The life-long friendship between Samoan and the Aotearoa New Zealand Governments were reflected on at the commemoration of the 183rd anniversary of the Waitangi Day on Monday, the National Day of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Held at the New Zealand High Commission's residence at Vaoala, Deputy Head of State State, Le Mamea Ropati Mualia, Deputy Prime Minister, Tuala Tevaga Ponifasio, Cabinet Ministers and members of the diplomatic core joined the New Zealand High Commission in celebrating Waitangi Day.

The true spirit of Waitangi Day was reflected underpinning Aotearoa New Zealand's relations with Pacific nations through shared culture, lineage, history, experiences and success..

Tuala conveyed congratulations to New Zealand and its' people on reaching this milestone highlighting the occasion as one for all New Zealanders who remember Waitangi day as a pointing time to reflect on the past which is rich in culture and traditions, shared relations and responsibilities for enduring peace, democracy, and prosperity for its' people.

"Samoa and Aotearoa New Zealand celebrated the 60th Anniversary of the Treaty of Friendship last year, the cornerstone of our close bilateral relations as uo mamae or life-long friends," he added.

"The highlights of the celebrations including exchange of high-level visits, demonstrating the strengthening of people to people links, and connections between our two countries. The relationship between our two countries is categorized by mutual respect and equal partnership for the benefit of our two countries and people and as we say, 'Ua ta vai liu e tasi', yes, it is a reality that there is still be unmet expectations."

Tuala also acknowledged that Samoa has a sizable ethnic population in New Zealand from the earliest migration to date, where people are selected under the quota scheme.

"The majority have assimilated well and are contributing meaningfully to the growing multi-ethnicity and diverse community of Aotearoa New Zealand. Interspersed in this growing diaspora are a few who have not adapted well and eventually come back as returnees," Tuala added.

"The relations between our two countries continue through regular dialogue and meaningful cooperation in years of health, education, environment, tourism development, sports, employment and security.

"We continue to work in strategic partnership to address Samoa's aspirations and priorities as outlined in the 'Pathway for the Development of Samoa', as well as a statement of partnership signed in 2019."

Tuala also acknowledged the two governments' patience in the recent uncertainty posed on the Recognised Seasonal Work Scheme which was temporarily halted.

"Despite our start stops start stands on the seasonal workers' program, our appreciations of the mutual benefit of the scheme remains. We need to pause from time to time to recalibrate the alignment and effectiveness of our response on the scared resources we have and for Samoans, the most valuable resource we have is our people," he said.

"We look forward to the continuation of the excellent bilateral relations and partnership between Samoa and New Zealand for the betterment of our two countries and our peoples."

New Zealand's High Commissioner to Samoa, Dr. Trevor Matheson Waitangi Day invites New Zealanders to reflect about how they came to be at this place and point in time as a nation.

"As the Treat has brought us together as a nation, we are governed by democratic administration that we have freely elected together regardless of race, greed, ethnicity, gender religion, or sexual orientation," he said.

"Our partnership has to adapt and evolve in parallel. We also need to continue to find collaborative and creative ways to cooperate to reprioritise ourselves, activities, and to support each other going forward.

"Not just as life-long friends, but also as equals with shared values of Te Moana Nui Okinawa."