Samoan culture centre-stage

Sabrina Wright braved the cold to demonstrate traditional dress as part of Samoan Language Week this week.

Sabrina is the Vice-President of the University of Auckland Samoan Student Association, a position she says is a great privilege.

“I’m proud to be serving my Samoan community on campus,” Sabrina says. “Throughout Samoan Language Week we are running different events to celebrate the diversity of our cultures, like Samoan food preparation and a formal dinner celebrating the pioneers of Samoan language in New Zealand.”

Sabrina herself played a starring role in a mini fashion show, held in the Fale Pasifika on Tuesday, alongside a Samoan handicraft exhibition. On Friday a celebration will be held to mark the 56th Anniversary of Samoan Independence, also at the Fale.

“I think it is imperative to celebrate Samoan Language Week as this is one of the avenues that Samoan people can explore to learn more of our language, our culture and who we are as Samoans. This is a great opportunity for us to come together and participate in events that promote the Samoan culture."

Originally from Luatuanuu, Leauvaa, Salelologa and Gataivai in Samoa, Sabrina moved to New Zealand in 2012 to pursue education, and is currently studying toward a conjoint Bachelor of Arts and Laws.

She shared some of her own favourite Samoan words:

Tautua: service

Alofa: love

“To me, this is the essence of the Samoan culture and is fundamental to any Samoan both at home and abroad. Service and love are aspects which shape our worldviews and how we relate to other cultures and people. This is service and love for our culture, our families ‘aiga’, our church and our country,” she says.