Welcome to the Office of Samoan Affairs
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Headquarters: 454 E. Carson Plaza Dr. #109, Carson, CA 90746
Sacramento Main Office 2255 Watt Ave., Suite 385 Sacramento, CA 9582
Sacramento Satellite Office 11779 Bagota Way Rancho Cordova, CA 95742
June V. Pouesi, Executive Director
Talofa!
These are challenging times in California. With gas prices and the overall cost of living rising sharply, and the ongoing difficulties facing families across Los Angeles, many in our community are feeling the pressure. We see the extra hours you are working, the sacrifices you are making, and the worry you carry for your families.
Even in these difficult moments, I want to remind you of the strength that defines us as Samoan people. Our Christian heritage has always guided us, teaching us to trust in God, to lean on prayer, and to find hope in His faithfulness. Let us hold fast to our values of aiga (family), fa’a Samoa (the Samoan way), and caring for one another. In these trying times, may we draw closer to God and to our families for strength and comfort.
Together, we move onward. This season will pass, and we will emerge stronger as a community. Please know that the Office of Samoan Affairs stands ready to assist you. If you or your family need support, do not hesitate to call our office.
Fa’afetai tele. Be strong, trust in the Lord, take care of one another, and keep moving forward.
June
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Samoan Community
Pacific Community
Prime Minister Visits Samoan Seasonal Workers in New Zealand
Seasonal workers picking apples on an orchard in New Zealand.
- The Prime Minister, La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polāta’ivao Fosi Schmidt, is on an official visit to New Zealand to engage with Samoan nationals employed under the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Scheme.
The Prime Minister will meet directly with Samoan men and women across various workplaces in Napier, Wellington, and Blenheim as well as engage with employers and agricultural operators to strengthen partnerships and discuss matters relating to the effective implementation of the seasonal employment programme.
The Prime Minister will also hold discussions on key issues affecting the seasonal workforce and provide further clarification on recent Cabinet-approved decisions relating to Samoa’s participation in New Zealand’s seasonal employment arrangements.
These engagements are intended to ensure that Government policies continue to support the wellbeing of Samoan workers while promoting sustainable employment opportunities and mutually beneficial cooperation between Samoa and New Zealand.
The visit reflects the Government’s continued commitment to the welfare and interests of over 6,000 Samoans currently employed through the Recognised Seasonal Employer in New Zealand.
Samoan brothers to compete in Kiri Te Kanawa Song Quest Grand Final
Three Pacific opera singers are set to take centre stage in Wellington as finalists in the 2026 Kiri Te Kanawa Song Quest Grand Final.
Samoan brothers Faamanu and Jordan Fonoti-Fuimaono, and Tongan Samuel Mataele make up half of the six finalists.
The other three finalists are Cecily Shaw, Samuel Downes and Sarah Mileham.
The six are competing for one of New Zealand’s most prestigious classical music honours.
The Kiri Te Kanawa Song Quest (formerly known as the Lexus Song Quest and Mobil Song Quest) returns to Te Whanganui-a-Tara for its 70th year with the Grand Final Gala with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra taking place on Saturday 11 July 2026 at the Michael Fowler Centre.
Marking the 70th anniversary of the Song Quest, the legacy continues as the finalists sing it out for the winning title and and a share of NZD$95,500 in prizes before International Head Judge, acclaimed mezzo-soprano, Frederica von Stade.
The competition, first established in 1956 as the Mobil Song Quest has launched the careers of many of New Zealand’s iconic opera singers, including Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Amitai Pati, Filipe Manu, and Jonathan Lemalu.
For Tawhiri co-director Tama Waipara, seeing three Pacific people in this years finals reflects the bright future of opera across the region.
“Just to hear the splendor of our Pacific voices really celebrated where they should be, and heading absolutely toward that world stage.. it’s a credit to our culture and our people.”
He said Pacific performers have long left their mark on classical music, and attributed cultural storytelling to why Pacific opera singers stand out.
“I found myself completely just captured by their storytelling. It’s not only the beauty of the sound and the technique and how powerful the voices and how soft and dynamic their musicianship is… But it’s the storytelling.”
“Culturally we are storytellers and people of the moana are used to carrying those histories and those stories in quite remarkable ways.”
Samuel Matele
Samuel Mataele singing at the Kiri Te Kanawa Song Quest 2026 Semi-Finals
Hagen Hopkins
At 19 years old, counter-tenor Samuel Matele, was shocked to reach the the finals.
The Tongan said it is a huge honour to perform in a competition that has fostered some of Pacific opera’s greatests.
As one of three Pacific islanders in the final, he is representing his Tongan heritage with pride.
“I’ve been wanting to see more Pacific Island representation in classical music. And of course we have the great names like Amitai Pati and Sol3 Mio and Jonathan Lemalu. But to see it in such a grand scale, so many of us in one competition is inspiring.”
Matele hopes seeing so many Pacific singers in the final will inspire others across the region to pursue a career in what he says is “traditionally a very Western art.”
“Opera is part of Western culture, and therefore we sometimes feel like we’re a bit segregated from it, but I think having so much Pacific representation at this competition this year will show the younger Pacific Islanders like me that it is possible to have a career pathway in opera or classical music.”
“I think this not only encourages people to come into opera, but into any field that one might feel is too niche for them. I think this is really an eye opener that any career, even as set aside from from Pacific culture as it may seem, is possible.”
Fonoti-Fuimaono brothers
Jordan and Faamanu Fonoti-Fuimaono singing at the Kiri Te Kanawa Song Quest 2026 Semi-Finals
Hagen Hopkins
The Fonoti-Fuimaono brothers are also embracing the moment.
Three of the brothers made the semi-finals but now just two in the finals – but there is only room for one winner.
But baritone Faamanu said this hasn’t created rivalry, but rather given them an advantage in the competition.
“We have rivalries in all other aspects of life, but never in singing. I think singing is hard enough and exposing enough as it is, and can be a really scary thing to do. So I think when it comes to singing, we just support each other, and that’s how we’ve got as far as we have in our early careers.”
For Faamanu, just entering the competition alongside his brothers Alfred and Jordan is something to celebrate in its own.
Tenor Jordan said they grew up knowing the competitions reputation and are grateful to now be a part of its history.
“We were so excited because we grew up knowing about this competition, this prestigious Song Quest… But the fact that we’re in the finals and it’s the inaugural Kiri Te Kanawa Song Quest is what makes it extra special. She’s such an iconic person in the industry.”
“While we are feeling the pressure, we are also reminding ourselves to stop and remember how blessed we are to be here.”
They said seeing half the finalists come from Pacific backgrounds is “pretty epic” and they look forward to representing their cultures with pride on Saturday night.
Waipara believes competitions like these play an important role in helping young artists realise their potential.
“The competition is a stepping stone, it’s not the destination by any means, it’s just a means to launch and platform the next step for these young performers… for them to realize their dreams.”
ECONOMY: Samoa
HEALTH CONCERNS
Cook Islands on alert after H5N1 bird flu detected in New Zealand
Cook Islands Ministry of Agriculture is taking a precautionary approach following the detection of H5N1 bird flu in New Zealand, and may restrict poultry imports from NZ if the virus is found in domestic flocks.
Following the discovery of H5N1 avian influenza (bird flu) in two wild birds in New Zealand, the Cook Islands Ministry of Agriculture is taking a precautionary approach by increasing public awareness.
The Ministry confirmed there are no cases of H5N1 avian influenza in the Cook Islands and stated that the “risk remains low”.
“Bird flu is a viral disease that mainly affects wild birds and poultry. Migratory birds can naturally carry avian influenza viruses over long distances, making early detection and reporting an important part of protecting the Cook Islands,” the Ministry said.
“At this stage, there is no need for public alarm. The Ministry encourages everyone to report any unusual bird deaths so that it can be investigated promptly.”
The Ministry also stated that H5N1 has not been detected in domestic poultry, such as chickens, ducks, or turkeys, and there is currently no evidence that it is spreading among poultry in New Zealand.
Agriculture secretary Temarama Anguna-Kamana told Cook Islands News that, based on information received, there have been two detections of H5N1 avian influenza in New Zealand to date – one in a migratory bird and the other in a native resident bird.
“If H5N1 is detected in domesticated poultry, such as chickens, turkeys, or ducks, we would expect NZMPI to notify us through the appropriate official channels,” Anguna-Kamana said.
She said that depending on the epidemiological situation and the control measures implemented, “we may need to consider suspending imports of poultry meat and poultry products from affected areas until the outbreak is brought under control, or alternatively restrict imports to H5N1-free area”.
Anguna-Kamana said this would be similar to the approach taken on the importation of Day Old Chicks (DOC) from NZ in response to the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and the Egg Drop Syndrome.
“For Cook Islands, migratory birds is an important consideration because they can potentially introduce or spread Avian influenza viruses and other avian diseases,” she said.
“Although the overall risk of disease introduction by migratory birds is generally lower than that posed by imported animals or animal products, migratory birds are recognised as a natural pathway for the movement of pests and diseases between countries.”
The Ministry will work with Ministry of Health, the National Environment Service (NES), and partners to monitor the situation, including Te Ipukarea Society.
“We will continue to rely on NES and Te Ipukarea Society to monitor and report any unusual mortality or disease events among wild birds, particularly the nesting seabird populations and other birds they routinely observe in the high-altitude mountains of Rarotonga,” Anguna-Kamana said.
Caring for Samoan Elderly: Evidence-Based Guide to Common Ailments (Sources: Samoa Ministry of Health guidelines and peer-reviewed studies as of 2026)
Samoan older adults (typically 60+) face a high burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) due to lifestyle, diet, genetics, and aging. Cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, and obesity-related complications are leading causes of illness and death in Samoa and American Samoa. Nearly 1 in 3 adults has diabetes, with even higher rates of overweight/obesity (often over 80-90%). Awareness, treatment, and control rates remain low, so regular check-ups are essential.
1. Diabetes (Sugar Disease / Ma’i Suka)
Type 2 diabetes is extremely common and often leads to complications like poor wound healing, vision loss, kidney issues, and nerve pain in the elderly. Management tips (per Samoa Diabetes Management Guideline 2024):
- Monitor blood sugar regularly (HbA1c every 3-6 months; target often <7-7.5% for older adults to avoid hypoglycemia risks).
- Adopt a balanced diet low in refined sugars and processed foods — emphasize local staples like taro, fish, vegetables, and moderate portions.
- Stay active with gentle walking or light gardening; aim for 150 minutes/week if possible.
- Take prescribed medications (e.g., metformin) consistently and attend regular clinic visits.
- Watch for foot care to prevent ulcers.
2. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Often silent but a major driver of strokes and heart disease. Prevalence rises sharply with age. Evidence-based steps:
- Target BP usually <140/90 mmHg (or <130/80 if diabetic and tolerated).
- Reduce salt intake (limit processed foods and added salt).
- Maintain a healthy weight and stay physically active.
- Use prescribed medications (e.g., ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers) as directed — do not stop suddenly.
- Regular monitoring at clinics or with home devices.
3. Arthritis, Joint Pain & Inflammation
Common due to wear-and-tear, obesity, and prior injuries. Helpful approaches:
- Gentle exercise (swimming, walking, or seated movements) to maintain mobility.
- Weight management to reduce joint stress.
- Traditional Samoan matalafi (Psychotria insularum) leaf extract has shown anti-inflammatory effects comparable to ibuprofen in studies (reduces cytokines via compounds like rutin). Use under guidance from a traditional healer (taulasea) or doctor.
- Over-the-counter or prescribed pain relief as needed; physical therapy or massage (fofo) can help.
4. Other Common Issues in Samoan Elders
- Heart disease & stroke risk — Control cholesterol with statins (often recommended for diabetics over 40) and manage all NCD risks together.
- Obesity & related problems — Focus on lifelong healthy eating and activity; family support is key in Samoan culture.
- Vision/hearing loss, frailty & falls — Annual checks, home safety modifications, and balanced nutrition (calcium/vitamin D for bones).
- Mental health & isolation — Stay connected through family, church, and community activities.
General Recommendations for Families & Caregivers
- Encourage regular health screenings at district hospitals or clinics (Samoa MoH promotes PEN Fa’a Samoa for NCDs).
- Combine Western medicine with safe traditional practices where evidence supports (e.g., matalafi for inflammation; consult professionals to avoid interactions).
- Promote family-based care: shared meals, physical activity, and emotional support align with fa’a Samoa.
- Prevent complications through medication adherence, foot care, and early reporting of symptoms.
- Seek government or community elderly support programs for additional help.
Important disclaimer: This is general information based on public health data and guidelines. It is not personalized medical advice. Always consult a qualified doctor, nurse, or traditional healer working with modern care for individual needs. Early detection and consistent management can greatly improve quality of life.
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