Story: Samoans

Celebration of Samoa’s Independence Day

Celebration of Samoa’s Independence Day

On 1 January 1962, Western Samoa became independent of New Zealand. Independence Day, however, is celebrated on 1 June and this day continues to be recognised by the Samoan community in New Zealand. These Samoans in Porirua, near Wellington, dressed up for the occasion in 1990.

In June 2022, to mark 60 years of Samoan independence and 60 years of close diplomatic relations between the two countries, Samoan Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa visited New Zealand to meet her counterpart, Prime Minister Jacinda Arden. While here she also visited Hawke’s Bay, where a significant number of Samoan Recognised Seasonal Employer workers were employed in orchards and vineyards, and she was greeted with a traditional ava ceremony.

 
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Pātaka - Porirua Museum of Arts and Cultures
Photograph by Geoff Marshall

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How to cite this page:

Lupematasila Melani Anae, 'Samoans - History and migration', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/4202/celebration-of-samoas-independence-day (accessed 20 March 2024)

Story by Lupematasila Melani Anae, published 8 Feb 2005, reviewed & revised 7 Sep 2022 with assistance from  Lupematasila Melani Anae