Samoa Language Week 2012 An Opportunity To Discuss Future
new-zealand-labour-party
Mon May 28 2012 12:00:00 GMT+1200 (New Zealand Standard Time)
Samoa Language Week 2012 An Opportunity To Discuss Future
Monday, 28 May 2012, 9:43 am
Press Release: New Zealand Labour Party
Su’a William
Sio
MP for Māngere
Pacific Island Affairs Spokesperson
27 May 2012 Media Statement
Samoa Language Week 2012 An Opportunity To Discuss Future Of Samoa NZ Relationships
Speaking at community meetings yesterday, Labour’s Spokesperson on Pacific Island Affairs said that Samoa Language Week 2012 was also an opportunity to discuss the future of Samoa-New Zealand relationship given that this year we also celebrate Samoa’s 50th Anniversary of Independence on 1st of June, and the 50th anniversary of the Samoa-New Zealand Treaty of Friendship on 1st of August.
“Most New Zealanders won’t be aware that New Zealand administered Samoa for 48 years and that period gave rise to a unique Treaty of Friendship which was signed between the two countries in recognition of a ‘special relationship’ once Samoa had become the first Pacific island nation to become independent in 1962.
“On the eve of the 50th anniversary there is growing discussion within the Samoan community in New Zealand to revisit the meaning of the ‘special relationship’ between New Zealand and Samoa, and what that ‘special relationship’ means for Samoans both in New Zealand and Samoa.
“The younger generation are asking questions as to which country benefits the most from the Treaty of Friendship and what if any are the financial implications given New Zealand has given a formal apology to Samoa in 2002 with an admission to the errors of past New Zealand Administrators which caused the deaths of thousands of Samoa.
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In 1918 the New Zealand authorities administering Samoa allowed the ship Talune carrying passengers with influenza New Zealand to dock in Apia. As the flu spread, some twenty two percent of the Samoan population died. The New Zealand authorities refused the offer of assistance from the American Samoa health officials. This tragedy is recorded as one of the worst epidemics in the world, and was preventable.
New Zealand authorities were also responsible for the deaths of at least nine Samoans, including Tupua Tamasese Lealofioaana III with fifty others injured, when armed New Zealand police fired upon a peaceful march of non-violent protesters in Apia in December 1929.
I am encouraging and supporting Lemi Ponifasio to roll out a series of MAU Forums under the theme of Samoa mo Taeao or Samoa for Tomorrow to lead these discussions about these future issues.
ENDS
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