Gagana Samoa and its powerful cultural legacy take centre stage as Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa - Samoa Language Week - returns from 1 to 7 June 2025.
Gagana Samoa is the third most spoken language in Aotearoa New Zealand, after English and Te Reo Māori.
Secretary for Pacific Peoples Gerardine Clifford-Lidstone says the Ministry for Pacific Peoples is proud to work with Samoan communities in New Zealand to support Samoa Language Week.
“There is much alofa (love) for gagana Samoa. I know we will see Samoan communities across Aotearoa New Zealand using this time to celebrate our culture and gagana Samoa. I encourage everyone to get involved - attend an event, learn from those around you, or simply take a moment to see how language continues to shape identity, connection, and pride,” says Gerardine.
F.A.G.A.S.A (Fa’alapotopotoga mo le A’oa’oina o le Gagana Samoa i Aotearoa) is a national organisation dedicated to teaching gagana Samoa in Aotearoa New Zealand. Its National Secretary, Sauimalaeletelemalanuola Ameteolepala (Ete) Etelei, says the week is an important time, but not the only time, to reflect on the gagana Samoa.
“The 2025 theme Ia malu lou sā. Folau i lagimā – A well-grounded self is a successful self, speaks directly to my heart. When our young people are rooted in their language, culture, and identity, they grow with confidence and purpose. A strong cultural foundation is not a barrier to success; it is the very thing that empowers our people to reach their full potential,” says Ete.
“If people could take one thing away from Samoa Language Week, it would be that language is a vessel to the heart.”
“Gagana Samoa is more than a language - it carries the wisdom of our ancestors, the values of our ‘āiga (family), and the blueprint for how we serve, lead, and thrive. It’s a gift I carry with pride and one I work hard to pass on,” says Ete.
The Samoa Language Week webpage and the Gagana Samoa i Aotearoa Facebook page has information on events, resources and language guides.