The Le Masiofo Siva Academy from West Auckland, New Zealand, recently performed a heartfelt cultural presentation for the elderly residents at the Mapuifagalele Home for the Aged in Samoa. 

This visit was part of the academy’s ongoing commitment to preserving Samoan culture and giving back to the community.

Academy director Steva Auina shared insights about the academy’s founding and mission in an interview with the Samoa Observer. 

"Le Masiofo Siva Academy was established to honour and respect our mothers, who are usually our first teachers in Samoan households. The name ‘Masiofo’ holds great significance and is highly regarded in Samoan culture,” she explained. 

The academy was founded in 2021 in New Zealand in response to a need to retain and preserve Samoan cultural heritage within the West Auckland community.

During their performance at Mapuifagalele, the group presented three traditional cultural items. The event was deeply emotional, with some performers moved to tears. 

When asked about this, Steva said, “The team was emotional because some members had recently lost their grandparents, while others still have grandparents back home in New Zealand.” She added, “Our purpose in being here in Samoa is to celebrate the group’s 5th anniversary. We will also be visiting the Samoa Victim Support Group (SVSG), Loto Taumafai, and Nuanua O Le Alofa (NOLA).”

As part of their visit, Le Masiofo donated $1,000 to the Mapuifagalele Home for the Aged as a gesture of support and appreciation. 

Assistant director Filemu Tessa Koonwaiyou expressed her gratitude and joy, stating, “We truly feel the happiness from Le Masiofo’s visit to Samoa, as they give back to the community and visit these four charitable organisations.”

The performance and donation reflected the academy’s wider mission to strengthen Samoan culture and community connections both in New Zealand and Samoa. Their work highlighted the important role that diaspora groups play in preserving cultural heritage while fostering intergenerational ties across borders.

Le Masiofo Siva Academy’s commitment to cultural preservation and community engagement serves as a meaningful example of how Samoans abroad remain connected to their roots, honoring their elders and supporting charitable causes at home. Through their efforts, the academy continues to contribute positively to both the cultural and social fabric of the Samoan community.