The warmth and endurance of Aotearoa New Zealand’s relationship with Samoa was recognized on Thursday this week, when the Right Honorable Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa, Prime Minister of Samoa, was welcomed to Toitoi – Hawke’s Bay Arts and Events Centre, at Hastings Heretaunga.

She was welcomed by Ngāti Kahungunu Chairman Bayden Barber, Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst, Hastings Councilor Peleti Oli and former Ngāti Kahungunu Chairman Ngahiwi Tomoana, among others. The occasion also included a meeting and recognition with local Pasifika health officials and workers in the area.

Thursday’s powhiri followed a meeting between Prime Minister Mata’afa and seasonal workers the previous evening in Havelock North, which included a traditional Ava ceremony to welcome the prime minister.

At Thursday’s ceremony, Mayor Hazlehurst said the community of Hastings shares a strong bond with the large Samoan community living here, a bond based on respect for each other’s values ​​and cultures.

“We are proud of our relationship with our Samoan community, both residents and seasonal workers. The contribution of our Samoan family in Hastings is loved and appreciated. The warmth and kindness of our Pasifika people enriches our community.

She acknowledged the challenges faced by seasonal work crews over the past two years of the COVID-19 pandemic; some unable to return home between harvests and others unable to enter New Zealand as they normally would.

“We are extremely grateful to our Samoan CSR workers who leave their families behind for months and work tirelessly to help harvest our crops and support our horticulture industry. They are essential to the economic and social well-being of our region and contribute enormously to the success of our region.

AFTER…

Johnny Appleseed, general manager of horticulture, To’osavili Len Thompson, was one of many growers who attended a reception with the Prime Minister on Thursday afternoon. He said seasonal workers were the basis for supporting the growth of the industry, growth which has enabled the creation of permanent positions filled by New Zealanders, the flow of which has supported the economy.

“We are dealing with a perishable product and to maintain Hawke’s Bay’s reputation as the best apple growers in the world, we need to get this fruit from the trees at the right time – CSR workers are key to this.

“At the same time, these hard workers can send money to the islands to support their immediate and extended whānau in their home villages.”

Prime Minister Mata’afa thanked the Hastings community for supporting seasonal workers.

“The collaboration of the local government and the indigenous authority is important for our people who come to work here. . . when i met them last night, i felt that they were happy and well taken care of.

She noted that there had been concerns that the new Samoan government would change the seasonal scheme, but said the importance of this was well understood and the aim was to ensure the scheme was further improved and that it met the needs of both countries.

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