Story: Samoans

Fale at Auckland University

Fale at Auckland University

The second largest fale (traditionally styled Pacific meeting house) in the southern hemisphere was opened at the University of Auckland in 2004. Its construction was initiated by the director of the university’s Centre of Pacific Studies, Melani Anae, shown here in front of the new building. In developing the $6 million project she teamed up with the prominent Samoan writer and academic, Albert Wendt. Samoans have been successful in New Zealand society, especially in the entertainment, business and education sectors. By 2001 more than 2,000 New Zealand Samoans held university degrees, and at both Victoria University of Wellington and the University of Auckland there were flourishing programmes in Samoan language and culture.

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How to cite this page:

Lupematasila Melani Anae, 'Samoans - Life in New Zealand', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/1571/fale-at-auckland-university (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Lupematasila Melani Anae, published 8 Feb 2005, reviewed & revised 7 Sep 2022 with assistance from  Lupematasila Melani Anae