The Samoan community in New Zealand flooded the streets of Mangere on Monday to mark Samoa’s 60^th Independence anniversary with Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa also in attendance.

Hundreds of Samoans living in Auckland, New Zealand gathered in groups to parade just outside the Mangere town centre despite the spitting rain. 

Some of the groups included Samoa College Old Pupil Association NZ, Marist Brothers Old Pupil Association NZ, Vaipouli College Old Pupil Association, Avele College Old Pupil Association, Taupou Manaia Dancing Group, Trinity Samoa Ministry, Tama ma Teine ole Mau and former Police Officers Association amongst others. 

The Prime Minister attended the event accompanied by Samoa's Minister for Public Enterprises, Leatinuu Wayne So’oailo, the Ministry of Prime Minister and Cabinet C.E.O. Agafili Shem Leo, and the C.E.O. for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Peseta Noumea Simi. 

Her entry into the celebration was welcomed with rounds of applause from all those who had gathered on Monday. The New Zealand trip marks the Prime Minister's first official foreign visit since she was elevated to the Prime Minister’s position after the April 2021 General Election. 

The NZ Minister for Pacific Peoples, Aupito William Sio with his fellow parliamentarians, Lemauga Lydia Sosene and Dr. Anae Neru Leavasa were also part of the occasion. 

The national flag of New Zealand and Samoa were hoisted in front of the Consulate General of Samoa Office in Mangere.    

Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Fiame said this is the first time that the independence celebration is centred in villages, districts and abroad and celebrated for a whole year.  

She then made reference to the Head of State’s note of thanks during the 1 June 2022 celebration in Apia where he acknowledged the support of the Samoan diaspora to their families back home. 

Fiame reminded that on top of Samoa’s independence celebration, this year also marks 60 years of the partnership between New Zealand and Samoa through the Treaty of Friendship. 

Minister Aupito also spoke at the event and welcomed the Prime Minister and acknowledged that the commemoration comes at the back of the Samoan language week. 

Aupito confirmed Fiame will meet with the New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern after she returns to New Zealand following the Pacific Forum meeting which she is attending. 

He added the NZ Government is looking forward to coming to Samoa in August or September this year once the borders are open to celebrate the Treaty of Friendship. 

Aupito told the guests that the turnout at the Mangere celebration shows the connections as nations between Samoa and New Zealand are far deeper and stronger and New Zealand values its relationship with Samoa. 

Lastly, he congratulated Fiame for being the first female Prime Minister to hoist the national flag and said she embodied the importance of Samoan history both historically and culturally. 

Fiame was flanked by Samoans after the event with many surrounding her with cell phones wanting to take selfies with the Prime Minister.