The High Commission celebrated Independence day on Monday 1st June 2015 at the Grand James Cook Hotel. Attended by 150 people from the Diplomatic Corp, New Zealand Parliament and the Samoan community. The keynote address was delivered by H E Papali’i T Scanlan where he shared highlights from the past 12 months of the relationship between Samoa and New Zealand. He also took the opportunity to thank and acknowledge the New Zealand Government for its ongoing support and assistance to the Government of Samoa. The New Zealand Government representative, was Minister of Pacific Island Peoples Hon Mr Peseta Sam Lotu Iiga who responded to the High Commissioners address by emphasizing the importance of the relationship between Samoa and New Zealand. Both countries are looking forward to the historical test match between the Manu Samoa and All Blacks in Samoa on 8 July 2015 and the Right Hon John Key will be traveling to Samoa for this match and will also be using this opportunity to discuss other matters with the Prime Minister of Samoa. The Recognized Seasonal Employment (RSE) will also host its 8th Annual Conference in Samoa on 9 July 2015, the first time for the Conference to be hosted outside of New Zealand.