The High Commission celebrated Independence day on Saturday 1st June. Celebrations began with a combined church service by the Mafutaga Faifeau led by Elder Rev Popo Su'a at the Methodist Church in Wellington. The church service was well attended by members of the Diplomatic Corp and the Samoan community. Following the service, the High Commission hosted a reception at the James Cook Hotel. Attended by 150 people from the Diplomatic Corp, New Zealand Parliament and the Samoan community. The keynote address was performed by H E Leasi Papali'i T Scanlan where he shared highlights from the last 12 months. He also took the opportunity to thank and acknowledge the New Zealand Government for its on-going support and immediate assistance following Cyclone Evan. The New Zealand Government representative, Member of Parliament Mr Peseta Sam Lotu Iiga, responded to the High Commissioners address by emphasizing the importance of the relationship between Samoa and New Zealand.