Celebrating Samoa in Waikato

A small taste of Samoa is coming to Waikato in September.

The annual Teuila festival celebrates all aspects of Samoan and Polynesian culture. It will be held in Kirikiriroa- Hamilton for the first time on Saturday 7 September at the K’aute Pacific Village Fale.

Chairperson of the Waikato Samoan Association (WSA) Lesā Landy Tyrell Nonoa said, in Samoa, the Teuila festival is week-long, starting at the beginning of September, but for the Waikato it will just be “a small taster for the time being”.

Samoa is the largest Pacific ethnic group in Aotearoa, making up nearly 4% of New Zealand’s population. Nonoa said, the Samoan community in Waikato is very strong and bringing this festival to Waikato is an opportunity “to celebrate Samoan culture together”.

She said that, back in Samoa they associate with their villages, but here in New Zealand their villages are their church groups. In Waikato, the first big churches were the Samoan Methodist, Assembly of God, and Catholic. There are now 12 denominations in Waikato which the community and WSA board have done their best to gather for the event.

WSA member Falelua Sao said bringing people together for celebration of culture has already been done through church events but coming together “for the culture aspects of things is quite exciting and the first one of its kind”.

Waikato Teuila festival activities include arts and crafts, food, a fashion show, the oratory section for youth year 9 to 13 and fa’afiafiaga (entertainment).

Secretary Daphne M Godinet said the idea of having a fashion show is something that the elders can participate in and showcase their talents by making traditional Samoan style clothing.

She said, the Teuila festival is important, as the Samoa population is growing in Waikato, so “by bringing this event will make it stronger and a beautiful opportunity for the community and across Aotearoa”.

Treasurer Josephine Mika said, “it’s another platform to engage our tupulaga (youth) to know more about what our homeland provides”.

Mika said that the main sponsor for the festival now is the lotteries grant, and they are also reaching out to some of the Pacific sponsors in the community.

The association has expectations that the Waikato Teuila festival will turn out well, with hopes that the Pasifika family will join on the day, celebrate together and enjoy the occasion.

The event is opened to the public and the programme goes from 10am to 6pm at the K’aute Pasifika Trust fale at 100 Seddon Road, Hamilton.

More information on Waikato Teuila festival is shared on Waikato Samoa Association Facebook page and Instagram account.

Lisette Elisala (Tuvalu) is a Manaaki Tertiary Scholarship recipient studying Journalism at Wintec