New Zealand High Commission reception

Honourable Members of Cabinet, Members of the Judiciary, Members of Parliament, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, Talofa Lava, warm greetings to you all. 

I specifically acknowledge: Your Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi.

It is my great pleasure to be able to visit Samoa for the first time in my role as Governor-General, to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Samoa’s independence.  My only other visit here was in the immediate aftermath of the 2009 Tsunami.  As Chief of Defence Force I was here to give support to the over 150 New Zealand defence force personnel involved in the relief and reconstruction effort.  That was a sad time.  However, the commitment, resilience and compassion shown by Samoa and its people in the aftermath of the disaster have been an inspiration and a beacon to many. 

The response from the people and Government of New Zealand to the events of 29 September 2009 was immediate and significant.  Our response to your tragedy showed the depth of our relationship and its familial nature.  The strong friendship that exist between our two countries, underpinned by the Treaty of Friendship, was matched by an outpouring of generosity by everyday folk in New Zealand, especially our Samoan communities. 

The links between us were also evident following our tragedy in Christchurch in February 2011.  We, the people of New Zealand, have greatly appreciated Samoan generosity, your assistance and emotional support following that devastating event.

In marking Samoa’s 50 years of independence we are conscious of the role played by New Zealand in your history.  As Prime Minister Rt Hon Helen Clark acknowledged in 2002, that role was not always a positive one.  Nevertheless, when we look back over the past fifty years, New Zealand and Samoa have grown ever closer together. 

2012 also marks the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Friendship.  Samoa is the sole country with which we have such a treaty.  It is fitting that the New Zealand Prime Minister Rt Hon John Key is planning to visit Samoa in August to launch a week of events that will celebrate the uniqueness of the New Zealand-Samoa relationship. 

People to people links and family ties are at the forefront of this relationship.  Over 130,000 Samoans now call New Zealand home.  Many of New Zealand’s national and international achievements reflect the contribution of highly talented Samoans – whether in the arts, literature, sport, film-making, music, business or a host of other areas. Those success-stories are as much Samoan as New Zealand – as is so readily highlighted by the way in which New Zealand and Samoa claim equal rights to those born of Samoan parentage in New Zealand! 

As an example, the plane I arrived on included a large contingent of New Zealand Police of Samoan descent.  They are here to take their part in the 1 June parade and represent the best of both our countries and cultures.

I would also acknowledge representatives from all three branches of the New Zealand Defence Force who are here for the celebrations, including the crew of the HMNZS Otago, the Royal New Zealand Navy band, and a helicopter squadron which has been on island for a few weeks.

The bond between New Zealand and Samoa has evolved significantly over the past 50 years and I am confident that our unique friendship will continue to expand and deepen.  In so many ways, Samoa is like a beacon in the middle of the Pacific.  Accordingly, it is my privilege to represent the people of New Zealand and to take part in the celebrations marking 50 successful years of Samoan independence.

I ask that you join with me as I propose a toast.  May the relationship between New Zealand and Samoa continue to prosper and grow over the next fifty years and beyond as they have to this day.  And in doing so I extend the best of wishes to His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi, the Head of State, and to the Government and people of Samoa.  Soifua.