A traditional Samoan fale, or large meeting house, is not an odd thing to see in the Islands. But one on a busy intersection in Auckland may turn some heads.
The meeting house - complete with its distinctive tall dome roof - has been built in Mangere, South Auckland, as part of a new multimillion-dollar complex belonging to the Government of Samoa.
The Pacific nation purchased the 5345sq m site a few years ago for an estimated $2.4 million, to move its main consulate-general offices from Karangahape Rd, central Auckland, closer to where the majority of its people live.
Consul-general Faolotoi Reupena Pogi said officials had been in talks about the move for many years.
"Most of our people are living in South Auckland and so the office here is inconvenient. This office [in K' Rd] was built in the days when our people were congregated in Grey Lynn and Ponsonby. It was easy access during that time, in the 70s," he said.
"It's fitting that we move the office. It'll be closer to our people and it's also something that will make them feel as if the Samoan Government is catering to their needs."
The site, on the corner of Bader Drive and Mascot Ave, is expected to be a welcome boost to the Mangere Town Centre, directly opposite, when the new consulate-general opens by about March.
The fale will have a malae (open grounds) area immediately outside and will be used for official meetings and functions. It will also be a hub for the local Samoan community and will be available for hire to community groups.
A three-storey office building and parking area will complete the complex.Vaimoana Tapaleao