan culture and understanding the formalities and matai language.  

I can speak the language but not a well as I would like too, however I am making the effort, so it is a work in progress.  

What is your advice for the up-and-coming NZ born Samoan generations?  

Be curious, be courageous and give it a go. Ask your parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles about their experiences living in the islands.  

What do you love about Samoa and its culture? 

I love how passionate we are about our culture, when our people are representing us on the big stages, we celebrate like no other!