The Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority is hosting an inaugural Professional Development Tour by Afi Pasefika members who are Pacific Island Fire Fighters in the Fire and Emergency New Zealand (F.E.N.Z.).  

The 30-plus members of the Afi Pasefika Association delegation is led by Pauga Esitone Pauga, who has served F.E.N.Z. for more than 37 Years and holds the position of Area Commander for Capability and is based in the Wellington Headquarters.  

The delegation is made up of communication officers, support staff, fire fighters and members of the F.E.N.Z. management team including Samoans, Fijians, Tongans and New Zealanders.

The purpose of the Tour by Afi Pasefika is to exchange knowledge, ideas and experience through a South-South Approach.  F.E.S.A. and F.E.N.Z. both acknowledge that this is an opportunity of a lifetime and have dedicated one week to share lessons and experience with the main aim to improve our service delivery to the people of Samoa.  

Afi Pasefika members also acknowledge that the tour is special as they look to learn from the Samoan culture, given New Zealand’s diversity and the Samoan communities that they come into contact with over the course of their work.  

The F.E.S.A. membership said they are excited to have established this special connection with F.E.N.Z. through Afi Pasefika, as they look to continue the partnership to encourage capacity building opportunities, and resource growth of the authority - given the close ties Samoa has with New Zealand.

The one week gathering commenced on last Friday with a traditional ava ceremony at Papaigalagala, with a combined thanksgiving service held at the EFKS Faleasiu on Sunday.  The workshops and practical scenarios started on Monday and ends this Friday.