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Story: Samoans

Celebration of Samoa’s Independence Day

Celebration of Samoa’s Independence Day

On 1 January 1962, Western Samoa became independent of New Zealand. Independence Day, however, is celebrated on 1 June and this day continues to be recognised by the Samoan community in New Zealand. These Samoans in Porirua, near Wellington, dressed up for the occasion in 1990.

In June 2022, to mark 60 years of Samoan independence and 60 years of close diplomatic relations between the two countries, Samoan Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa visited New Zealand to meet her counterpart, Prime Minister Jacinda Arden. While here she also visited Hawke’s Bay, where a significant number of Samoan Recognised Seasonal Employer workers were employed in orchards and vineyards, and she was greeted with a traditional ava ceremony.

 

Using this item

Pātaka - Porirua Museum of Arts and Cultures

by Geoff Marshall

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How to cite this page

Lupematasila Melani Anae, Samoans – History and migration, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/4202/celebration-of-samoas-independence-day (accessed 4 June 2026).

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

Comments

Imeledah Wilson
11 May 2022
Why is Samoa celebrates its independent day on the 1st of June but it says Samoa independence on the 1st of January 1962?
Mema
10 May 2020
Hi thank you to whoever's captured this amazing picture. The main woman in this picture is our mother xx
marley marsh
21 June 2013
I was blessed enough to have been in beautifull samoa the week of independence. my man was proud to walk in the tatau march with heaps of alwsome people from all parts of the world.The weather was the best hot!! there was so much yummy kai but that's there even on a normal week. The people are all so caring warm kind all the entertainment was epic we had the ragga muffin 1st time in samoa all the bros preforming swizz spawn brezzie master gunga savage ub40 turned up for a 40 buk concert that was a once in a million experience had beers with them at the marina 1130 am 30 degrees kicking bk with all the raga muffin talent ub40 mai fm maori tv crew we all stayed together at the great aggie greys beautifull motel the clear crystal seas colourfull tropical fish coral reef fruits and sea food I love SAMOA ive been 3 times planning my next trip to Apia I have to send a big upz to Jackie the lady who made raga muffin happen after the concert the after party she kindly took me in to we shared the early hours in the pool at aggies drinking vodka giggling and having fun I never got to thank her for such a excellent effort put into ragga muffin Samoa . thank u samoa xoxoxo Marley Marsh.
tannah
06 June 2013
i am so proud to be a samoan. i am proud of my family that made me who i am today.......... o au oute alofa i ou matua lena faia au i lenei taimi fafetai:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :(
Nafanua Te'o
26 April 2012
Samoa's 50th Independence is coming up soon and we the locals are very excited as so much is going to happen this June.yaaayy,the celebrations are gonna be on for a whole week. HAPPY EARLY 50th INDEPENDENCE my dear Samoa.
greg
24 March 2012
What's happening in Samoa and NZ this year 2012 to mark the Independence of Samoa??
Samuel
10 September 2011
Wonderful!So great to see that international celebrations are intergrated into New Zealand!Ka Pai, Ka Pai :)
Pamela
30 June 2011
O Samoa e faavae i le Atua,e alofa lava le Atua i ona tagata ma faaumi ai pea ona tumau Samoa i luga o lenei fogaeleele..Tatou sii faatasi ai le faafetai i le Atua ua mafai e le tatou atunuu ona aulia mai le 49 o tausaga o loo tutoatasi lava ia..
SOL
01 June 2011
E lagona le agaga fa'afetai i le Atua ona ua aulia ma le manuia le 49 tausaga o le malo tuto'atasi o Samoa.
Warren
12 May 2011
Being a traveller of the South Pacific for over 20 years now, this will be my first time in Samoa and in time for the celebrations. I am very much looking forward to the experience. I have been to the 75th. birthday celebration of the previous King of Tonga and also Vanuatu Independence Day!
Martha
11 March 2011
I think thats it awesome , to continue celbrating it here in New Zealand , great festival that for 2011 we should do a huge one in remebrance of our Loved ones :)
Sian
25 February 2011
yeah go