PR – Deputy Prime Minister Fonotoe Pierre Lauofo has been elected Chairman for the Third Oceania 21 Leaders' Summit to be held in Noumea in 2015.

His election followed Second Oceania Summit, which took place in Noumea from 29 June – 2 July 2014.

The Oceania 21 Summit originally established in 2012 as the (Pacific) "Leaders' Summit" and supported by 15 Pacific Island States and Territories, was conceived after the Rio+20 event with the aim of galvanizing Pacific support to promote sustainable development, share innovatory experiences, design joint projects and examine consequences of climate change events on the Pacific Island nations.

The initiative was instigated by the Pacific Island nations' perception of the lack of reactivity from the international community following the Copenhagen Conference, 2012, and the Warsaw Conference, 2013, leading to the conclusion that the Pacific Islands could no longer rely on other countries to take action on their behalf as the first victims of climate change.

Following this realisation, a first meeting was held in 2013 where 15 Pacific Island nations, Fiji, Kiribati, Cook Islands, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Niue, Papua New Guinea, French Polynesia, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Tokelau, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna and New Caledonia, decided to unite their voices and actions within a grouping called “OCEANIA 21” and consolidated a joint declaration entitled "Help us save Tokelau" which was consequently signed on April 27, 2013 in Noumea, New Caledonia.

The Second Oceania Summit, held in Noumea last week, brought together 22 States and Territories beyond the 15 signatory members, and illustrated the significant progress so far, thanks to Oceania 21, notably the creation in April 2014 of an "International Protected Marine Area" named the "Coral Sea Marine Park".  

The expansive, protected marine area of 1.4million km2 bordering Australia includes land terrain of several ‘Ocean 21’ nations.
Delivering his official address during the Second Summit, Fonotoe stated, "Although Samoa's contribution to global warming is insignificant, the Government of Samoa remains committed to the ideal that climate change mitigation is EVERYONE'S responsibility."

Fonotoe also spoke at length on the research and development being implemented within Samoa towards discovering alternative renewable energy sources, not only to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also to raise Samoa's energy self sufficiency and ultimately improve the quality of life for all citizens.

Samoa receives the Chairmanship from New Caledonia who held this position for the Second Summit.

Police fear human remains discovered at Gataivai last Friday are those of a youth who went missing last December.

Acting Police Commissioner Fauono Talalelei Tapu said the discovery was made by a woman from the village of Vaito’omuli.

“She was collecting peanuts with her son at Gataivai when she saw a human skeleton hanging by a white cloth,” he said.

Fauono said that the human skeleton has been brought to the National Hospital at Moto’otua.

“An investigation is still ongoing to discover the identity of the skeleton,” he said.

“However last year, a 20-year-old male from Gataivai went missing in December and up till now, he has never been found."

“We suspect that it is someone from Gataivai and we also suspect that this is the 20-year-old who went missing last year."

“We are waiting for confirmation from the hospital.”

The village of Vaimoso yesterday presented a traditional “ifoga” apology for the homes of families and the businesses that were damaged during a stone-fight last Friday night.

Business owner, Leaso Uliano Latulipe, said they were rudely awakened by the sounds of stones hitting the roof of their house that night.

Windows of the houses of these families and a business, Lober Industries, were smashed as stones thrown by the youths hit the properties.

When the fight erupted, she said they were all asleep.

Ms. Latulipe said the window of their furniture business was smashed, and a chest that was on display in the business premises was damaged as a result of the commotion.

“There were about 30 of them running and yelling down the road while throwing stones at our properties,” she said.

She confirmed that gifts were presented by the matai who came to their home early yesterday morning to apologise for the behaviour of the youths who were involved in the stone fight.

“About 20 men, including the matai, arrived at our houses this morning to conduct the traditional apology,” she said.

“We were handed money and fine mats following the traditional apology.”

Ms. Latulipe said her family received $200 to assist with the damage to their property.

She expressed her disappointment with the behaviour of the youths.

She suggested that perhaps the cause of the commotion was a result of a dance competition finale held that same night.

“This is what I heard.  That they were jealous because they had lost the competition to the youths from Taufusi,” she said.

“However, those youths live on the other side yet they stoned our homes as if our young boys had danced at the competition.”

However, she could not confirm for sure if this was the reason behind the incident.

She suggested that these youths needed to think before they acted: “especially since their acts of showing off have the village, matai and parents bowing for their actions”.

Police had also visited their homes and the Lober Industries as part of their investigations into the incident, she said

“Police said that they have found one of the youths but would be working on finding the others – there were about 30 of them altogether,” she said.

She was happy, despite what had occurred, that no one was injured as a result of the youth’s dangerous actions.

Assistant Police Commissioner Fauono Talalelei Tapu said he had questioned his officers regarding the matter and was told that no damage had been done to the properties.

However, following a visit to the area on Saturday, Samoa Observer staff took photos of windows at Lober Industries, which suffered damage as a result of the fight.

An attempt to get a comment from the organisers of the dance competition and the village of Vaimoso yesterday before press time was unsuccessful.

PR – The Ministry of Education Sports and Culture (M.E.S.C.) is currently partnering with villages to promote sports development.

The programme is being jointly implemented by M.E.S.C., the Ministry for Women (M.W.C.S.D.) and the Ministry of Health (M.O.H.), and is being administered by M.E.S.C.’s Sports Division in a bid to develop this important goal in the selected villages.

The international cricket competition is currently underway in the villages of Matatufu, Lotofaga, Vavau, Aufaga, Lepa and Saleapaga.

The Ministry has also worked with the Samoa International Cricket in carrying out clinics for coaches and umpires in the above villages.

The villages are responsible for their own Village Competitions, to determine the teams for championship competition to be held when the individual village competitions are completed.

Last Saturday, 5 July saw the Championship competition for International Cricket for the districts of Lepa and Lotofaga.

This competition was run by the Samoa International Cricket Association and some of the six village committees that participated in the programme workshop.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture, Matafeo Tanielu Aiafi participated at the official opening, while Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi and the Assitant C.E.O. of the Sports Division, Luatua

Seumanutafa Semi Epati presented the prizes before close of day.

Trophies and all the prizes were provided by the Sports Division Samoa Sports for Development and the Cup for Overall Championship and other prizes were provided by the International Cricket Association.

This same programme is being implemented in the big island of Savaii.

Scoop - With 20 years’ experience under her belt, Diabetes Nurse Specialist Lupesiliva ‘Lupe’ Tu’ulua is now able to prescribe for her patients.

Lupe has become the first Diabetes Nurse Specialist in Canterbury to gain accreditation to prescribe medications in diabetes health and is also one of a handful of Pacific Island nurses around the country who have gained prescribing rights.

“It just made sense to me to be able to do this as I saw so many benefits,” Lupe says.

“Most importantly it saves the patients’ time; it also saves the nurses’ and doctors’ time – it is common sense. It’s just better for everyone.”

Lupe, who first came to Christchurch on a nursing scholarship from Samoa in the late 1970s, started specialising in diabetes nursing in the 1990s when a position for a part-time Pacific Island Diabetes Nurse was first created in Canterbury.

“At the time I put my hand up because the role worked in well with having young children,” she says.

“Then as my children got older and I learned more about the disorder and gained more experience, I increased my hours.”

“I could see a real need to help people particularly those from the Pacific community with managing this disorder.”

Polynesian people, both Maori and Pacific Island, have the highest rates of type 2 diabetes in the country and rates have increased significantly in the last decade.

“It is very scary to see how many people and families in the Pacific Island community are affected by diabetes,” Lupe says.

“So I think it’s really important we continue to educate our communities about the risk factors and help those already diagnosed to manage the condition.”

Allowing diabetes nurses the ability to prescribe is another step towards the health system providing care that is timely and more convenient for the patients.

This new law came into effect in 2011 and means diabetes nurses have the right to prescribe once they had met certain requirements.

At the time Lupe indicated she wanted to sign up for gaining this accreditation but an administrative hiccup and several earthquakes in between interrupted the process.

Sheer determination and a commitment to fulfilling her obligations to gain the accreditation saw Lupe get the process underway again in July 2013.

“In July 2013 the Diabetes Service Manager at the time set up a meeting with three diabetes specialist nurses wanting to go down that path and two diabetes specialists willing to provide the necessary clinical mentoring,” Lupe says.

“Two of the nurses were ready to start on the ‘prescribing journey’ so we were able to pair up the two doctors and the two nurses. I nominated Dr Peter Moore to be my supervisor.”

“But it almost became 11th hour stuff. I had to really drive it because I could see lots of benefits for the patients that I see on a daily basis.”

“There were more hiccups and challenges along the way but I persevered. I couldn’t have done it without the help of Dr Peter Moore”.

A Diabetes Nurse working towards gaining prescribing rights requires a supervising doctor who works with people with diabetes.

The supervising doctor is required to be positive and supportive of the nurse prescribing project.

To facilitate the process with minimal disruption to the doctor, Lupe did most of the hard work behind the scenes before presenting it to Dr Moore in their scheduled meeting times.

“I found that Dr Moore upheld his part of the deal and I am grateful for his commitment in doing so,” she says.

Dr Peter Moore says with the rapidly escalating number of people developing diabetes in the community it is never going to be possible for diabetes specialists to be directly involved with every individual.

“Increasingly care will be provided in general practice and community settings with a need for more specialist nurses to support the primary care teams. Nurse prescribers will play an increasing role,” Dr Moore says.

“When the other side (of Parliament) wants a chance (to address the House) they should be given that. It’s the same with our side when we ask for an opportunity; we should be given that chance too”

Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, has rubbished claims from the Opposition that the Speaker of the House is being influenced by the government.

Speaking during his weekly press conference last week, Tuilaepa said such “weak” claims are unfounded. Tuilaepa was asked for a comment following claims by the Opposition that the government has too much influence on the Speaker’s decision making.

Tuilaepa rejected this.

“Your independency is reflected by the decisions you make,” Tuilaepa said. “When you sit on the (Speaker’s) chair, that is when you become independent with the decisions you make.”

As the Speaker, the Prime Minister explained that both sides of Parliament should be able to access him.

“When the other side (of Parliament) wants a chance (to address the House) they should be given that. It’s the same with our side when we ask for an opportunity; we should be given that chance too."

“Now, when someone cries out for an opportunity and you don’t offer it, then that’s wrong.”

Tuilaepa also dismissed criticisms from the Opposition that he should not be talking to the Speaker during Parliament breaks.

“I talk to anyone,” Tuilaepa said. “I don’t know where they come up with all these weak claims.”

Last week, the former Speaker of the House, A’eau Peniamina Leavaise’eta questioned the relationship between the Prime Minister and the Speaker.

In the wake of the Constitutional amendment in relation to the appointment of the Speaker, A’eau said the Speaker should not only be seen to be independent but he should also distance himself from political “infection”.

He was particularly concerned about the Prime Minister’s habit of “having tea inside the Speaker’s chamber”. “When Parliament is on break that is the only time that members can talk to the Speaker with any problems they have. But that can’t be done when all his time is taken by the Prime Minister.”

Leader Palusalue Fa’apo II backed up his Deputy.

But he was more specific on the change of the appointment of the Speaker.

“Its independency will no longer exist,” said Palusalue.

He explained that the amendment should prohibit the Speaker appointed from being part of any political meeting.

This way, Palu said; it would ensure he/she is not influenced by the members and leaders of that political party.

Salega M.P. Afualo Dr Wood Salele agreed with A’eau and Palusalue.

“The main aim is for the Speaker to uphold his integrity and independency,” he said.

“He shouldn’t be infected from any political party’s decision. He has the supreme power in Parliament, higher than the Prime Minister but we fear that the amendment will take that away.”

Afualo also suggested that the Speaker should be appointed through a petition signed by members of the public.

Contacted for a comment last week, Speaker La’aulialemalietoa Polataivao Fosi was not immediately available.  His secretary said La’auli was busy with an in-country regional meeting but she will contact the Samoa Observer when he is free.

Students studying under the CISCO programme at the National University of Samoa (N.U.S) held their graduation yesterday.

More than 55 graduates received certificates in front of parents, families and friends who came to witness the special occasion.

Reverend Muao Fagasua, of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa at Vaitele Uta, opened the ceremony with a prayer.

“Try your best and never give up,” he said. “Do your best to serve your families and your country.”

Vice Chancellor of N.U.S, Professor Fui Asofou So’o congratulated the graduates.

According to Fui, the programme started out with 80 students, however, only 57 managed to graduate.

Professor Fui acknowledged the improvements within the CISCO programme.

“Just last month,” he said, “the N.U.S CISCO Academy received a special award in the Pacific in recognition of 10 years of partnership between the N.U.S Cisco Academy and the Global Cisco Academy and keeping with high standards in the Pacific since its establishment.

“You have made our University proud and we hope that more students will join in years to come.”

THE GRADUATES
Certificate in I.T.E
Justin Asuao, Norman Niue Faamasino, Danmar Fatifua, Sikotilani Iakopo, Tyler Kwan, Alotu Faasavala Lam, Alatise Taatiti, Maria Makerita Tapusoa, Ropati Tauiliili, Ne’emia Paulo, Clyde Simamao, Glovanui Mareko, Lawrence Nickel, Edwin Sheppard, Eddie Gato, Petelo Mariner, Sosaia Lotu, Scopa To’oala, Junior Mapu, Deborah Selesele, Maximillian Pielasinski, Junior Maeata’anoa Valoia, Manatualealofa Talataina, Falepesega Pai, Saving Grace Amituanai, Gloria Fruean, Allamanda Amy Leauma, Maranata Leiataualesa, Nofoaluma Malaeulu Lemoa, Michael Leota, Keleni Tafunai, Willie Palate, Luteru Setu, Henry Fruean, Rudolf Nauer, Margret Sootaga

 Certificate in CCNA 1
Siaaiafiti Tolai, Ituaualicelovely Uele, Asona Ieriko, Saumafana Kotimano Uili, Ulalopa Tupa’I, Peter Ah Sam, Shalom Maiava, Alexander Ah Poe , Malua Solinu’u

CCNA2
Iafeta Iese, Tovia Ta’ateo, Egbert Kelly, Kinania Paenoa, Emmanuel Lemoa, Christopher Taioalo, Ioane Ioane, Tauaai Wells

CCNA 3
Ierusalema Anitele’a, Milo Asi, Sam Paniani, Wakiek Pouono

Hundreds of members of the Worship Centre Christian Church are gathering at Matautu this week.

They are taking part in their annual Holy Ghost Conference being held at the Apia Park Gymnasium.

Speaking to the Samoa Observer yesterday, Pastor Fialua Tito said this is the ninth year since they began the Holy Ghost conferences.

“This conference is designed to be ‘Samoa for Samoa’,” he said.  

"Some of our churches in New Zealand, Australia and other countries will also have the same conference but with different dates depending on the availability of Pastor Viliamu Mafo’e."

“With this conference, anyone is invited. It’s not just for our church members but it’s for everyone who wants to take part.”

He explained that the goal is to develop everyone into Christ-like maturity through the Word and the Work of the Holy Spirit.

“Looking back, we praise God,” he said. “Looking ahead we trust Him.”

“We continue to serve the Master humbly and faithfully alongside other Christian churches with one goal and that is to extend His Kingdom.”

“All glory and honour to Him. He started it and continues to fulfill His purpose, we are just more than amazed by His works.”

One participant, Talio Fatatili, said he is from a different denomination but he took the opportunity to hear the word of God.

 “In this day and age, when very little is said about the Holy Spirit, and what is said is so twisted, you have put together a strong understanding of the person and work of the Spirit of God.”

“Honestly, anyone can benefit from this conference. I thank Pastor Viliamu, I am looking forward to sharing what I’ve learnt with my family.”

Toliai Tinai from Vaitele-Fou said that her understanding of the conference is that “God is still knocking.”

“God wants everyone to be saved, not just some select group of people, but all people.”

Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, is delighted with the news that there is a “possibility” the All Blacks will play in Apia next July.

The news was revealed last weekend by the Chief Executive Officer of the New Zealand Rugby Union (N.Z.R.U), Steve Tew.

Speaking to Radio Australia, Tuilaepa said he is still awaiting official confirmation.

“But I have seen the C.E.O of the Union (N.Z.R.U) speak over the television and the news item is most welcomed,” Tuilaepa said.

“They’ve even named a date which is next year, about July.”

The Prime Minister, who is also the Chairman of the Samoa Rugby Union, said the visit is long overdue.

“The whole country of a hundred and eighty thousand people in this paradise in the center of the Pacific are all excited about the proposed match,” he said.

“We have made a lot of compliments about the way the Pacific play and it is ridiculous that our closest neighbours, Australia and New Zealand, have not played a match in our respective capitals.”

The Prime Minister commends the management of the All Blacks “and I hope the Wallabies will do likewise.”

Last Sunday, a statement from Mr Tew confirmed the All Blacks’ intentions.

“We have had positive initial conversations with the IRB and our partner Air New Zealand, who have committed early support to the prospect of taking the All Blacks to Samoa,” Mr Tew said.

 “It is fair to say that at 2015 Test is a possibility…”

Mr Tew, however, would not commit to a time and date.

“Until we’ve worked through those important aspects, we’re not in a position to confirm anything beyond it remains our desire for the All Blacks to play in Samoa.”

Australian High Commissioner, Sue Langford, visited Salamumu Primary School last week as part of the Literacy Week.

She was among a host of prominent diplomats, government and community leaders who took time from their busy schedules to read to students as part of the Leading in Reading programme

Each leader was assigned a school that they had to read to with a selected author.

The aim of the Reading day was for leaders to encourage students to become avid readers as they prepare to lead Samoa in  the future.

The organisers of programme wanted to instil the love of reading in the children because once they are avid readers, the sky is the limit.

Forum Economic
Ministers Meeting.
Cabinet approved the participation by Samoa at the Forum Economic Ministers and Associated Officials Meeting in Honiara, Solomon Islands on 8 – 11 July 2014.

The meeting will discuss challenges to Pacific countries’ economic developments, including:
• Broadening the economic base;
• Public financial management;
• Funds to assist with impacts of climate change.

Samoa’s delegation includes the Associate Minister for Finance, Tuisa Tasi Patea; Central Bank Governor, Maiava Atalina Enari; Chief

Executive Officer Ministry for Finance, Tupaimatuna Iulai Lavea; Assistant Chief Executive Officers Lae Siliva and Benjamin Pereira.
 

OPUS gets contract for Leonē Bridge

Cabinet has awarded the consultancy contract to OPUS International Consultants Ltd for design and supervision services, for reconstruction of Leonē Bridge which was severely damaged when Tropical Cyclone Evan struck Samoa in December 2012.

The tender was advertised for public interest, and nine (9) companies submitted applications of bids.

The Tender Board conducted an assessment on the bids according to the Consultant Qualification Selection method, before a recommendation was tabled before Cabinet for the final decision.

Govt. awards E.P.C contract  

Cabinet has approved the contract awarded to MWH New Zealand Ltd, a hydro consulting firm, to assist the Electric Power Corporation to implement rehabilitation of three existing hydro plants damaged during Cyclone Evan and construction of three new hydro plants under the Renewable Energy Development and Power Sector Rehabilitation Project.

The tender was advertised for public interest, and six (6) companies submitted applications.

An assessment was conducted according to the set criteria before a recommendation was submitted to Cabinet for the final decision.
 
Ott Transport gets contract for Faleata

Cabinet has approved the contracts awarded to Ott Transport for variation works to reseal and rehabilitate roads in Faleata.  These roads are Vaitele Industrial Road, Vaitele Uta Road, Olasina Street, Oli Street and Papaseea Road.

The works include resealing with asphalt concrete and repainting of the centreline and edge lines.  These variations are part of the preparations for the upcoming SIDS meeting.

The frequent breakdown of traffic lights throughout Apia is a cause of concern to motorists who are already looking at increased vehicles on the road in the coming months.

Taumaoe Taunu’uga of Lotopa was among people who are saying that fixing the traffic lights before the Small Island Developing States (S.I.D.S.) conference in September is a must.

Taumaoe is addressing his concerns to the Land Transport Authority (L.T.A).

“It’s almost daily that one set of those traffic lights goes out especially in the afternoon,” he said.

“Some people don’t care about this  but for a father like myself who wakes up every morning to take my children to school, I believe there should be something done about it.”

“Then there are others who travel through the busy traffic every morning to work who feel we must do something about it.”

“If the machines that run the traffic lights don’t work properly or are old, we can use other systems because we are also talking about people’s lives.”

Another complainant is Tavita Lolomasei, of Vaitele Fou.

“I am a driver of nearly twenty years and changes in Samoa are happening so fast,” he said.

“Almost every family has a car in Samoa so when the lights are often not working, it is something that should be dealt with straight away.”

“I’d prefer to bring back those policemen who directed traffic in the middle of the road like in the olden days and take off those traffic lights that the government spent millions and millions of dollars on.”

“What a waste of money! It seems like these new changes in Samoa like traffic lights don’t last more than five years.”

Asked for a comment, the Chief Executive Officer of L.T.A. Leasi Vainalepa Galuvao said, “…with the traffic lights, this is very sensitive equipment and any power outage or power fluctuation will render them out of service.”

“They are programmed to start automatically when the power comes on again and is stable.”

“However, this function (automatic power on) is limited so once a certain number of auto start ups is reached.....the system goes into safety mode and the relevant personnel need to come in and reset (and check) the system.”

“It was written because of my own personal experience, the shared personal experiences of so many other Samoan friends both male and female. It was like, so many people are talking about it but nobody is doing something about it”

Six little ducks are about to open minds about what’s happening behind closed doors.

E Ono Tama’i Pato -”six little ducks” - tells the story of Samoan women and their children who have experienced abuse in their homes and how they deal or don’t deal with it.

A group of six women are staging a playreading at Mangere Arts Centre this week.

Writer Maureen Fepuleai Harvey says the script was written so people could have a voice.

“It was written because of my own personal experience, the shared personal experiences of so many other Samoan friends both male and female.”

“It was like, so many people are talking about it but nobody is doing something about it.”

“I had suffered in silence for nearly 40 years. This was my opportunity to find my voice and hopefully, provide a voice for so many others like me.”

The script was written in 2010. Fepuleai entered it into the 2011 Adam New Zealand Play Awards and went on to win the award for the best new play by a Pasifika playwright.

The six women agreed to be a part of the playreading for free as a fundraising event for the Samoan Victim Support Group.

They are not professional actors but women with a passion for doing the right thing for their children and their our community.

Primary school teacher Mataniu Magalei says the reaction to the playreading has been mixed.

“It had a strong reaction with a lot of praise but also some not so good, as culturally it’s something you don’t do.”

“And the fact that the voice is stronger as it comes from six points of view, not just one person. It’s on the table now - it’s something that is no longer hidden, it’s got a voice.”

School counsellor Mele Lopasi Latu says she’s taking part because it will help her engage with families she is working with.

“With this playread it helps me realise how the victim is feeling and how I can help the victim with the underlying issues.”

Probation officer Adelaide Ta’ala always wanted to do something to speak out.

“At first I said no because it was out of my comfort zone, not just acting but with something this serious.”

“Deep down inside I really wanted to do it because I am a victim myself. This was my opportunity to support victims out there who don’t know how to ask for help.”

Fepuleai’s daughter Destiny Fruean has been there from the start to support her playread.

“When mum approached me to be in this one I thought why not? I have been there from the start.”

“I like being a part of this, being a voice bringing this taboo subject into our community and making them aware.”

Fepuleai’s script had been gathering dust but it came to life when the women came together and started reading.

“They were real people, they weren’t thinking of all the technicalities of voices, they just read,” she says.

The sixth duck in the playread is Elena Olive.

All funds raised from the night will go to Samoa Victim Support.

World War I is often called the crucible of our national identity.

Anzacs and Gallipoli we know.

But New Zealand’s invasion of Samoa?

Not so much, as it turns out, but more on that later.

First, here’s some history.

On 29 August 1914, three weeks after war broke out in Europe, 1,385 troops of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force landed at Apia and seized Samoa from German control, at Britain’s request. Samoa was the second German territory to be captured after Togoland in Africa.

New Zealand ran up the flag and stayed until Samoa’s independence in 1962.

Among the bad times under New Zealand rule were the 1918 influenza epidemic which killed 8,500 Samoans and the Mau massacre in 1929, wrongs for which New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark offered a formal apology in 2002.

Auckland University’s head of Pacific Studies Damon Salesa said Samoa was where World War I began for New Zealand.

And setting aside the terrible casualties in Europe and the Middle East, he believed it was the actions from that war which had left the most enduring legacy for both countries.

Samoan actions of 100 years ago reflected in Auckland today.

Imagine New Zealand, Auckland and even the All Blacks today without that relationship. More than 140,000 Samoans live in this country.

Auckland is the world’s largest Samoan city where Samoan is the second most spoken language after English.

An introduction to this “little known part of our shared history” is on now at the Auckland War Memorial Museum, the first of the museum’s WW100 centenary commemorations.

Entangled Islands - Samoa, New Zealand and World War I was “quite tricky” to put together, said the exhibition’s designer, Janneen Love.

Because there is no definitive history and because many visitors will come with their own intimate family knowledge of events, the museum’s taken a deliberately different approach of presenting many perspectives instead of a unified story.

And it’s asking visitors add what they know through postcards, Twitter and Facebook.

Alongside documents, photos, weapons and uniforms there are accounts from New Zealand soldiers and nurses, Samoan soldiers, and German families from Samoa interned on Auckland’s Motuihe island.

There are recordings of the writer Albert Wendt talking about his family ties to the Mau movement and of Mele Ioelu, now 103 and living in Auckland, about the influenza epidemic.

The last item in the exhibition is an Auckland Blues jersey. Janneen Love said it summed up how actions 100 years ago in Samoa are reflected in the Auckland of today.

“In the ‘70s there would have been two Samoan rugby players perhaps playing for Auckland. Now you look at the team, it could just be a Samoan team perhaps.”

Most NZers don’t know about the capture of Samoa.

So how much do New Zealanders actually know about the capture of Samoa? More than three-quarters don’t know about it at all, according to a survey for the Ministry of Culture and Heritage.

Only 26 percent of more than 4,000 New Zealanders surveyed in 2012 about their knowledge of World War I knew about it.

Awareness was much higher among Pacific people, topping out at 72 percent among those of Samoan descent.

Damon Salesa believes most Samoans know it happened, but perhaps not some of the detail - like there were Samoan soldiers fighting for both sides, for the Allies and the Kaiser.

Displayed right next to the Blues jersey is Siliga David Setoga’s Mau t-shirt, showing the Samoan chief Lauaki who led the first Mau movement against the Germans.

The artist said there was a “huge group” of Samoans born and raised here who didn’t know who Lauaki was and he said it was time for Samoan churches to start teaching that history because the New Zealand education system couldn’t be relied on to do it.

According to the Ministry of Culture and Heritage survey, most New Zealanders see the Great War as having shaped our national identity and, in particular, the special Anzac relationship between New Zealand and Australia.

Awareness is higher among New Zealand Europeans, Maori and Pacific people and lowest among Asian and “new” New Zealanders.

On one hand, it’s understandable that New Zealanders of Samoan descent should know more about what happened in Samoa. And European New Zealanders and those born in Europe would know more about the European battles.

On the other hand, how can a national identity forged a century ago renew itself without a shared knowledge of that seminal event? And in a population being changed significantly by immigration, much of it from countries unaware of New Zealand’s Great War?

As the survey noted, New Zealanders’ understanding of World War I is limited to a few basic facts and there are “clear opportunities to expand knowledge”.

In terms of the relationship with Samoa, at least, the Entangled Islands exhibition at the Auckland Museum would be a good place to start.

It’s on until February 2015.

Special Olympic Samoa athletes were treated on Monday night by Samoa’s Apollo Cinemas to a personal viewing of the inspiring movie How to Train your Dragon 2. 

The storyline was fitting for the athletes as they prepared for Tuesdays athletics carnival.  

The Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority were again the backbone of the event providing transport for the athletes and coaches.

While enjoying donated drinks and popcorn many of the athletes and coaches identified with the main character Hiccup as he overcomes his fears and unites people to stand up for what they believe while recognising that only together do they have the power to change the future.  

Chief Executive of Special Olympics Samoa, Tusitina Nu’uvali said: “For Special Olympics athletes, this is exactly what the National

Games is for them, overcoming the barriers of their impairments and showcasing their true abilities.”

Ms Nu’uvali went onto say; “We could not have given the athletes these experiences without the support of the Apollo management and FESA officers.”

Tuesday was day two of the Special Olympic National Games and it was an opportunity to see the athletes excel in the five events they competed in,  Long Jump, Shot Put, 400m, 200m & 100m Sprints.  

The athletes were separated into three age brackets, Juniors, Intermediate and Senior Men’s and Women’s divisions.

The competitions were modified slightly to cater for the various abilities.  To support athletes with hearing impairments the officials dropped a flag at the same time as firing the starter’s gun in the running races.  

Likewise, during the Shot Put event, athletes with physical impairments used a lighter Put so that they could still compete.

VIEW RESULTS HERE

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration, Masinalupe Tusipa Masinalupe, has rejected reports that a warrant of arrest has been issued against the Associate Minister of Trade, Muagututagata Peter Ah Him.

Contrary to media reports, Masinalupe clarified during an interview with the Samoa Observer yesterday that although the Associate Minister faces new charges, there is no warrant for his arrest.

Masinalupe, however, confirmed that the Associate Minister was expected to appear in Court on Monday to face charges of theft and misappropriation of funds in relation to a company called Grand Ocean Industries (Samoa) Ltd.

Muagututagata is apparently a former business partner of the Chinese-owned company, engaged in the development of solar power in Samoa.

According to Masinalupe; the matter was heard before the Supreme Court in the absence of a Judge.

“A [deputy] registrar had called the matter in Court but he [Muagututagata] didn’t appear,” said Masinalupe.

The Registrar then adjourned the matter to Monday 14 July for it to be heard before a Judge. He added that the file of Muagututagata’s case indicates that the reason for the adjournment was due to the “unavailability of the court.”

“So there was no warrant issued,” he said.

Masinalupe explained that the unavailability of the Court to hear the matters scheduled that day was because the Judges and Court staff members were attending the “opening of the Family Law Forum” hosted by the U.N. Women.

He also confirmed that Muagututagata’s absence in Court that day was because the Court had contacted the Associate Minister’s lawyer to inform them about what was happening.

According to the Chief Executive Officer, the Associate Minister, after hearing media reports, visited his office the following day on Tuesday to tell him that his lawyer had already been warned that the Court was not available to hear the matter.

Documents obtained by the Samoa Observer show that the Chinese-owned company which laid the complaint against Muagututagata are his former business partners.

Grand Ocean Industries (Samoa) Ltd that was registered as a Samoan company on 7 November 2012. Muagututagata’s involvement in the company is a result of his being the local shareholder.

Company documents on-line indicated the M.P. owned 10 per cent of the shares while the company’s other two directors are listed in company records as Chinese businessmen Tao-yu Chang, with 70 shares, and Fang Hui, with 20 shares.

Prior to this, Muagututagata had faced another civil matter involving the same company in relation to unpaid invoices and an unpaid land lease.

Not one person has expressed interest about moving into the $600,000 office paid for by taxpayers’ money and built upon instructions from the former Minister of Finance, Faumuina Tiatia Liuga.

The office located on the top floor of the Samoa National Provident Fund (S.N.P.F) Plaza remains empty, despite widespread advertisements calling for expressions of interest.

Yesterday, S.N.P.F.’s Corporate Manager, Tagaloasa Uili Matafeo, confirmed that no one has expressed interest in the luxurious office.

He said the space has been empty since Faumuina’s resignation as a Cabinet Minister earlier this year.

He also reconfirmed that the man who has been appointed the Minister of Public Enterprises, Lautafi Fio Purcell, “didn’t want the office.”

Tagaloasa suggested that perhaps the major reason behind Lautafi shying away from renting the space for an office is due to “the publicity” associated with it during Faumuina’s time as a Minister.

“It is better to ask him why he didn’t want to rent the space,” he added.

Lautafi couldn’t be reached for a comment yesterday.

According to Tagalosa, the space is better suited as an office rather than a space for a business.

“It is still there for anyone that wants it,” said Tagaloasa.

The Minister made headlines when the office was “redesigned” and toilets and a bathroom were pushed back to make room for more office space, with a price tag of $600,000 for the renovations.

When Faumuina resigned in Parliament, he argued that the amount of $600,000 included tax, “which is confusing many people, as it was an asset improvement by some 29,000 active members of the Fund.”

“Now if there are 6 members of a family of one contributor, it means that some 174,000 people will benefit from this investment,” he said.

“The cost of the Office of the Minister was $28 per sqft, inclusive of the Office of the Associate Minister and other offices of the staff.

“The Office of Special Assistant to the Minister, 2 Secretaries, Driver and Office Cleaner/Tea Lady."

“The Associate Ministers, who are shadow Ministers for the future should be exposed to their ministerial duties so by the time they are appointed as ministers, their work performance as leaders has become natural and practical.”

Yesterday when the Samoa Observer visited the S.N.P.F Plaza, a security guard sat in front, blocking the entrance to the office.

An Australian Catholic College, with four years of history with the Fiamalamalama School of the Intellectually Handicapped, visited the Alafua-based school on Wednesday.

Principal of Fiamalamalama, Sharon Suhren, welcomed the students from Victoria Bendigo Catholic College, whom she says are special friends of their school.

“Every time they [Bendigo] come, they bring things to help with the school,” Ms Suhren said.

The relationship between the two schools was made possible through St Joseph’s College. A teacher at St Joseph’s College had apparently made the connection between the two schools.

Since then the relationship has flourished over the years.

Maria Slater is the leader of the 16-member Bendigo Group.

The tour is designed with the goal of achieving social justice, cultural and faith emersion, and she says the trip is also about experiencing the Samoan culture and way of life.

This is the eighth year they have visited Samoa. Bendigo Catholic College is a school of 2,000 students.

Good sportsmanship was the highlight of the Special Olympics Samoa Football Day, hosted by Football Federation Samoa (FFS) at Apia Park yesterday.

Thirteen teams put their best foot forward and competed for first place in the wet conditions.

The inclusive nature of the games even saw teams share players with their opponents when it was required.

The athletes had their game faces on and showed off their football skills, eager to score a goal and make it through to the next round.

For the young females it was a chance to impress the selection committee before the 2015 World Games.

Senese was competitive finishing with the bronze medal and eager to compete in future soccer tournaments. The grand final was a close one, however Lepa Lotofaga came out as winners, defeating Loto Taumafai 1-0 in overtime.

SOS National Director Tusitina Nu'uvali speaks highly of the Football Federation Samoa’s contribution to the National Games.

“The FFS referees and volunteers come in full force to help out with our National Games. Not only did they bring their technical skills to the table, they also always have a positive attitude towards the athletes. I am thankful for Football Federation Samoa’s support – they have set the precedent and are a role model for other sporting organisations in Samoa”.

FFS CEO Sarai Bareman echoed the same sentiments about the partnership. “Football Federation Samoa are huge supporters of Special Olympics and it is a great privilege for us to be involved in their National Games. One of the greatest things about football is that it does not discriminate. It was truly a pleasure to watch the games today and especially to note the huge improvement in the skill level of the players since the first National Games in 2012”.

The FFS will continue to support the Special Olympic Monthly Games program throughout the remainder of 2014 and will be selecting a Women’s team to compete in the World Special Games in Los Angeles next year.

There is no doubt that the team spirit and determination of the athletes stood out during the SOS Football Day. SOS Sports Co-ordinator To’omata Walterlee Imo gleefully summed up the spirit of the games saying “At the end of the day, everyone who participated was a winner.”

He was the first Samoan and Pasifika person to conduct the N.Z. Symphony Orchestra and the Manukau Symphony Orchestra.

Popular Samoan musician, Matatumua Opeloge Ah Sam, is in Samoa.

At Sails Restaurant last night, Matatumua featured as part of its Jazz Special.

The special included a dialogue interview between Matatumua and Peta Si’ulepa as part of the build up to the Inaugural Samoana Jazz & Arts Festival in November 2014.

Matatumua is a Samoan born Composer, Conductor and Pianist.

He was the first Samoan and Pasifika person to conduct the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and the Manukau Symphony Orchestra.

He has also performed as a pianist for many events such as the AFL Grand Final show, the Melbourne Cup festival, Auckland-Mission Bay Jazz Festival and for Her Royal Highness Princess Anne.

He is currently teaching at Kristin School in Auckland and studying to complete a Phd in Music Composition at the N.Z. School of Music.

Matatumua is working on several projects that include collaborations with Painters, Film, Poets, Dance and with his own show called MUSIKA which will premiere in Auckland in November later this year.

His passion is helping young people who love music explore music and enjoy music as a career choice and way of life.