Culture
In 2001, 64% of ethnic Samoan New Zealanders were able to speak the Samoan language. Samoan is the third most-spoken language in New Zealand, behind English and Maori.
Samoan cultural values, the "Samoan way of life" (fa‘asamoa), are reportedly retained particularly by elderly members of the community, and include respect and mutual help within the extended family (‘aiga), as well as fa‘alavelave (ceremonial and family obligations), and attendance at a Christian church.
Traditional tattooing (tatau) is embraced by some Samoan New Zealanders, both men and women, as an expression of cultural identity.
Samoans have contributed significantly to New Zealand culture in the fields of art, music, literature and sport (see below).
Read more about this topic: Samoan New Zealander
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