Talofa lava - it's Samoan Language Week in Aotearoa
Photo:
Ministry of Pacific Peoples
Events are being held across Aotearoa this week to celebrate Gagana Samoa, the Samoan language.
The theme for 2025's Samoan Language Week is 'Ia malu lou sā. Folau i lagimā", which means "A well-grounded self is a successful self".
After English and Te Reo Maori, Gagana Samoa is the third most spoken language in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The Ministry for Pacific Peoples is working alongside New Zealand Samoan communities to promote and support Samoan Language Week.
Secretary for Pacific Peoples, Gerardine Clifford-Lidstone said there is a lot of alofa (love) for 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," she said.
Samoan Language Week is one of 12 Pacific language weeks marked this year.
Rotuman was celebrated
the week of 11 May, and next is Kiribati Language Week, starting 6 July.
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