A church service for the opening of the Samoan Language Week under the theme “Alofa atu nei, Alofa mai Taeao” translation in English means “Kindness Given, Kindness Gain” was held at the Pacific Islanders Presbyterian Church in Porirua on Sunday 27th May 2018. The programme and procession of the service was put together by Rev. Perema Leasi. The Samoa High Commissioner, H.E Leasi Papali’i T. Scanlan as keynote speaker stressed the importance and the significance of this important event in the lives of Samoans living in Aotearoa New Zealand. The event was well attended by the Samoan community in Wellington.

On the 1st June 2018, the Samoa High Commission celebrated Samoa’s 56th Independence Day during a reception held at the Marist St Pat’s Rugby Club. This was well attended by 150 invited guests 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 highlighted the strong relationship between Samoa and New Zealand, especially the priority areas where New Zealand continues to provide assistance including the energy sector, tourism sector, private sector development and others for which the Government of Samoa is grateful. Furthermore, the High Commissioner acknowledged the benefits of the existing Recognised Seasonal Employment Scheme. The New Zealand Government representative was the Chief of Protocol from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr Michael Swain who responded to the High Commissioner’s address by acknowledging the important strong relationship between Samoa and New Zealand.