Hamilton Samoan community plan nation’s 50th anniversary celebrations
This may be Queen’s Birthday weekend for most – but the Samoan community have another celebration in mind.
Hamilton Samoans plan to get amidst the celebrations of their country’s 50 years of independence this weekend.
Fonofaufautua a Samoa Hamilton City look to join the festivities organising a formal dinner and show, combined church service, and a flag ceremonial.
Fonofaufautua a Samoa chairperson Asiata Maifea was aware that city centres across the country had scheduled events while Samoa had kicked off its celebrations.
“Here in Hamilton we are celebrating for three days…We hope for it [celebrations] to be a spectacular event for Hamilton. We haven’t done anything like this before.”
The pre-independence dinner and show evening will feature local performances from the Waikato University Samoan Students Association, Cindy Samoa and special guests from Auckland will be in attendance.
However, the flag ceremonial celebration on Monday is seen as the all-important event. It will begin with a march from Knox Street, with further ceremonies and performances to round off the day in Garden Place.
Asiata is hopeful that the weekend would see Samoans come together to celebrate the milestone event, especially for the flag ceremony to be held at Garden Place.
Ioana Manu, a committee member of Fonofaufautua a Samoa said that this weekend’s celebration would go some way to building the Samoan presence in Hamilton.
“It’s a celebration of the past, the present and what the future will bring to our Samoan people, a weekend celebrating 50 years independence.
“We want to lift the profile of Samoan people here in Hamilton city. Showcase what we can offer.”
For further information on the Samoan independence events contact Asiata Maifea on 07 8461436
