Talofa lava: Ara celebrates Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa

Ara Institute of Canterbury opened Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa, Samoan Language Week, with a celebration in its Pacific Hub this week, bringing together tamaiti aoga (students), 'aufaigaluega (staff) and nuu (community) to honour the language, culture and identity of Ara's largest Pacific student group.

With 206 Samoan tamaiti aoga enrolled this year, Ara's Samoan nuu is the institute's biggest Pacific cohort. The week is being held earlier than the national observance (31 May to 6 June), so tamaiti aoga could take part before the term break.

The opening event was held in the Pacific Hub, Ara's dedicated Pacific community space, which aims to provide a culturally grounded environment where Pacific students feel supported and connected. In the lead-up to the week, the Pacific Success team transformed the walls with displays celebrating Samoan facts, faith, films, music, sports players, celebrities and traditional motifs.

Associate Director - Pacific Success, Sua Tauti, opened the event with a bilingual address in Samoan and English. He welcomed the leadership team, 'aufaigaluega and tamaiti aoga, and spoke to this year's theme: 'E afua mai i mauga tetele manuia o le nu'u - From the high mountains are the blessings of the village.

"This year's theme reminds us that our strength and success come from our foundations. From our faith, our ancestors, and our culture. These are the pillars that guide who we are as Samoan people," Sua said.

He spoke about the role language plays in belonging. "Our language is more than words. It carries our identity, our stories, and our values. When we speak Samoan, we create spaces where our people feel a sense of belonging, where they feel seen and valued for who they are."

Tauti also connected the week to Ara's Vision 2030 and Pacific Strategy. "We are working to create an environment where Pacific people feel safe, valued, and empowered to succeed. Language plays a key role in this, helping to build confidence, connection, and pride."

Attendees enjoyed panikeke, the golden, round, fried dough balls beloved across the Pacific, alongside panipopo, soft coconut buns baked in sweet coconut sauce. Activities included lolly necklace making, a paint session and Samoan dance. Chief Executive Darren Mitchell was spotted at the suipi table (suipi is a traditional Samoan card game). "This is harder than running an institution," he joked.

_{Chief Executive, Darren Mitchell (right), playing suipi, a traditional Samoan card game}

Celebrations continue throughout the week with events centred around crafts and sports and a games evening hosted by the vibrant Pacific Island Students of Ara (PISA) group.

For Tauti, the week is about more than celebration. "Let us continue to honour and speak our language, not just this week, but every day," he said.