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Story: Samoans

Choir of the Congregational Christian Church, Grey Lynn, Auckland

Singing has always been an important aspect of worship for Samoan Christians. Here a Samoan choir sings an extract from ‘Le maota i le lagi’ (The house of peace in heaven). The choir, pictured here, is from the Congregational Christian Church, Grey Lynn in Auckland.

Using this item

Kiwi Pacific Records International

Reference: Matou Te Fia Sauni Nei Vi'iga, Hibiscus TC HLS-099

by Samoan Congregational Christian Choir, Grey Lynn

Sound file from Nga Taonga Sound and Vision, Radio New Zealand collection. 
Reference: 1949.
Permission of Nga Taonga Sound and Vision must be obtained before any re-use of this sound file.

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

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How to cite this page

Lupematasila Melani Anae, Samoans – Life in New Zealand, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/music/1568/choir-of-the-congregational-christian-church-grey-lynn-auckland (accessed 14 June 2026).

Story by Lupematasila Melani Anae, published 4 March 2009, reviewed and revised 7 September 2022 with assistance from Lupematasila Melani Anae.

Comments

Sam
17 October 2016
Can you give me an English translation for hymn 144 it starts out ua so'ona olioli nei. Thanks
Manu Faaea-Semeatu
01 July 2012
It's funny.... the track that you hear is actually from Pese 22 "Matou te fia sauni nei" in the tusi pese laititi. Would you still like to have a translation of pese 291?
Deacon Eves
21 June 2011
The Samoa Performing Arts & Music Academy is launching an Annual Choir Competition starting 25th May 2012 at Apia Park. The purpose is to fund the students tuition fees. The total number of Choirs required is 12 and we have 2 Choirs already confirmed. It will coincide with the Big 50 Independence Celebrations and a Concert containing most overseas Acts is set for the same time so it will be a MUST time to be in Samoa. If your Choir is interested please reply to this Invitation and we will send you the details. Cheers Deacon Eves-President.
Erik
31 May 2011
Please..is anyone able to translate this samoan song to english? It is found in the samoan hymn book - pese 291. Le maota i le lagi. I would forever be grateful if i can get the translation.