Reverend Siaosi Salesulu
[Afioga i le Ao o le Malo, TUIMALEALIIFANO VA’ALETOA SUALAUVI II]
His Excellency Trevor Matheson and Mrs Matheson
Cabinet Ministers
Acting Chief Justice & Members of the Judiciary
Members of the Diplomatic Corps
Ladies & Gentlemen

As we reflect on the importance of Waitangi Day for the people of New
Zealand, we also pause to reflect on the special and cordial relations between
our two countries and our shared history. On this day of reflection we are all

too aware of a chaotic start to 2021 globally, which has underscored the
catastrophic effects of misinformation. We know that rhetoric left unchecked –
and amplified across social platforms – has harmed how countries have
responded to the pandemic, and impacted democracy.
And as the world continues to battle the COVID19 pandemic and the
devastating effects it has brought to populations and their livelihoods, we
know that we are able to find solutions in partnerships, inclusive participation
and collective protection in collaboration with our partners and friends. While
as Leaders we were required to make hard decisions to close our borders as a
protective measure, we also had to minimise the impact of these closures on
our people.
New Zealand remains one of these critical partners to ensure the
effective and successful implementation of our COVID19 response through;
the continued weekly flights to ensure adequate necessary supplies, the
support for the repatriation of thousands of Samoans and more recently the
kind offer of COVID19 vaccinations for our population akin to similar
commitments of assistance from our other development partners.
The ongoing seasonal workers scheme even in the thick of border
restrictions continue to improve livelihoods of many Samoan families. The
scholarship programs though delayed and the multiple projects especially to
support the various focal sectors remain key for Samoa’s development. As we
approach the end of our first triennium of current development cooperation, it
is an opportune time to revisit the processes and delivery mechanism involved
so we can adequately address the challenges and uncertainties, in order to
build back better from the impacts of the pandemic.
We value our close collaboration at the global arena to ensure our Blue
Pacific countries have a strengthened collective voice on matters of urgent

priority to the region in particular climate change, health security, oceans and
implementing our sustainable development goals.
Finally, I wish to underscore the importance of the New Zealand –
Samoa Treaty of Friendship. Almost Fifty-Nine years ago, our two countries
expressed a desire to “maintain and strengthen the bonds of amity and
goodwill” and “ to provide for continued cooperation”. We continue to live
up to the promise of this special treaty, which is most evident in our people to
people connections and the increased number of those of Samoan descent
who have secured positions in the various echelons of the NZ parliament.
Again I acknowledge on behalf of our government and people, our
sincere appreciation of the significant contribution New Zealand has made and
continues to provide towards the development of our nation and improving
the liivelihoods of our people.
TOAST: May I now ask everyone to charge your glasses and let us
propose a toast towards ever-lasting bonds of friendship and closer relations
between the Government and people of New Zealand and Samoa.
Soifua