Sa’ili Mālō - Seeking a Better Life: Recent Episodes
RNZ
Stories in the Samoan language told by early settlers who came to Aotearoa to seek opportunities & a better life for their families. Made possible by the RNZ/NZ On Air Innovation Fund.
Taesega never thought about leaving Samoa but in 1958 an aunty asked her to accompany her on the long sea voyage to New Zealand. Taesega didn’t have the money, so she borrowed £40 to pay her fare.
Fereni Pepe Ete QSM established the first A’oga Amata at the EFKS church in Newtown in 1985 making a huge contribution to the preschool where the Samoan language was being taught.
Dr Ali’itasi Su’a Fuimaono Tavila grew up in Samoa but was only 14 years-old when she moved to New Zealand in 1975 after winning a scholarship to attend a New Zealand school.
Masunu Tuisila arrived in New Zealand as a youth, making the journey by air with his grandmother & sister via American Samoa & Fiji before arriving in Auckland during Christmas of 1972.
Aliota left Samoa in 1966 to help his family in Samoa. He was ambitious & arrived with a strong work ethic which led him to running his own business, work at a bank & the Wellington City Council.
Tala left Samoa in 1950 and is now 90 years old, having resided in New Zealand for 70 years. She has been a trailblazer in the Pacific community.