Marton's Memorial Hall was packed to the brim on Monday as the community celebrated Samoan Independence Day.
The event was in its second year after Rangitikei mayor Andy Watson last year decided it was important to acknowledge the populated Samoan community in the region.
Mr Watson said watching the culturalperformances and seeing what this day meant to the Samoan community bought a tear to his eye.
"If you look around at all the people who have shown up today it really shows what a huge part to the community they are," he said.
The day kicked off at 8.30am at Marton Park and followed with a church service, the raising of the flag, cultural performances and social volleyball in the afternoon.
