New Zealand's Minister of Pacific Island Affairs is defending Samoan Language Week, saying it is a very popular initiative.
New Zealand's Minister of Pacific Island Affairs is defending Samoan Language Week, saying it is a very popular initiative.
The week was first celebrated in 2007 and leads a line-up of seven Pacific language events in New Zealand this year.
But a Wellington church leader, the Reverend Tavita Filemoni, wants more of a focus on Samoan values and is calling for the week to be renamed Samoan Culture Week.
Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga says the Reverend's suggestion is an interesting one.
"Languages are still important and they form a critical part to any Pacific culture but you know, [I am] open to having a conversation with the Reverend or anyone else who would like to look at a change in format but you know certainly Pacific language weeks work for now and they are very popular across the whole country."
Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga says the Government does a lot to celebrate Samoan language and culture despite limited resources.
