12:24 PM |
31 May 2010 Media Statement
Talofa Lava Samoan Language Week!
Labour's spokesperson for Pacific Island Affairs, Luamanuvao Winnie Laban, today launched a programme at Statistics New Zealand celebrating Samoan Language Week.
Samoans are the largest Pacific Island group in New Zealand, accounting for 49 per cent of Pacific Islanders in New Zealand. Along with English and Maori, Samoan is one of the three most used languages in New Zealand.
60 per cent of Samoans living here were born here, and they are generally a young population.
"Of the Samoans born in New Zealand, fewer can speak Samoan fluently than those who emigrated here from Samoa. That is why initiatives like Samoan Language Week are so important," Winnie Laban said.
"Multi-lingualism gives huge cultural and educational benefits, and this is not only true for Samoan children, but for Palagi and others as well.
"As a New Zealand born Samoan, I am incredibly proud of both of my cultures and it is good that we New Zealanders celebrate our identity as peoples of the Pacific and say TALOFA this week.
"Samoa celebrates its 48th Independence Day tomorrow, and it is important to remember the special relationship between our two nations, made all the stronger last year after the devastating Tsunami.
"I would like to acknowledge the work of my colleague Su'a William Sio, MP for Mangere, in working with all parties to support the use of the Samoan language in Parliament this week, and everyone else who has worked hard in organising events for the week around the country.
"I would also like to congratulate Samoa, who have made history by winning the IRB Sevens World Series for the first time.
Contact: Winnie Laban 027 270 9041
<<PRLabourTalofaMay31.doc>>
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pacific islands media association
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aotearoa, new zealand
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