-
For Home
For Home
Categories
- For Builders
- For Business
- About Us
- Contact and Support
- Our Sustainability
WM New Zealand is proud to celebrate Samoa Language Week (Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa) from 1–7 June 2025 — a time to recognise and honour the rich culture, language, and contributions of our Samoan colleagues.
This year’s theme, Ia malu lou sā. Folau i lagimā — A well-grounded self is a successful self — speaks to the importance of personal resilience and strong foundations. It draws on the imagery of a carefully crafted vaka (canoe), built to withstand the tides of life. As the Samoa Language Week Committee explains: “People who prepare thoroughly and with intention become grounded and resilient, and well-equipped to navigate life’s challenges.”
At WM New Zealand, this theme resonates strongly with our focus on creating a supportive environment where people and communities thrive, both in and outside the workplace.
One of our proud Samoan team members is Iliili Ioane, who works in the workshop at our East Tāmaki site in Auckland. Beyond his role at WM New Zealand, Iliili holds chiefly titles in two villages on Upolu Island in Samoa and travels internationally to connect with other high-ranking matai (chiefs).
A leader grounded in humility and service, Iliili embodies the Samoan value of tautua — service. “O le ala i le pule o le tautua,” he shares — the way to authority is through service. For Iliili, leadership isn’t about status, but about supporting others — creating space for whānau and community to thrive.
When asked what being Samoan means to him, he answers simply: “It means family first.” This commitment to family and community underpins his leadership and work ethic.
If he could teach one word in Samoan to his WM whānau, it would be Fealofani — fellowship in love. It’s a word that captures the warmth, respect, and deep relationships Samoan culture brings into everyday life.
Samoa Language Week is one of many opportunities we take to celebrate the diverse cultures that enrich our workplace. We’re proud of the knowledge, values, and leadership our Samoan team members bring — and of our shared commitment to serving communities across Aotearoa with respect, care, and purpose.