Community in the classroom: Zero fees Gagana Samoa at Ara

_{Faiaoga (Teachers) Ta'iivo Piilau (Lua) and Aigatulutuluito Saul Fa'afoe pictured in Ara's City campa Pacific Hub}

Gagana Samoa is returning to Ara Institute of Canterbury, giving learners the chance to build basic language skills and deepen their understanding of Samoan culture.

Beginning 7 September at Te Puna Wānaka on Ara’s City campus, the free two-hour evening course runs over five weeks and focuses on practical, everyday Gagana Samoa, helping learners gain confidence using the language in daily life.

The course comes as Aotearoa's Samoan population continues to grow. More than 210,000 people identify as Samoan, making it New Zealand's largest Pacific ethnic group, while Samoan is the most widely spoken Pacific language in the country.

The classes will be led by husband-and-wife team Aigatulutuluitao Saul Fa’afoe and Taiivao Piilua Fa’afoe (Lua), who both see language as a powerful way to foster belonging and keep cultural traditions alive.

For Saul, who works with young people at Te Puna Wai, an Oranga Tamariki youth justice residence, and serves as a matai within his family and community, language is deeply woven into identity.

"Through my work, I have seen how important identity, culture, and belonging are in helping people grow and make positive choices. Language plays a big part in that," he says.

As a matai, Saul says he has learned that leadership is about service, humility and strengthening relationships, values he carries into the classroom.

His teaching is grounded in helping learners feel at home using practical, everyday Gagana Samoa in their daily lives.

"My goal would be to help them feel comfortable learning simple, everyday Gagana Samoa that they can use with their families, friends, and the wider community.”

Lua, who is currently training to become a primary school teacher, brings the same warmth to the classroom and a passion for creating welcoming spaces where learning can last a lifetime.

"For me, Gagana Samoa is much more than a language. It is who I am. It connects me to my family, my ancestors, my culture, and my faith," she says.

She hopes the new course will inspire people to take that first step, whatever their experience with the language so far.

"Every word they learn is a step towards connecting with Samoan people and understanding our culture. I want to empower learners by helping them realise it’s okay to start at the very beginning.”

The introductory course combines practical language learning with the values, traditions and stories at the heart of Fa'a Samoa, the Samoan way of life.

Ara Associate Director Pacific Success Sua Tauti says even a basic understanding of the language can help build stronger connections with Samoan communities.

"When people make the effort to pronounce words correctly and engage with the language, it shows respect and care. That can make a real difference."

Tauti says the short course provides an accessible starting point.

"This course is a real opportunity to learn from tutors who genuinely want you to feel at home and succeed. I'd encourage anyone who's ever wanted to learn a little Gagana Samoa to just go for it.

"We also have a new Level 2 short course in October which is an ideal follow-on. It's designed to provide further skills in reading and speaking the language and reinforce cultural protocols."

From beginners learning their first Samoan phrases to learners continuing into Level 2, the courses provide an opportunity to build confidence, deepen cultural understanding and gain a greater appreciation of one of Aotearoa's most widely spoken languages.

Find out how to enrol: Gagana Samoa at Ara