• 15 June 2022

Marsden Students part of Official Reception

What an honour for our Samoan students to be part of the official reception for visiting Samoan Prime Minister, and Marsden Old Girl, the Right Honorable Fiame Naomi Mata'afa during her visit to New Zealand in June 2022.

 

Marsden students, in black lavalavas, joined with St. Patrick’s College Wellington in the welcome chant written especially for her as Prime Minister Mata’afa arrived at the reception attended by more than 500 people. 

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Later in the ceremony, Deputy Head Girl, Eva Whitfield and student Tamari Peseta were able to make a presentation on behalf of the school, speaking in both English and Samoan, to acknowledge our pride in our first Old Girl Prime Minister! We are delighted to hear that Fiame loved the silver frame with a photo of her from 1975 as Marsden's Deputy Head Girl. 


Knowing that a Samoan student from Marsden has now gone on to be the Prime Minister of Samoa is truly empowering and motivating. As a young Samoan woman having the privilege of meeting the first female to become the Samoan Prime Minister was inspiring. She has set a great example for us all to strive toward and paved the way for us to follow in her footsteps.
Eva Whitfield, Deputy Head Girl 2022

Prime Minister Mata'afa attended Marsden from 1969–1975 and is one of the school’s honoured Hall of Fame Laureates in recognition of her public service to her people, particularly women and children in Samoa in promoting and advocating socio-economic and political equality.

 

Her warmth and generosity in connecting with our students was a real highlight of the evening. 

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Thanks to Esera Tanoa'i for photography.