At just 11 years old, Joshua Palasi Williepapu Community Centre Famoana Ulufale is proving that the Samoan language and culture remain strong in the hearts of the next generation. 

He proudly hails from the villages of Laulii, Vaitoomuli, Palauli and Saleula.

The Year 5 student at Papatoetoe North Primary School in South Auckland New Zealand, recently made history as one of the first students from his school to enter the finals for the FAGASA (Fa’alapotopotoga mo Le A’oa’oina o le Gagana Samoa I Aotearoa) 2025 National Samoan Speech Competition. The speech was in line with the Samoa language week celebrations. After placing in Auckland, Joshua travelled to Christchurch in July, where he earned second place overall in the Year 5 category in all of New Zealand.

For Joshua, who moved with his family from Samoa to New Zealand only two years ago, the competition was more than a chance to win — it was a way to honour his roots.

“To me, I always speak Samoan, and it is because I know how to and I know how to call people respectfully," Joshua said. “It is the language we were brought up with in Samoa and is spoken every day in Samoa.”

This year’s speech theme reflected that same belief: “Ia malu lou sā. Folau i lagimā – A well-grounded self, is a successful self.”

Joshua’s mother, Lusia Sasa Ulufale, said the achievement was a proud moment for the family and their school.“From the moment the opportunity was given to Joshua, I was very proud because it was the first time we have been in New Zealand. Opportunities like this do not come in Samoa,” she said.

His parents say language remains central in their household, even as they adjust to life in New Zealand. Joshua still leads the family in Samoan traditions such as calling for church toonai meals.
“We do this because we do not want our children to forget our Samoan language. It is important to us,” Lusia said.

Joshua added: “Because I know how to speak Samoan, and how to respectfully talk to Samoan, even when I go back to Samoa — we still talk Samoan.”

His journey through the competition was one of constant refinement, with family and teachers helping him build and adapt his speech along the way.
“As he passed the different stages of the competition, we continued to add on more things to his speech that helped him and becasue we knew the competition was entering new levels,” Lusia said. “He then got top five in Auckland, and then when he made it to semifinals, he changed it again.”

Though his family had hoped for first place, they say his accomplishment was already more than enough.
“We wanted to aim for first place, but you know what he gained is enough,” Lusia said. “Our thoughts aren’t always the same as the judges, but this win is enough for me. We are proud.”

Joshua’s success has served as a reminder to his community that Gagana Samoa can continue to thrive in New Zealand. His family even rewarded his achievement with a trip back home to Samoa.

“He is a well-determined person, just like the father of the house,” Lusia said. “Even when his father had gone overseas for six months for work, Joshua still worked hard.”

For Joshua, carrying the language forward is a responsibility he takes to heart.
“The gagana Samoa to me is very important,” he said.