As we celebrate Samoa Language Week across both campuses in Mt Albert and Waitakere this week, we asked five of our Samoan kaimahi and ākonga to reflect on this year’s theme, why their culture and language is important to them, and how they’ve incorporated this into their roles at Unitec. Manuia Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa!
Sooalo Laupu’e Daisy Bentley-Gray, Interim Manager Pacific Success
Where are you from in Samoa?
My family home is at Lotopa (Faleata), but I am also from Samauga, Matautu-Uta, Solosolo, Fa’atoia, Vaiala, Sagone, Satupa’itea, Sinamoga, Lauli’i, Salelavalu and a few other villages. My husband, and I moved to New Zealand with our three (plus two more) boys in 2009.
What does the responsibility of being a matai (chiefly title) mean to you?
I was bestowed both my titles Sooalo and Laupu’e from the village of Samauga, Savai’i on Friday, 26 April 2024 (pictured right). It is a huge honour to have been blessed with both my titles. The responsibilities aligned with my titles are many but first and foremost it is about my service to God. A Samoan proverb that strongly reflects my belief and convictions of leadership is, “O le ala I le pule, o le tautua” (the pathway to leadership is through service). Hence, as a matai with two titles, my responsibilities lie in how I serve my family, my village(s), and my nation.
Why is it important is it to know your language and culture?
I am blessed that I was born and raised in Samoa where being Samoan was the norm. However, since being in the diaspora, and a parent to my five boys, I recognize the importance of maintaining our language and culture. Hence, my husband and I continue some of our Samoan cultural practices at home with our boys and involve them when there are opportunities to do so. For example, my husband and I, together with my sister and her husband did a umu for our youngest children’s school during Samoan Language Week in 2022, to demonstrate to the children and staff how a umu is done. Also, we speak Samoan to them and encourage them to speak it at home. I know I can do better though.
What makes you proud to be Samoan?
How Christianity is at the core of the aganu’u Samoa (Samoan culture), which is evidenced in Samoa’s constitution – “E Fa’avae I le Atua Samoa” (Samoa is founded on God). Also, I am proud that the values of alofa (love) and fa’aaloalo (respect) are entrenched in our culture.
What is your favourite Samoan food?
There are too many to mention but my favourites include fa’aausi esi, sua fa’i, fa’alifu taro, fa’i and ulu
What are your thoughts on this year’s theme for Samoa Language Week: “Ia malu lou sa. Folau i lagima” which translates to “A well-grounded self, is a successful self”?
I like that it has an emphasis on individuals and their journeys to becoming successful. Everyone is on a journey in life and what may be one person’s goal is not necessarily the same for another. Hence, we need to recognize, support and respect our differences and know that everyone is searching for success in their context.
How have you incorporated your culture into your role at Unitec?
I enjoy working with different groups of people – staff, students, and communities – and bringing my culture and values to that work.
Lefaoalii Dion Sarasopa Enari, Associate Professor
Where are you from in Samoa?
The villages of Lepa, Malaela, Saleaaumua, Vaiusu, Safune, Nofoali’i, and Vaiala
What does the responsibility of being a matai (chiefly title) mean to you?
I received my Lefaoalii title in 2018, It means I’m married to my village and family and have to serve them till I die.
Can you speak Samoan?
Yes, but can always be improved
Why is it important is it to know your language and culture?
Because there is only so much of our ancestral wisdom you can know in English. The rest is in our language which goes hand in hand with our culture
What makes you proud to be Samoan?
Everything. From the cultural teachings to the dancing to the colour of my skin
What is your favourite Samoan food?
Talo kao (baked taro) and raw fish (oka). YUMMMMM
What are your thoughts on this year’s theme for Samoa Language Week: “Ia malu lou sa. Folau i lagima” which translates to “A well-grounded self, is a successful self”?
This theme reflects why our parents raised us the way they did. Heed onto those lessons to ground yourself and you will be successful.
How have you incorporated your Samoan culture into your role at Unitec?
By ensuring I am honestly serving those I work with and speaking my language where I can.
Natara Iata Pimoe, Pacific Rep Unitec Student Council, Bachelor of Computing Studies
Where are you from in Samoa?
I was born in Samoa from the villages of Sa’asa’ai in Savai’i and Ma’agiagi in Apia, Upolu. I migrated to New Zealand to further my education in 2017.
Can you speak Samoan?
Yes, I can speak Samoan fluently.
Why is it important to know your language and culture?
This is because that’s how you understand your origins, roots, history, and identity as this year’s Samoan Language Week theme says, “Ia malu lou sa. Folau i le lagima” — a well-grounded self is a successful self. Knowing your language and culture is how you stay grounded.
What makes you proud to be Samoan?
I’m proud of our people and our rich culture. Samoans are known for being warm, respectful, and kind. Our culture is unique in so many beautiful ways, and that’s something I’ll always carry with pride.
What is your favourite Samoan food?
My favourite is chicken fried laupele. Even though it’s not a very well-known Samoan dish, it’s my top pick. But to share a more popular one, my second favourite is faiai fe’e (octopus) with ‘ulu (breadfruit).
What are your thoughts on this year’s Samoan Language Week theme: “Ia malu lou sa. Folau i le lagima” (“A well-grounded self is a successful self”)?
This year’s theme really resonates with me. As someone who moved away from home and had to adjust to a completely different environment, I’ve learned that staying grounded in who you are, your culture, values, and identity, keeps you strong. It’s easy to feel out of place, especially in a field like tech and computing where there aren’t many Pacific faces. But being grounded in where I come from helps guide me forward with confidence.
What does it mean to you to represent all Pacific students on the Unitec Student Council?
Through my studies here at Unitec, I noticed many Pacific students found it hard to fit in which I related to as I also felt that way moving to New Zealand. That’s what pushed me to take a leap of faith and step into this leadership role. I wanted to be their voice, support them, and ensure they feel seen and heard. In my programme, there are not many Pacific students in the Bachelor of Computing Systems. That’s why representation really matters, so we can encourage more Pacific students to see that they belong in tech, too.
Karen Petana-Ioka, Lecturer Bridging Education
Where are you from in Samoa?
Moata’a village on Upolu. I migrated to New Zealand in 2010.
Do you speak Samoan?
I am bilingual, fluent in both English and Samoan.
Why is it important to know your language and culture?
Knowing your language and culture reaffirms who you are – your identity! A famous Samoan quote goes – “A leai se gagana, ua pō le Nuu” / Without language, a village will be in darkness.
What makes you proud to be Samoan?
It gives me a sense of belonging and a claim to my ancestors and the land, titles and privileges passed on to me by my father, grandparents, and great-grandparents (i.e. ancestors).
What is your favourite Samoan food?
Taro, luau (palusami) and freshly baked fish from the ‘Umu’, Vaisū (grilled fish in coconut cream), Fa’ausi (Caramelised taro), Taufolo (Caramelised breadfruit), and Faiai Fe’e (Octopus in coconut cream baked in the ‘Umu’)
What are your thoughts on this year’s theme for Samoan Language week – “Ia malu lou Sā. Folau I lagimā” / A well-grounded self, is a successful self”?
For me, the saying literally means – “If your canoe is securely built, then you’ll be able to navigate calmly through the seas”. This translates perfectly to the learning journeys of our students in the tertiary sector. Students who enter tertiary institutions “study-ready” are most likely to succeed!
How have you incorporated your Samoan culture into your role at Unitec?
I ensure that my identity is made visible to all that I work and associate with. I do this at the beginning of every Semester when I introduce myself to my students, so they know my cultural background and where I come from. This connection is essential in building relationships, particularly with Pasifika students.
I have conversations in my Samoan language with students of Samoan descent who can also speak the language. This further encourages relationship-building and support in the learning environment.
I am the Pacific support staff in the Bridging Education School, supporting students and staff to promote Pacific student success.
I connect with my colleagues in the Pacific Centre to foster cultural collegiality and reinforce our identity as Pacific educators.
Umusa Pava Saifoloi, Pacific Success Navigator
Where are you from in Samoa?
I am from the villages of Leusoali’i (mother) and Vailoa, Faleata (father). I migrated to New Zealand with my parents in 1967 for education.
What does the responsibility of being a matai (chiefly title) mean to you?
I received my title Umusa in 2019. It means being a leader and a voice in family matters, and being involved in church and village, civic matters.
Why is it important is it to know your language and culture?
Because I’m a proud Samoan. My family and village back home are important to me when I attend family gatherings. Currently attending lessons once a month to upskill and maintain my language and culture.
What makes you proud to be Samoan?
Culture, people, language
What is your favourite Samoan food?
Fa’ausi (caramel sauce & taro or pawpaw)
What are your thoughts on this year’s theme for Samoa Language Week: “Ia malu lou sa. Folau i lagima” which translates to “A well-grounded self, is a successful self”?
To me the saying is about encouragement. It’s saying if you believe in yourself, success will follow.
How do you incorporate your culture into your role at Unitec?
In the way I support students and staff in the schools I’m responsible for with the important Samoan values of love and respect.