This year the theme for Samoan Language Week is Samoa Ola: Samoa Active, focusing upon language, sport and healthy living.

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This Saturday 4 June, Rotorua's Samoan community will host a special event at which Samoan Language Week's 2011 Champions will be announced.

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Samoan Language Week starts on Wednesday 1 June, Samoan Independence Day.

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In 2010, FAGASA Inc and Te Taura Whiri i te reo Maori (Maori Language Commission) have joined forces to promote both Samoan Language Week and Maori Language Week.

UNESCO: Samoan Language Week 2010

Samoan Language Week kicks off at Wellington East Girls College on Tuesday 31 May with students from around the Wellington region celebrating the language of Samoa in song, oratory and performance.

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Five "Samoan Language Champions" are being honoured at the weekend - people who have made an outstanding contribution to the preservation and promotion of gagana Samoa in New Zealand.

UNESCO: Samoan Language Week an international success

Another exciting initiative announced this week is the news that the Samoan Language Teachers Association (FAGASA) and the Maori Language Commission have joined forces to support gagana Samoa and te reo Maori.

UNESCO: Samoan language week an international success

"The support from Maori for Samoan Language Week has been fantastic: we now look forward to celebrating Maori Language Week from the 26th July to the 1st August with the support of the Samoan community, " says Mr Gould.

UNESCO: Samoan language week an international success

Samoan Language Week is an opportunity to celebrate the Samoan language in New Zealand, to recognise the language and culture of Samoan New Zealanders, to build bridges between cultures and to ensure that the language continues to be used widely in New Zealand in the future.

UNESCO: Samoan students carrying on a proud tradition