Symbol of Commitment

Mana (Auckland), Volume 2, Issue 2, 20 April 1978, Page 1

Symbol of Commitment

“The Right Hon. Minister, His Excellency High Commissioner, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen:

It is appropriate that we gather here today to put it in real terms, the simple close relationship between New Zealand and the Government of Western Samoa. It is also appropriate that this ceremony coincides with the first official duty that I have to perform on this State Visit to New Zealand.

The relationship between the Government of Western Samoa and New Zealand is deeper than the relationship that Western Samoa has with any other country. Part of this, historical stemming is from the shared Polynesian experience that stretches over many countries. Part'of it, is extended from political economic considerations. Western Samoa has been an independent country for sixteen years, but it is significant that, New Zealand and the City of Auckland will be the site of this Centre. The depth of the relationship between our two countries is

symbolized by this building; it will be a symbol of the commitment that our two countries and our two peoples have to each other. It will be a symbol to the Samoan people who have elected to settle in the country, and contribute to the New Zealand society and economy. It is an acknowledgement by the Samoan people to the New Zealand way of life. Auckland is a cosmopolitan city, and its culture has been enriched by the contributions each group is making to the society as a whole. This is a joint venture between New Zealand and Western Samoa. Samoa House will not have been possible without the generous corporation of the New Zealand government. I thank the Government and the people of New Zealand for this contribution.

It is now my great honour and pleasure to lay this Foundation Stone which marks the commencement of the construction of the Samoa House in Auckland, New Zealand. Soifua.”