50 years ago a treaty of friendship was signed between Samoa and New Zealand.
To celebrate the New Zealand High Commission invited 6 Kiwi artists with Samoan Heritage to come and play.
Thanks to my school connections I got to hang out with two very cool women who made art with the local kids and teachers.
We have had a lot of fun and they didn't mind that I am not a New Zealander.
One of the key events was the opening of a Community Centre in Poutasi, a village devastated by the 2009 Tsunami.
The Prime Minister of New Zealand John Keys was there and beside me is his very relaxed minder Robbie, whose birthday it was that day.
An Exhibition of Fatu Feu'u's work opened the centre, that is Fatu with the Prime Minister above. After we went out the back to watch a local rugby game and witness the presentation of gifts for John Keys.
4 pigs, 3 quartered cows, umpteen fine mats, siapo (tapa) and many fish.
The Samoan's may be on to something combining art with footy, I think it could catch on. The best part was when one of the women carrying the fine mats jumped in the air to celebrate a try.
I was waiting for the partridge in the pear tree to be presented. There was some serious meat going on there!.
ReplyDeleteBy the way I love your black and red mumu. x
Some of the meat was allegedly borrowed by a villager! Big controversy, but I think the Prime Minister had enough really. Dress from Sunshine Coast, made in India, perfect for Samoa.
DeletePoor poor little piggies! Looks like it would have been a beaut day. Did you notice the little orb showing up against the dark pants of the PM? They are showing up lots more lately. Would love to go crazy buying some of the bright fabrics.
ReplyDeleteThe orb could be mould on my camera lens, what do they mean otherwise?
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