SCOPA New Zealand celebrates Samoa College alums

Auckland, NEW ZEALAND — For 65 years Samoa College has produced leaders who have served, and continue to serve Samoa well and beyond including New Zealand in various capacities, covering every imaginable sphere of life.

 “To celebrate the proud history of Samoa College and mark the 65th anniversary since the establishment of Samoa College, Samoa College Old Pupils Association (SCOPA) New Zealand will be hosting a special function on Saturday Dec. 8 at the Pullman Hotel in Auckland,” says Teleiai Edwin Puni co-chair of the organizing committee,

 “Highlight will be the presentation of ‘Lifetime Achievement Awards’ and ‘Outstanding Achievement Awards’ to acknowledge contribution of Samoa College ex-students and former teachers in New Zealand.”

In the late 1940s and early 1950s, it was clear that Samoa needed educated men and women to manage its own affairs as an aspiring independent nation. Officially opened on 2nd October 1953 by Dr. Beeby the then New Zealand Minister of Education; a gift from the people of New Zealand to the people of Samoa.

The real gift was that of learning and education — men and women have passed through the school's corridors and classrooms and gates and into the world, empowered with 'knowledge to serve,' as the Samoa College school motto proclaims.

SCOPA NEW ZEALAND ‘LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS’

1.    Reverend Elder Lei’ite Setefano for Service to Religion presented by Pacific Federal Group

2.    Le Mamea Taulapapa Sefulu Ioane for Service to the Pacific community presented by Aotea Finance Limited

3.    Maualaivao Professor Albert Wendt for Service to Education presented by Samoa Airways

4.    Toesulu Brown for Service to Samoan Culture in Education presented by G-Mana Wholesale Autos

5.    Faimai Tuimauga for Service to Samoan Language in Education presented by McCallum Company

SCOPA NEW ZEALAND ‘OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS’

1.    Captain George Clarke in Maritime presented by SEKI Works

2.    Judge Ae’au Semi Epati in Judiciary presented by Moana Rentals & Pacific Ezy Money Transfer

3.    Professor Asiata Dr. Satupaitea Viali in Medicine presented by Pasifika Futures

4.    Namulau’ulu Alama Ieremia in Sport presented by Digicel

5.    Punialava’a in Music presented by Club Orator