Meet two Samoan women who are part of the New Zealand Defence Force. They spoke to the NZDF media about what being Samoan means to them and what value language and culture hold.

Petty Officer Marieta Makasini

Petty Officer Steward Marieta Makasini says she is proud of how far she has come and how long she has served in the Royal New Zealand Navy.

“I joined the Navy in 2006. My goal was to become a police officer until I met the Navy recruiting person in the same building I worked. The recruiter was really friendly and their uniform inspired me and that made me want to join the Navy.

“Today I’m the Petty Officer for the trainees doing Basic Branch Training. That’s their trade training after finishing their basic training. They’ve been in the Navy for four months now. I look after them and I manage their daily routines.

“I was born on Safotu, Savaii, Samoa, growing up in Falealupo Savaii and New Lynn in New Zealand. I live in Belmont, Auckland.

“I moved from Samoa when I was 15 years old, which meant trying to fit into a different life style. Joining the Navy was a big commitment.

“What makes me proud of my language and culture is the loyalty, honesty, compassion, love, contribution and respect we share with others. These values, and pride of service, are what I bring to my work. I’m still loving it today.

“Being able to speak Samoan fluently is a blessing. By speaking and understanding Samoan language, individuals can access our cultural heritage, gaining insight into their ancestors’ way of life. This helps maintain a strong connection to one’s roots, ensuring that our traditions and values are passed down and celebrated.

“There is also my malu, a female traditional tattoo that is from the upper thigh to the lower knee.   To me it is a representation of our ancestors and everything they represent. It’s very special to our Samoan culture because it’s such a sacred cultural treasure.

“My husband has deeply influenced who I am today. He is the reason I can post to ships and be away for a long time while he’s staying home with our children. It’s meant I’ve been able to do many deployments, including Hawai’i, Singapore, Tonga, sub-Antarctic islands, Kermadec Islands and humanitarian support during Cyclone Gabrielle last year. I’m proud of being a young mum with children and still serving at sea.

“For the future, I would love to see more Pasifika in the New Zealand Defence Force in higher ranks. And having a Pacific Island chaplain would be good for our people as someone to talk to for help if needed."

Private Kristin Sutherland

Private Kristin Sutherland says she feels proud to wear the uniform, not just for herself but for her family back home in Samoa.

“I wanted a fit and challenging lifestyle. I also felt like the NZ Army was the perfect choice for me because I don’t like the ocean so Navy was off the cards! I grew up in West Auckland, where I live now, and we had recruiters come to my high school when I was 14 and they sold me the Army dream.

“I’m a caterer, which means every day can change depending on what shift you’re on. If I’m on earlies or bakery shift I come in at 0530 to cook breakfast and lunch, or all the sweets and the breads and desserts. Bakery shift is my favourite. Late shift means starting at 1030 and cooking dinner, finishing around 1930. We also work weekends.

“I identify as Afakasi, but for those who don’t know that meaning I tell them I am Samoan / Maltese. My skin colour is white and I have red hair and freckles but I was raised with a lot of learning about my Samoan culture. I have always felt more of a belonging with my Polynesian friends and family.

“Our people are brave, courageous, have the best sense of humour, good hearts, the best cooks and eaters, fearless, strong and misunderstood!

“What makes me proud of my language and culture is that no matter where we are, we always somehow come together and know we don’t walk through this world alone. There aren’t many Samoans in the NZDF but for some reason when we come across one another you click with that person straight away, like there’s a natural sense of belonging among each other.

“My family don’t come from much but wearing this uniform make me feel like I’m doing something right. Like even though I make mistakes I will always know where I come from and what my background is and I’m grateful that I get to represent that through my service.

“I’m one of very few Samoan caterers in the NZ Army and I’ve had the pleasure of being in charge of a lot of Pasifika-themed functions. I’ve cooked “island food” for our island community, for the chiefs of small Pasifika militaries, for Polynesian Group afternoon teas and for Samoan Language Week.

“My parents and my son have been the biggest influence on who I am today. My parents have always been hard workers to provide what’s best for us kids and got through so many hardships. Also having my son three years ago made me build more confidence in myself as a woman. He has made me feel brave and give me a drive to provide him with the best life any mother can give. He also helped me find myself. I don’t even remember who I was before I had him.

“To me, preserving the language means passing on things we have learnt to our children and their children, including reading to them and writing stories for them.

“Everything happens for a reason. I don’t think the younger me could have imagined this would be my journey but I’m glad it didn’t go any other way.”