History

Brief history of SAASIA (Sosaiete Aoga Amata Samoa I Aotearoa)

SAASIA was founded in 1987 in Wellington with full participation from the communities in NZ. With over 20 years since its inception it is clear that SAASIA has had a solid foundation in its philosophy of promoting the use of Samoan culture and language with Christian beliefs in aoga amata. This is evident in the strong usage of the Samoan language in aoga amata across the country.
SAASIA is a national organisation which provides guidance, support and advice to aoga amata across Aotearoa. This means that government agencies (MOE, MPIA etc) seek the advice from SAASIA regarding aoga amata issues or development.
SAASIA Board Members are from the different parts of the country (4 Auckland members), (4 Wellington members) and (2 Christchurch members). This allows for full participation across the country, allows for other voices to be heard and avoid territorial biasedness.
SAASIA Board is elected by the AGM delegates every four years. The selection of the board members rely heavily on the expertise offered by those nominated. For example, SAASIA board members are not only for ECE expertise, but also other fields such as health, business, legal advisors, carpenters and so forth. This meant that the board will be multi-purpose to ensure overall operation of the SAASIA organisation.
SAASIA has 2 patronesses or advisors; both are highly respected members of the Samoan community in NZ and also prominent figures in the field of Pasifika ECE and ECE in general.

PHOTOS TO ACCOMPANY THIS SECTION – HISTORY (brief) of SAASIA