Special Exhibition opens

An exhibition called ‘Entangled Islands - Sāmoa, New Zealand and the First World War’ by Auckland War Memorial Museum opened in Apia last night.

The exhibition tells the story of the shared WWI history between Sāmoa and New Zealand.

The exhibition was developed by the Museum along with leading Sāmoa historian, Assoc.

Professor Damon Salesa of the University of Auckland.

Following the conclusion of the exhibition in Auckland, the Museum has partnered with The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Museum of Sāmoa to modify the exhibition for Sāmoa.

The opening of the exhibition is part of New Zealand – Sāmoa Friendship Week. Auckland Museum has gifted the exhibition to the Museum of Sāmoa where it will be on long-term display.

Auckland Museum Director Roy Clare said that this is a great opportunity to be able to work collaboratively to share an important history.

“This is the beginning of a special friendship between Auckland Museum and the Museum of Sāmoa, and we are privileged to be able to share this exhibition with the people of Sāmoa, helping to provide a richer understanding of our shared history.”

‘Entangled Islands: Sāmoa, New Zealand and the First World War’ was Auckland Museum’s first exhibition in a series commemorating the WWI centenary. Using the many perspectives and experiences of those involved, ‘Entangled Islands’ tells the lesser-known story of New Zealand’s first action in WWI, the occupation of then German Sāmoa. “This partnership between Auckland Museum and the Museum of Sāmoa is part of the growing institutional socio-cultural relationship between our two countries, which will add a richer dimension to the identities of both nations and their communities”, says Marilyn Kohlhase, Chair of Auckland Museum’s Pacific Advisory Group.

Members of the public are invited to check out the Exhibition at the National Museum of Samoa at Malifa.