The first PhD thesis to be written entirely in the Samoan language in New Zealand was celebrated at the University of Auckland last week. 

Muli’agatele Dr. Vavaō Fetui was successful in defending his work, titled, "Toe Laumeanuti O Le Faaaloalo I Agatausili a Samoa  I Atualuluga ( Notions of respect and politeness in a Transnational Community)" 

Professor Emeritus Meleisea Leasiolagi Malama Meleisea, former director of the Center of Samoan Studies at N.U.S, confirmed that he was one of the examiners as well as Leausalilo Dr Sadat Tuimuaiava. The thesis was defended on the 21st of February 2023 at the University of Auckland.

Muli’agatele’s research supervisory team consisted of Associate Professor Melanie Anae and Associate Professor Luafata Simanu-Klutz (University of Hawaii), as well as Pacific Studies Head of Department at University of Auckland, Dr. Lisa Uperesa and Tofa Lemoa Henry Fesuluai whom were acknowledged by Leausalilo for supporting such a milestone and historic achievement not just for Samoa but also for New Zealand. 

According to a social media post by the Pacific Studies Center at the University of Auckland Associate Prof Lupematasila Misatauveve Melani Anae, together with Assoc Prof Lo’au Simanu- Klutz had the honour of supervising Muliagatele throughout his thesis journey. 

"Over the last 20 years, Assoc. Prof Anae has watched Muliagatele grow from a colleague, Samoan lecturer, mentor and friend, to a Marsden researcher and his blossoming into the extraordinary Samoan language scholar he has always been," read the statement from the department.  

It is understood that the thesis tries to unpack the significance of the Ava o le Feiloaiga, (the ava ceremony). 

The first PhD thesis in Samoa was achieved by the current Director of the Center of Samoan Studies at the National University of Samoa, Ta'iao Dr Matiu Tautunu. 

Ta'iao, in his thesis, highlighted the changes in customary lands from 1845 to 2020, specifically within the villages of Amaile and Samusu in Aleipata. 

His research also enveloped the amendments in customary lands and the passage of the Land and Titles Registration Act in 2008.