Speech
National Commemoration marking the 100th anniversary of the New Zealand Occupation of German Samoa
E nga mana, e nga reo, e nga iwi o te motu e huihui nei, tēnei aku mihi māhana ki a koutou. Le pa’ia ma le mamalu o malo fa’a-aloalo-gia; Fa’a-pea le mamalu ua aofia potopoto - talofa, talofa, talofa lava. Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen warm greetings to you all.
I specifically acknowledge: His Excellency Leasi Papali’i Tommy Scanlan, High Commissioner for Samoa; Hon Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga, Minister of Pacific Island Affairs; Hon David Cunliffe, Leader of the Opposition; His Worship the Mayor of Auckland, Len Brown; and AVM Mike Yardley, Chief of the Air Force - tēnā koutou katoa and talofa.
It is an honour to take part in these commemorations that mark the centenary of New Zealand’s seizing of German Samoa in August 1914, and to reflect on the events that took place 100 years ago and their importance for our contemporary relationship and for the future
After a one hundred year relationship, New Zealand and Samoa enjoy close ties. Some 30 New Zealand government agencies have active links with Samoa.
Our strong bonds are also reinforced by people-to-people relationships and the nearly 145,000 New Zealanders who enjoy Samoan heritage.
Samoan culture and the arts have contributed a distinctive voice to New Zealand society – and just to mention a very representative sample: opera stars Jonathan Lemalu and the members of Sole Mio; hip-hop artist King Kapisi; writer Albert Wendt; actor Oscar Kightley; film-maker Tusi Tamasese and artists Michael Tuffery and Fatu Feu’u.
And of course we must not forget the extraordinary contribution of Samoan talent in the sporting arena.
New Zealand administered Samoa from 1914 until 1962. Two New Zealand High Commissioners, Sir Guy Richardson Powles and John Bird Wright championed the idea of a modern relationship with Samoa. They were committed to a transition to independence for Samoa, which came about on 1 January 1962.
New Zealand supported Samoa’s goal for self-government. At the same time we had an obligation to the United Nations to prepare for the administration of Samoa under the trusteeship agreement.
A Treaty of Friendship was signed between New Zealand and Samoa on 1 August 1962. The Treaty is a unique agreement. It contains seven articles that emphasise the closeness of the relationship and recognises “friendship, confidence, and a mutual endeavour to obtain for their peoples fuller opportunities for social progress”. It makes it clear that Samoa holds a special place in New Zealand’s history and in its future.
In 2012 New Zealand and Samoa marked the 50th Anniversary of Samoa’s independence from New Zealand and the signing of the Treaty of Friendship. The anniversary was celebrated with a number of events and high-level visits between New Zealand and Samoa – including my own – supporting the continuing growth of the warm relationship that exists between our two countries.
In marking Samoa’s 50 years of independence in 2012, I said that we New Zealanders are conscious of the role played by New Zealand in Samoa’s history. And I acknowledged, as Prime Minister Helen Clark had acknowledged at the 40th anniversary in 2002, that our role was not always a positive one. Nevertheless, as we look back over the past 52 years, New Zealand and Samoa have grown ever closer together.
Today’s commemorations give us an opportunity to further recognise our bonds and our commitment to honour the special relationship we share and the principles expressed in the Treaty of Friendship.
Whatever the future may bring for our two countries, we will forever be bound by our historical links and by the interweaving of our peoples. We shall both be the stronger for it.
Manuia le afiafi, kia ora huihui tātou katoa.