Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More
Parliament

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | Video | Questions Of the Day | Search

 

New Zealand Samoans gearing up for game

Hon Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga

Minister of Pacific Island Affairs
9 September 2014 Media Statement

New Zealand Samoans gearing up for game


Pacific Island Affairs Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga is welcoming the official announcement of the All Blacks vs Samoa game in Apia next July 8 and says the local Samoan community are already preparing to attend en masse.

“It is an honour for Samoa, but also an event not to be missed for the local Samoan community who make New Zealand their home. No doubt there will be a lot of mixed emotions about who to support and the atmosphere will be incredible,” says Mr Lotu-Iiga.

“As this is part of the build-up for next year’s world cup for both teams, the stakes will be high.”

The Prime Minister of Samoa and Samoa Rugby Union chair Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi met the New Zealand Rugby Union today to finalise details after months of negotiations. Australian-based property firm Cromwell is confirmed as Samoa Rugby's new sponsor, and offer a $1 million bonus for the team if it wins next year's World Cup.

“The All Blacks have a special place in the heart of Samoan people, the game has made several Samoans household names so this is a significant occasion,” says Mr Lotu-Iiga.

“It is a chance for the island nation to welcome back family, friends and overseas visitors and with this comes significant opportunities for Samoa’s businesses and tourism operators.”

He adds it is also a prime opportunity for New Zealand Samoans to be on the winning team’s side, no matter what the result is.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines



Gordon Campbell: On Dune 2, And Images Of Islam


Depictions of Islam in Western popular culture have rarely been positive, even before 9/11. Five years on from the mosque shootings, this is one of the cultural headwinds that the Muslim community has to battle against. Whatever messages of tolerance and inclusion are offered in daylight, much of our culture tends to be hostile to Islam when we’re sitting in the dark, with popcorn.
Any number of movie examples come to mind, beginning with Rudolf Valentino’s role (over a century ago) as the romantic Arab hero in The Sheik...
More


 
 


Government: One-stop Shop Major Projects On The Fast Track

The Coalition Government’s new one-stop-shop fast track consenting regime for regional and national projects of significance will cut red tape and make it easier for New Zealand to build the infrastructure and major projects needed to get the country moving again... More

ALSO:


Government: GPS 2024: Over $20 Billion To Get Transport Back On Track
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has released the draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport, outlining the Coalition Government’s plan to build and maintain a transport system that enables people to get to where they need to go quickly and safely... More

ALSO:

Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.