Three Samoan cultural leaders have launched the Tautua Live Trust, a community-focused initiative that celebrates Samoan music, arts, and storytelling, while connecting Samoan communities across New Zealand and the Pacific.

The word Tautua means “service,” reflecting the group’s goal of giving back to the community through live performances.

“Tautua Live was about bringing our collective together so that we could tell our stories together and work together, because we don't get that opportunity often to tell our Pacific stories and just to be ourselves, our whole selves,” said artistic director Saylene Tanielu Ulberg.

MC and producer Pale Sauni said, "It's important to someone like me who looks back at the many years and says, well, this wasn't around when I was growing up."

“I’d really like to see our next generation of artists have something that’s not only a legal entity, but also a social and cultural space, safe, fun, and full of humour,” he said.

The trust presented its first showcase on 15 February at Auckland’s SkyCity Theatre, called Timeless Duets – Volume 1. The event celebrated love, nostalgia, and Samoan musical talent, while also discussing relationship struggles that communities often avoid.

“You’re not coming just to see some people sing,” said strategic producer Tutasi Lam. “It’s the whole experience.” Pale added, “This is an opportunity that’s secular, safe, and outside of our normal spheres, where it’s socially and culturally fun.”

Tautua Live Trust plans to keep bringing joyful, heartfelt performances to the Pacific community in the years ahead.