Culture
Samoa Hosts Teachers Conference for Teaching Gagana Samoa in Aotearoa
By Jeannie Penehuro/
Apia, SAMOA – 9 July 2026 – Samoa is hosting this week the 34th annual meeting of the Society of Teachers who teach the Samoa language in Aotearoa New Zealand.
With the acronym FAGASA that stands for Fa’alaopotopotoga Mo Le Ao’ao’ina O Le Gagana Samoa i Aotearoa, where the Gagana Samoa is included in various curriculums across the country.
The Society is registered under the umbrella of State-Owned Enterprises in New Zealand.
It is not the first time FAGASA has met and consulted with the Ministry of Education and Culture and the Samoa Language Commission in nurturing and developing the Samoan language both in Samoa and New Zealand.
FAGASA’s objectives are to uphold, revive, and promote the teaching of Gagana Samoa in Aotearoa.
The Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioo opening the FAGASA 34th annual meeting.
In opening the meeting, the Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioo said there is an important link between the objectives of FAGASA and that of the Samoa Language Commission – to nurture and develop and maintain the Samoan language.
Mulipola then quoted from the distinguished Samoan educator and scholar, the late Aino Dr. Fanaafi Le Tagaloa who said that “without language, there is no culture, and without culture, there will be no country.”
FAGASA Objectives:
- To follow Samoan heritage and build strong partnerships based on the Treaty of Waitangi.
- To support and promote the Samoan language so it becomes part of New Zealand’s languages.
- To follow and respect the standards set by its founding members.
The conference highlights the ongoing efforts to keep the Samoan language alive and strong in New Zealand, celebrating cultural heritage and education.
The Ministry of Education and Culture welcomed the FAGASA delegates in an Ava Ceremony.
The Ministtry of Education & Culture performing the Ava Ceremony to welcome the FAGASA delegates.