2 August 2016
New Samoa Consulate Complex Opens
The new Samoa Consulate Complex at the Mangere Town Centre opened last Saturday in Auckland, New Zealand. The Government’s commitment and long term obligation to the growing population of Samoan people residing in New Zealand, especially Auckland is reflected in the investment of this new facility.
Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi attended the opening of the new Consulate Office, and delivered the opening address.
“It has taken 20 long years of planning, redesign, cancelled contracts and a turn over of consul generals, to get us to where we are all gathered today, to celebrate and to reflect on the hard pathway we had come through. At the end of it, we can only marvel at our perseverance and drive to achieve what we set out to do.
“The main purpose for this project was to have a centrally located office and services facility that the Samoan community can easily access and identify with, as a place for them in this great city of Auckland,” said Tuilaepa.
The previous Consulate office was located at Samoa House on Karangahape Road, and had been opened since the late seventies.
The development of Auckland City and movement of Samoan families from central to southern suburbs saw resettlement of many families in the Mangere and surrounding areas, which prompted the Government to consider a move for the Consulate – however it wasn’t until 2009 that the search began for a suitable location.
The Prime Minister shared government’s gratitude to stakeholders and contractors, for their support in seeing the project to fruition.
“I wish to thank the Mayor of Auckland and the City Council for supporting and approving the purchase of the land that the Maota Samoa now sits on.
“I acknowledge also the great work of the architectural firm Walker Community Architects, the building contractors Haydn & Rollett Company including our sennit craftsmen who have successfully blended the culture of Samoa into the fabric of modern day architecture.
“The Government acknowledges also the Unit Trust of Samoa who were willing to invest in this great project.
“Finally I wish to thank the Samoan community in Auckland for your support which has resulted in something we can all be proud of,” said the Prime Minister in closing.
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