Due to the Ōtara Library being closed for renovations, we celebrated Samoan Storytime at Te Puke Ōtara Hall at the Recreation Centre. What a gorgeous day to celebrate Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa. It was such an honour to see the Samoan flag being raised on the flag pole as O Le Fu’a o Le Sa’olotoga o Samoa was being sung.

Henry and Hana, the Librarians from Ōtara, welcomed us to the celebration and we started with songs, followed by a story of Sina and the legend of the Liua Le Vai o Sina river in Falese’ela. Henry told us the story had actually been written by Hana’s own uncle.

Then we had the pleasure of listening to Samoan songs sung by some older Samoan ladies and gentlemen. Their singing was beautiful and it was lovely to have all the different age groups of our community together.

Finally, we shared some beautiful kai including Samoan Panikeke. They were absolutely delicious. It was just what we needed before we returned to KiNZ.