Samoan culture on show

Samoan culture will enjoy the spotlight in Rotorua this weekend.
As part of Samoan Language Week from June 1 to 7, there will be a celebration tomorrow to recognise Samoan achievements and contributions, encourage young people to embrace their culture and teach them about healthier lifestyles.
The Rotorua event's organiser Chris Simanu said there were many events being held around the country for Samoan Language Week.
He said usually the week is celebrated in Wellington at the Beehive, but this year there were numerous events including the one in Rotorua.
"The aim is to very much promote the language," Mr Simanu said.
He said very few second and third generation New Zealand-born Samoans could speak the language fluently, and young people needed to be encouraged to embrace their culture and learn the language.
Mr Simanu said various dignitaries would be coming to Rotorua, including the Samoan High Commissioner, Human Rights Commissioner Joris de Bres, a representative from the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs, Rotorua MP Todd McClay, Reverend Lale Ulugia and people from Wellington, Auckland and Waikato.
The Rotorua celebration is also commemorating the independence of Samoa in 1962.
The afternoon will start with a church service, followed by the Samoan national anthem and a Samoan greeting ceremony.
There will be performances from the Rotorua Girls' High School and Rotorua Boys High School Pacific Island group and presentations from dignitaries, followed by a presentation of Champion Awards to two Samoan sports entities.
Mr Simanu said these awards were to give pride to young Samoans.
To promote healthier lifestyles, there will be healthy refreshments provided including a lot of fruit.
Mr Simanu said everyone is welcome to come to the free event.
"Non-Samoans can come to see a snapshot of the culture itself."
He hoped the event would bring the Rotorua Samoan community together.
"My hopes are for the Samoan community to be more closely knit."
He thought there were about 150 Samoan families living in Rotorua.
The Samoan Language Week celebration is tomorrow from 1.30pm to 4.30pm at Rotorua Girls High School hall, 251 Old Taupo Rd.