2012 Research Design and Methods in Human Geography GEOG 315 SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENT
The University of Auckland New Zealand www.env.auckland.ac.nz
Project: Samoan Culture, Tradition and Identity – Similarities and
Differences between New Zealand Born Samoans and Samoan
Immigrants in the Hawke’s Bay Region
Student: Daphne Amataga
This is a brief summary of research undertaken by a student as part of The University of Auckland course ‘Research Design and Methods in Human Geography’. The information reports the findings of the student and does not reflect the opinion of The University of Auckland and may not be attributed to the University. Students in this course obtained valuable information and much support from individuals and organisations in Hawke’s Bay. In making this report available we are hoping to repay some of that generosity. The Samoan community that lives in New Zealand makes up almost 50% of the Pacific Island (P.I) population in the country. This furthermore deems Samoans as the biggest Pacific Island sub‐
population here in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Additionally, 2445 Samoans live in the Hawke’s Bay region which makes Samoans the largest Pacific Island sub‐population in Hawke’s Bay as well. As numbers of Pacific Islanders increase in New Zealand, it becomes more important that we also aim to increase our understanding of Pacific Islanders, as well as other ethnic groups in New Zealand. This research project is based in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. Specifically, this research project is focused on Samoans. The purpose is to explore similarities and differences between New Zealand born Samoans and Samoan immigrants in the Hawke’s Bay region. The similarities and differences that will be investigated include (but are not limited to) various aspects such as identity, cultural practices and language use. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with ten participants. Only six of these participants were Samoan (four were born in Samoa and two were born in New Zealand). The other four were not Samoan, but often worked together with Samoans and Pacific Islanders on different occasions. Participants were asked questions about their identity as well as their cultural and traditional practices, their confidence and fluency in gagana Samoa (Samoan language) and also their relationship to the fa’a Samoa way of life (Samoan way of life). The results showed very few similarities and differences that were strictly grounded in the two groups ‐ New Zealand born Samoans and Samoan immigrants. Similarities that were found between the two groups were present in the way that all strongly identified themselves as a Queries: Dr David Hayward
School of Environment, The University of Auckland
d.hayward@auckland.ac.nz
(09)923-8454
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Samoan, one exception being one participant who identified as Samoan as well as ‘Kiwi’. This solid foundation of Samoan identity and being proud of it was shown by all the Samoan participants, as well as the fact that they all have a passion of working with Pacific Islanders. Another similarity was that of gagana Samoa and the way in which the Samoan and English language were used around certain people such as family members, church members, friends and the public. Differences that were found were present in the participant’s confidence levels and fluency in gagana Samoa. Participants who were born in Samoa and immigrated to New Zealand were more likely to be very confident and very fluent in gagana Samoa than New Zealand born Samoans. Although the New Zealand born participants had moderate levels of confidence and fluency in gagana Samoa it did not change their value of their Samoan culture and did not strongly affect their Samoan identity. It seems that nowadays, it is becoming increasingly acceptable for New Zealand born Samoans to have moderate levels of fluency in the Samoan language although language is seen as one of the main components of having a Samoan identity. It is believed that as long as the intentions are there that one is proud of being Samoan, this in some way matters to many people more than fluency in the language. Nevertheless, the similarities and differences were found among all participants. Therefore, a continuum was formed. One end being the New Zealand way of life (otherwise known as the Palagi way of life) and the other end being the Samoan way of life (or the fa’a Samoa way of life). One can be placed anywhere between the two concepts and this is influenced by factors such as cultural/traditional practices, family and friends, and language use. The further one is towards one end of the spectrum, the stronger that identity is. Overall, church was a common theme that allowed the Samoan community to engage and maintain close relationships. The sample size was small, therefore this is not a true representation of all Samoans in Hawke’s Bay nor is this enough to make true inferences about the Samoan community. Nevertheless, this is a step towards a better understanding of the Samoan community and may offer insight for future research in this area. Queries: Dr David Hayward
School of Environment, The University of Auckland
d.hayward@auckland.ac.nz
(09)923-8454