Pacific

Samoan community in Hawke's Bay welcomes PM

10:52 am on 16 June 2022

Samoa's Prime Minister has paid a visit to Samoan seasonal workers in Hawke's Bay.

Samoa's Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa in Hawke's Bay. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver

Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa was welcomed to the region in an emotional Ava ceremony, one of the most significant customs in Samoan culture.

Seasonal workers, their bosses, church leaders and Samoan community members poured their hearts out, greeting Fiamē on her first official visit there.

- Video by visual journalist Angus Dreaver

Fiamē started her three-day trip to Aotearoa on Tuesday in Wellington, making it her first official bilateral trip abroad since becoming leader last year.