Apia Village Welcome New Zealand CHOGM Delegation

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, Samoa – 17 October 2024 – The village of Apia welcomed part of the New Zealand delegation to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) at an Ava ceremony at the Friendship Park this evening.

Joining the delegation were members of the New Zealand Customs, Police and Navy officials who are here to assist the Samoa Police and other Government agencies in hosting CHOGM.

Apia is the host village of Aotearoa New Zealand for CHOGM and the village has already been decorated and flying the colours and Maori images in honour of their guests.

Also welcomed were students of Tauranga Intermediate School who participated in a cultural exchange with the youth of Apia village.

Leading the welcome ceremony was Reverend Dr. Latu Latai of the Congregational Christian Church of Apia (CCCA) who touched on the significance of the Ava ceremony.

“The Ava ceremony is a sacred ritual celebrating God’s grace and seeking his blessings and the tipping of the ava before consuming it and uttering the words this is your potion God O Lau ava lea le Atua – is a tribute to God and asking for his favour upon our gathering,” said Dr. Latai.

students of Tauranga Intermediate School who participated in a cultural exchange with the youth of Apia village.

The continuous bond between NZ and Samoa
The New Zealand High Commissioner to Samoa, Her Excellency Si’alei Van Toor acknowledged the village’s gesture of welcome.

“We acknowledge the warm welcome that the New Zealand delegation has received from the Apia village and the Maori and Samoan culture display we see in the flags and designs,” she said.

She noted Samoa and New Zealand’s unique relationship embodied in the Treaty of Friendship which recognises the shared history and ties between the two countries.

“In this context, New Zealand is committed to supporting Samoa in the successful hosting of CHOGM next week,” she said.

She said CHOGM 2024 is an amazing opportunity for Samoa to foster international diplomacy standing and strengthen regional, global relationships and address pressing issues from the Pacific perspective,” she said.

New Zealand’s Prime Minister and Government officials arrive next Wednesday but that has not stopped the welcoming ceremony for the delegation already on island.

Apia youth dancers reciprocating with a performance as part of the cultural exchange with their guests during CHOGM week.