Samoan Independence Day

Samoan Independence Day was celebrated at Clendon Park School this morning with various performances from each syndicate with many of our community joining us to celebrate "Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa". We even had a special guests performance from Rowandale Pasifika Group. Room 8 will be completing a range of activities this week to enhance our own understanding of the Samoan Culture. 

On January 1 1962, Western Samoa achieved its independence from New Zealand. Nevertheless, this day is observed on June 1 and is still acknowledged by the Samoan society in New Zealand. These people deck themselves up for the event and take part in various cultural and musical programs.
Samoa was first discovered by the Dutch voyagers in the 18th century. Subsequently, it was explored by the French and British settlers. In 1847, a consular office was inaugurated in Apia. In 1853, the United States and in 1861, Germany/Prussia opened a consular office at the same place. On November 2, 1871, the Government of New Zealand advocated the takeover of the Samoa Islands by Britain. In August 1873, the Central Government in the country was inaugurated. On January 21, 1879, Germany was offered the marine base of Saluafuta. In 1884, the King and Vice-King of the country urged Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom to transform it into a British settlement. On July 14, 1889, the archipelago was converted into a trilateral British-German-U.S. territory. On June 10, 1899, a provisional administration was established comprising the consulates of the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States. In 1900, the group of islands barring American Samoa was taken over by Germany. It was subsequently invaded by New Zealand. According to the League of Nations directive enforced by the Government of New Zealand on December 17, 1920, the name of the country was changed to Western Samoa. It was switched into a United Nations trust territory on January 25, 1947 and achieved its independence from New Zealand on January 1, 1962. In this way, the Independent State of Western Samoa was formed.