Another devastating blow to our Pacific region
My immediate reaction when I heard news of the Tsunami was one of complete horror. Only 3 months ago we shared in the sadness of the loss of lives brought about by the sinking of Ashika and now we are...
View ArticleShocked by the devastation in Samoa
Pacific Island Affairs Spokesperson Luamanuvao Winnie Laban and I are really shocked and distressed by the devastation we’re seeing in Samoa in the aftermath of yesterday’s earthquake and tsunami. This...
View ArticleTwitter updates from Samoa
Phone communications are still very patchy here in Samoa. Here are my Twitter updates from this afternoon: CHRIS: We’ve visited most of the devastated sites on Upolu. CHRIS: Winnie and I have been to...
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On Samoa
Talofa lava, Warm Greetings, Early on Wednesday morning, I heard the news of the earthquake and tsunami hitting Samoa. As more information came in about the impact of this disaster I knew that I must...
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On Samoa II
What a great posting from Winnie. I am so glad she agreed to go with me to Samoa. She was not only a wonderful travelling companion, but her understanding of the appropriate cultural approach and her...
View ArticleValuing our children
Today is White Sunday. And I went to my first White Sunday service at the Samoan Catholic Church in Corstorphine, Dunedin. In Samoa they call this day “Lotu Tamaiti”. According to wikipedia, the...
View ArticleThe response to the tsunami has been heartening
One thing that this recent tsunami has reminded me of, is how far Pacific communities in New Zealand have come and the collective strength of the community. We’ve had (and continue to have)...
View ArticleBouquets to the Horticulture and Viticulture Industries
One of the real privileges of being an MP is the many events you get to attend and hear of developments and issues. Last night I attended the launch of the National Horticulture/Viticulture Labour...
View ArticleFairtrade and smart development in Samoa
Getting sustainable economic development happening is the challenge in any developing country. NGOs generally do the small scale grassroots stuff like micro-credit and the challenge is how to scale up....
View ArticleFlights of fancy
Michael Field reports the Samoan PM Tuilaepa Sailele saying Air New Zealand’s decision to end its Los Angeles-Apia service is stupid. The flight brings much-needed American tourists to Samoa and Tonga...
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