As Samoa celebrated its 62 years of Independence in early June, the Samoan community across the globe also held their own celebrations.
Samoan church youth groups in Christchurch were delegated with different items to perform.
Amongst the groups was the St Paul’s Trinity Samoan Presbyterian church who were tasked to perform a Maori section in the program.
For youth leader and kapa haka tutor Finesi Iuvale Fanene, the task given to them was at first met with many questions, especially taking on a whole new culture.
“It was raised at a fraternal meeting in February that a Māori section will be added to our Samoan Independence celebrations this year”
“At first when the congregation found out, they were puzzled and fearful of this kaupapa that was laid out for them, fearful of offending Tangata Whenua and their culture” Finesi said.
Despite the challenges, the group practised twice every week in the lead up of their performance.
Another highlight for Finesi was the chance to come back to her church after many years. It was a full circle moment for her.
“My parents raised us up in this church from birth under the wing of Lapana Faletolu. My mother is still a member there, as I stopped going since the passing of my father in 1999 (9 years old)”
“So when I received the message from Tailua Soli (youth member) , we met that week and started practising 4 days after that meeting, 5 weeks before our stand”
“It was an honour to paddle this historical waka alongside my samoan people with the backing of the church I grew up in. It felt good to be home after 25 years”
Finesi admits while the group faced many challenges, the ongoing support from spiritual parents Rev Makesi and Ramona Alatimu and members of the congregation, has helped the group pull through learning and adapting to a new culture.
“For me personally, one challenge was being a female, doing the mihi to tangata whenua on the day. For Samoan culture it is the men who do the formal speech. We planned for a male to speak on our behalf but it was collaborated that it had to be deep and meaningful, not by script,” says Finesi.
“So being full Samoan and a female, that was a huge barrier breaker for me but the meaning behind it was what felt right to follow through”
“Samoan culture smiles through their dances, actually all pacific culture do. But to coach,educate and drill how to show mixed emotions at a suitable time in this bracket stood out in many moments”
Finesi says it has been an eye opener for their youth group.
“So many mixed emotions running through our performers before hitting the stage. But when you watch our beautiful performances, you wouldn’t think they were nervous”
“Straight after our performance, many wanted to do it again. Some want to join a kapa haka team, others are excited for what is next.. This campaign has not only been educational and different, it has left salivating fire within their being for wherever God’s plans are going to lead them in the future”
“We sailed on this Waka and united stronger and stronger over such a short time. This is only the beginning”
