A Samoan author, Natasha Vaaelua who moved to New Zealand with her family over a decade ago is thriving overseas through her passion for writing as her first ever kid’s book is in the top 10 books for children's books and first 100 for 2023 at the Auckland Libraries.

In a correspondence email with the Samoa Observer, Ms. Vaaelua shared her excitement as a thriving and striving Samoan residing overseas through her work to promote the Samoan language and culture.                            

"I became an official published author for the first time and my book was launched on 2 November at the Mangere Bridge Library Auckland," she said. 

"Today I received an email from the Auckland Libraries that the book is in the First 100 books for 2023 and part of the top 10 kids books.  

"This year also in August, I became one of the Pasifika women candidates that won one of the scholarships for tertiary students."  

Natasha's line of work in this country lies in education. She was a qualified primary school teacher from home, then to an early childhood educator for years since arriving in New Zealand.

 She resigned from the early childhood field and embarks in a role as an Assistant Facilitator role with Saasia- Sosaiete Aoga Amata Samoa I Aotearoa.

 "Currently hosting children’s programme every Tuesday and Wednesday which is conducted in our Gagana Samoa as a medium of strengthening our Tu, Gagana ma aga Faakersisano (Christianity)," she added.

 She wishes to share her pursuit of success in Aotearoa as a Samoan family who migrated to New Zealand in 2007.

 "It’s a story of success that I want to share to give back to our nuu, aiga, ekalesia and our beautiful nation of Samoa," she explained. 

"I was born in LBJ American Samoa, raised in Faleasiu by my grandparents until I got married and moved to New Zealand with our three sons."