The Ministry for Pacific Peoples is inviting New Zealanders to be part of a special occasion celebrating Samoa's Independence 60th Anniversary.

"From Sunday May 29 to Saturday June 4, we invite you to decorate your space, dress in your best Samoan attire and share with your wider community," says a Ministry for Pacific Peoples spokesperson. "Take a picture and share with the hashtag #TUTOATASI60."

The previous words written in Samoan are:

This year's theme for Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa - Samoa Language Week is Fa'aāuāu le Folauga i le Va'a o Tautai - Continue the Voyage with Competent Wayfinders of the Ocean.

As part of this year's overarching theme of ‘Sustainability', the Samoan community chose a theme that would reflect the journey of language revitalisation and maintenance as well as recognising the importance of having the right tools, good leadership skills, relationships and the correct medium (va'a) that is adaptable to faring the ocean and its elements.

This year marks 12 years since Samoa Language Week has been celebrated in New Zealand. Following on from 2021, Samoa Language Week 2022 is led by three key organisations – FAGASA, Fotu ō Malama and SAASIA.

"2022 is also a significant year for the Samoan community, being the 60th anniversary of Samoa Independence," says a Ministry for Pacific Peoples spokesperson.

Communities are organising activities to commemorate this milestone, which coincides with Samoa Language Week.

"Samoa has a unique historical relationship with New Zealand. It is the only nation that New Zealand has a Treaty of Friendship with. The Treaty of Friendship between Samoa and New Zealand is about a commitment to partnership, friendship and a mutual endeavour to obtain for Tagata Samoa fuller opportunities for social progress. Language is critical in achieving this."

A calendar of activities and events to be held throughout New Zealand to embrace and celebrate Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa and the 60th Anniversary of Samoa Independence is available here.

Stay connected online by visiting the official Gagana Samoa i Aotearoa Facebook page.