The Fono a Fagasa annual conference was held in Palmeston North this year and attended by the High Commissioner. A non-profit organisation in New Zealand with the aim to nurture and preserve the Samoan language, Fagasa’s three day conference was officially opened by H. E Leasi Papalii T Scanlan. This year’s theme ‘Fafaga fanau i upu ma tala;Tautala i lau gagana’ recognised the importance of sharing our stories with the new generation in order to retain and revitalise the Samoan language in New Zealand. The High Commissioner played an active role at the three day event, facilitating discussions on issues concerning the role of New Zealand based Samoan communities in the maintenance of Samoan language and customs.