Samoan New Zealanders are

Samoa Samoa, officially the Independent State of Samoa; sm, Sāmoa, and until 1997 known as Western Samoa, is a Polynesian island country consisting of two main islands (Savai'i and Upolu); two smaller, inhabited islands (Manono Island, Manono an ...

n immigrants in New Zealand, their descendants, and New Zealanders of Samoan

ethnic An ethnic group or an ethnicity is a grouping of people who identify with each other on the basis of shared attributes that distinguish them from other groups. Those attributes can include common sets of traditions, ancestry, language, history, ...

descent. They constitute one of New Zealand's most sizeable ethnic minorities. In the 2018 census, 182,721 New Zealanders identified themselves as being of Samoan ethnicity with 55,512 stating that they were born in

, and 861 stating that they were born in

American Samoa American Samoa ( sm, Amerika Sāmoa, ; also ' or ') is an unincorporated territory of the United States located in the South Pacific Ocean, southeast of the island country of Samoa. Its location is centered on . It is east of the Internation ...

History

Overview

The country of

(distinct from

) has a unique historical relationship with New Zealand, having been administered by New Zealand from 1914 to 1962. Notable levels of Samoan migration to New Zealand began in the 1950s. In the 1970s, Samoan illegal immigrants were the targets of notorious " dawn raids" by the police, which led to accusations of ethnic bias in tackling illicit immigration. That same decade, some Samoan New Zealanders joined the newborn Polynesian Panthers, an organisation dedicated to supporting

Pacific Islander Pacific Islanders, Pasifika, Pasefika, or rarely Pacificers are the peoples of the Pacific Islands. As an ethnic/racial term, it is used to describe the original peoples—inhabitants and diasporas—of any of the three major subregions of Ocea ...

New Zealanders, for example by providing information on their legal rights. The number of Samoan-born residents in New Zealand doubled to over 24,000 during the 1970s. In

Auckland Auckland (pronounced ) ( mi, Tāmaki Makaurau) is a large metropolitan city in the North Island of New Zealand. The most populous urban area in the country and the fifth largest city in Oceania, Auckland has an urban population of about I ...

, Samoan communities developed in inner city suburbs, such as

Ponsonby Ponsonby may refer to: Surname *Arthur Ponsonby, 1st Baron Ponsonby of Shulbrede (1871–1946), British politician, writer, and social activist *Arthur Ponsonby, 11th Earl of Bessborough (1912–2002), British peer * Ashley Ponsonby DL, JP (1831� ...

Freemans Bay Freemans Bay is the name of a former bay and now inner city suburb of Auckland, in the North Island of New Zealand. The bay has been filled in to a considerable extent, with the reclamation area now totally concealing the ancient shoreline. Hist ...

and Grey Lynn. By the mid-1970s,

gentrification Gentrification is the process of changing the character of a neighborhood through the influx of more affluent residents and businesses. It is a common and controversial topic in urban politics and planning. Gentrification often increases the ...

caused Samoan communities to relocate to more distant suburbs, such as Māngere and Massey. Grey Lynn continued to have a large Samoan population until the mid-1980s. In 1982, a number of Samoan-born residents were granted citizenship with the ''Citizenship (Western Samoa) Act''. Samoan immigration in New Zealand has subsequently been regulated by quotas. Since 2002, 1,100 Samoans are granted entry each year. In the 1980s, figures from the Samoan community became nationally recognised New Zealand celebrities, such as

rugby union Rugby union, commonly known simply as rugby, is a Contact sport#Terminology, close-contact team sport that originated at Rugby School in the first half of the 19th century. One of the Comparison of rugby league and rugby union, two codes of ru ...

player Michael Jones, who grew up in Te Atatū South. In 1993, Samoan-born Taito Phillip Field became the first Pasifika

member of parliament A member of parliament (MP) is the representative in parliament of the people who live in their electoral district. In many countries with Bicameralism, bicameral parliaments, this term refers only to members of the lower house since upper house ...

(MP), when he was won the Otara electorate seat for Labour. Samoan New Zealanders, compared to other groups such as Dutch New Zealanders who immigrated to New Zealand at the same time, retain a large number of

Samoan language Samoan ( or ; ) is a Polynesian language spoken by Samoans of the Samoan Islands. Administratively, the islands are split between the sovereign country of Samoa and the United States territory of American Samoa. It is an official language, a ...

speakers.

Demographics

The 1874 census recorded 6 Samoans in New Zealand. Numbers have increased steadily ever since, to 279 in 1936, 1,336 in 1951, 19,711 in 1976, 24,141 in 1981, and 47,118 in 2001. There were 182,721 people identifying as being part of the Samoan ethnic group at the

2018 New Zealand census Eighteen or 18 may refer to: * 18 (number), the natural number following 17 and preceding 19 * one of the years 18 BC, AD 18, 1918, 2018 Film, television and entertainment * ''18'' (film), a 1993 Taiwanese experimental film based on the sh ...

, making up 3.9% of New Zealand's population. This is an increase of 38,583 people (26.8%) since the 2013 census, and an increase of 51,618 people (39.4%) since the 2006 census. Some of the increase between the 2013 and 2018 census was due to

Statistics New Zealand Statistics New Zealand ( mi, Tatauranga Aotearoa), branded as Stats NZ, is the public service department of New Zealand charged with the collection of statistics related to the economy, population and society of New Zealand. To this end, Stats ...

adding ethnicity data from other sources (previous censuses, administrative data, and imputation) to the 2018 census data to reduce the number of non-responses. There were 91,443 males and 91,275 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.002 males per female. The median age was 22.8 years, compared to 37.4 years for New Zealand as a whole; 62,688 people (34.3%) were aged under 15 years, 50,229 (27.5%) were 15 to 29, 59,859 (32.8%) were 30 to 64, and 9,942 (5.4%) were 65 or older. In terms of population distribution, 64.9% of Samoan New Zealanders live in the Auckland region, 27.0% live in the North Island outside the Auckland region, and 8.1% live in the South Island. The

Māngere-Ōtāhuhu local board area Māngere-Ōtāhuhu is a local government area in Auckland, in New Zealand's Auckland Region. It is governed by the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board and Auckland Council. It is within the council's Manukau Ward. Geography The area includes the sub ...

of Auckland has the highest concentration of Samoan people at 26.8%, followed by the Ōtara-Papatoetoe local board area (24.2%) and the

Manurewa local board area Manurewa is a major suburb in South Auckland, New Zealand. It was part of Manukau City before the creation of the Auckland super city in 2010. It is located south of the Manukau City Centre, and southeast of Auckland CBD. The suburb is bis ...

(19.7%). Porirua City has the highest concentration of Samoan peoples outside of Auckland at 16.1%. The Kaikōura District had the lowest concentration of Samoan people at 0.2%, followed by the Gore, Queenstown-Lakes, Southland and Waimate districts, all at 0.3%. A majority of New Zealanders of Samoan ethnicity today are New Zealand-born. At the 2013 census, 62.7 percent of Samoan New Zealanders were born in New Zealand. Of the overseas-born population, 84 percent had been living in New Zealand for at least five years, and 48 percent had been living in New Zealand for at least 20 years. At the 2013 census, 63.8 percent of Samoan New Zealanders were in the labour force, of which 15.3 percent were unemployed. The large employment industries of Samoans were manufacturing (17.3 percent), health care and social assistance (9.1 percent), and retail trade (8.7 percent).

Culture

In 2013, 56% of ethnic Samoan New Zealanders were able to speak the

. As of 2018, Samoan is the third most-spoken language in New Zealand, behind English and Māori. Samoan cultural values, the "Samoan way of life" ('' fa‘asamoa''), are reportedly retained particularly by elderly members of the community, and include respect and mutual help within the extended family ('' ‘aiga''), as well as ''fa‘alavelave'' (ceremonial and family obligations), and attendance at a

Christian church In ecclesiology, the Christian Church is what different Christian denominations conceive of as being the true body of Christians or the original institution established by Jesus. "Christian Church" has also been used in academia as a synonym f ...

. In 2013, 83.4 percent of Samoans affiliated with at least one religion, compared with 55.0 percent for all New Zealanders. Traditional

tattoo A tattoo is a form of body modification made by inserting tattoo ink, dyes, and/or pigments, either indelible or temporary, into the dermis layer of the skin to form a design. Tattoo artists create these designs using several tattooing proc ...

ing (''tatau'') is embraced by some Samoan New Zealanders, both men and women, as an expression of cultural identity. Samoans have contributed significantly to New Zealand culture in the fields of art,

music Music is generally defined as the The arts, art of arranging sound to create some combination of Musical form, form, harmony, melody, rhythm or otherwise Musical expression, expressive content. Exact definition of music, definitions of mu ...

literature Literature is any collection of written work, but it is also used more narrowly for writings specifically considered to be an art form, especially prose fiction, drama, and poetry. In recent centuries, the definition has expanded to inclu ...

and

sport Sport pertains to any form of competitive physical activity or game that aims to use, maintain, or improve physical ability and skills while providing enjoyment to participants and, in some cases, entertainment to spectators. Sports can, ...

Notable Samoan New Zealanders

Arts

* Aaradhna – R&B artist (Samoan mother, Indian father) * Frankie Adams - actress * Adeaze – R&B Group Name of 2 Artists, Guitarists & Vocalists – Nainz Tupa'i & Viiz Tupa'i * Nick Afoa - singer * Alex Aiono – singer/producer (Samoan-New Zealand father) * KJ Apa – actor (of paternal Samoan descent) * Tusiata Avia - author * Teuila Blakely - actress * Jackie Clarke – actress, comedian * Joseph Churchward – graphic designer * David Dallas – rapper (half Samoan) *

Iosefa Enari Iosefa Enari (1954 – 22 October 2000) was a New Zealand opera singer who was born in Samoa. The Iosefa Enari Memorial Award, presented annually by Creative New Zealand, recognises Enari's pioneering contribution to Pacific Islands opera. Enari wa ...

– opera singer * Eteuati Ete – comedian (

Laughing Samoans The Laughing Samoans were a New Zealand-based duo formed by comedians Eteuati Ete and Tofiga Fepulea'i, both of Samoan descent. The duo have toured in New Zealand in sold-out shows and internationally to Australia, United States, the Cook Island ...

) * Daniel Faitaua – news presenter (born in

Christchurch Christchurch ( ; mi, Ōtautahi) is the largest city in the South Island of New Zealand and the seat of the Canterbury Region. Christchurch lies on the South Island's east coast, just north of Banks Peninsula on Pegasus Bay. The Avon Rive ...

) * Tulele Faletolu – worship leader/singer * David Fane - actor *

Tofiga Fepulea'i Tofiga Fepulea'i (born February 5, 1974) is a New Zealand-based actor and comedian of Samoan descent best known as a member of the stand-up comedy duo Laughing Samoans. Biography Fepulea'i was born and grew up in Wellington, New Zealand. His mo ...

– comedian (

) * Fatu Feu'u – painter *

Sia Figiel Sia Figiel (born 1967 Apia, Samoa) is an American contemporary Samoan novelist, poet, and painter. Early life Sia Figiel grew up amidst traditional Samoan singing and poetry, which heavily influenced her writing. Figiel's greatest influence a ...

– novelist and poet * Mario Gaoa – actor, writer and director * Dei Hamo – rapper *Jamoa Jam – vocal quartet *

Bob Jahnke Robert Hans George Jahnke (born 1951) is a New Zealand artist and educator, well-known for his graphic and sculptural artwork. He is a professor of Māori visual arts at Massey University. Biography and education Jahnke was born in 1951 in t ...

- artist * Jay'ed – singer/songwriter *

Kings Kings or King's may refer to: *Monarchs: The sovereign heads of states and/or nations, with the male being kings *One of several works known as the "Book of Kings": **The Books of Kings part of the Bible, divided into two parts **The ''Shahnameh'' ...

– rapper/songwriter *

King Kapisi Bill Rangi Urale is a New Zealand-Samoan hip-hop artist. Music career He was signed up as an artist with Festival Mushroom Records (NZ). In 2000 he released his critically acclaimed debut album ''Savage Thoughts'', followed by a second album, ...

– hip hop artist * Freddie Keil – musician * Oscar Kightley – actor, writer and television presenter * John Kneubuhl – television writer * Beulah Koale - actor * Ladi 6 – singer/MC * Jay Laga'aia – actor * Jawsh 685 – record producer * Lily Laita – painter and ceramic sculptor * Nathaniel Lees – actor *

Andy Leleisi'uao Andy Leleisi’uao (b. 1969) is a New Zealand artist of Samoan heritage known for his modern and post-modern Pacific paintings and art. He was paramount winner at the 26th annual Wallace Art Awards in 2017 and awarded a Senior Pacific Artist Aw ...

- artist *

Jonathan Lemalu Jonathan Fa'afetai Lemalu (born 1976) is a New Zealand bass baritone opera singer. Born to Samoan parents who had emigrated to New Zealand, he was educated in Dunedin. His first singing teacher was Honor McKellar, who began teaching him whi ...

– Grammy winning opera singer *

Stacey Leilua Stacey Leilua (born 1982) is a New Zealand actress and producer. Since the early 2000s she has regularly acted in Pasifika theatre in New Zealand and was a founding member of the Kila Kokonut Krew. She has played Ata Johnson, the mother of Dw ...

- actor * Pua Magasiva – actor and radio presenter * Robbie Magasiva – actor * Rose Matafeo – comedian (Samoan father) * Naked Samoans –

comedy Comedy is a genre of fiction that consists of discourses or works intended to be humorous or amusing by inducing laughter, especially in theatre, film, stand-up comedy, television, radio, books, or any other entertainment medium. The term ori ...

group *

Rene Naufahu Rene Naufahu (born May 1970) is a New Zealand actor, screenwriter and director. Career Naufahu is perhaps best known for being an original cast member of the New Zealand soap opera ''Shortland Street'', playing paramedic Sam Aleni for the show' ...

– actor, screen writer and director * Chong Nee – hip hop and R&B writer, producer and singer * Louis Sutherland – director, actor, two-time winner at Cannes Film Festival * Savage – rapper * Scribe – rapper * Tusi Tamasese – film director *

Michel Tuffery Michael "Michel" Cliff Tuffery (born 27 May 1966) is a New Zealand artist of Samoan, Tahitian and Cook Islands descent. He is one of New Zealand's most well known artists and his work is held in many art collections in New Zealand and around ...

– painter and sculptor * Lani Tupu - actor * Jared Turner - actor (Samoan mother) * Sima Urale - film director and screen writer *

Tha Feelstyle Kas Futialo, known by the stage name Tha Feelstyle, is a New Zealand hip hop artist of Samoan descent. His first album was ''Break It To Pieces'' in 2004. Tha Feelstyle was born in Samoa and moved to New Zealand in the 1980s. He raps in English a ...

– hip hop artist, rapper *

Rosita Vai Rosita Vai (born 4 June 1981) is a New Zealand singer who rose to musical fame as the winner of the second season of '' New Zealand Idol'' in 2005. Now married, she is also known as Rosita Gibbons. Prior to her win, Rosita managed to stay out of ...

– pop and R&B singer * the Yandall Sisters – singers *

Albert Wendt Albert Tuaopepe Wendt (born 27 October 1939) is a Samoan poet and writer who lives in New Zealand. He is one of the most influential writers in Oceania. His notable works include ''Sons for the Return Home'', published in 1973 (adapted into a ...

– writer * Emily Williams – singer

Sports

* Maselino Masoe – Boxer (middleweight, Former World Champion) * Joseph Parker – Boxer * David Tua – Boxer *

Rodney Reid Rodney Ernest Reid (30 July 1939 – 12 May 2022) was a New Zealand association football player who represented New Zealand at international level and played first-class cricket for Wellington. Born in Apia in Western Samoa, Reid played 1 ...

- Soccer player, New Zealand * Murphy Su'a – Cricketer, New Zealand * Ross Taylor – Cricketer, New Zealand *

Beatrice Faumuina Beatrice Roini Liua Faumuina (born 23 October 1974 in Auckland, New Zealand) is a former New Zealand discus thrower. Career Faumuina was a gold medallist at the 1997 World Championships in Athletics. She has represented New Zealand in four S ...

– Discus thrower (Former World Champion) * Mark Hunt – Kickboxer in K-1 / mixed martial artist in Pride FC & UFC * Ray Sefo – Kickboxer in K-1 *

Robert Whittaker Robert Whitaker or Whittaker may refer to: *Robert Whittaker (fighter) (born 1990), Australian mixed martial artist *Robert Whitaker (equestrian) (born 1983), British showjumper *Robert Whitaker (author) (active since 1989), American author *Robert ...

– mixed martial artist *

Cheree Crowley Cheree Georgina Crowley (born 6 May 1988) is a New Zealand-born professional wrestler. She is currently signed to WWE, where she performs on the Raw brand under the ring name Dakota Kai. She is a member of Damage CTRL and is one half of the cur ...

- Wrestler * Rita Fatialofa – Netball player (Silver Ferns) * Paula Griffin – Netball player (Silver Ferns) *

April Ieremia April Ieremia (born 31 October 1967) is a New Zealand former netball player and television host. Netball career April Ieremia was a New Zealand attacking player from Christchurch who represented Canterbury from 1983–1992. In 1985 she made t ...

– Netball player (Silver Ferns) * Cathrine Latu – Netball player (Silver Ferns) * Bernice Mene – Netball player (Silver Ferns) *

Grace Rasmussen Grace Kara (née Rasmussen; born 18 March 1988 in Auckland, New Zealand) is a New Zealand netball player of Samoan descent. Kara played in the National Bank Cup for the Auckland Diamonds from 2005 to 2007. She continued playing in Auckland ...

– Netball player (Silver Ferns) *

Sheryl Scanlan Sheryl Scanlan (née Clarke; born 8 September 1977) is a New Zealand and Samoan international netball player. She played for the Northern Force in the National Bank Cup from 1998 until the conclusion in 2007, when the new ANZ Championship ...

''nee'' Clarke – Netball player (Silver Ferns) * Frances Solia – Netball player * Lorna Suafoa – Netball player (Silver Ferns) *

Maria Tutaia Solonaima Maria Folau (née Tuta'ia; born 18 February 1987 in Tokoroa, New Zealand) is a retired New Zealand netball player. She played regularly for the New Zealand national netball team, the Silver Ferns. Early life Folau was born Solonaima M ...

– Netball player (Silver Ferns) *

Linda Vagana Linda Tuumuliga Vagana (born 23 July 1971 in Auckland, New Zealand) is an international netball coach and former representative player from New Zealand. Vagana played as a circle defender, and was a member of the New Zealand national netball tea ...

– Netball player (Silver Ferns) *

Brad Abbey Brad Abbey (born 30 December 1996) is a New Zealand professional rugby league footballer who plays for the Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles in the NSW Cup. Abbey previously played for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, Canberra Raiders and Sydney ...

- Rugby League player * Jack Afamasaga – Rugby League player *

Bunty Afoa Iulio "Bunty" Afoa (born 20 August 1996) is a Samoa international rugby league footballer who plays as a for the New Zealand Warriors in the NRL. Background Afoa was born in Auckland, New Zealand, and is of Samoan descent and attended St Pa ...

- - Rugby league player * Fred Ah Kuoi – Rugby League player *

Isaak Ah Mau Isaak Ah Mau (born 25 November 1982) is a former Samoa international rugby league footballer who played as a for the North Queensland Cowboys and the Brisbane Broncos in the NRL. Background Ah Mau was born in Auckland, New Zealand. He is the ...

– Rugby League player *

Leeson Ah Mau Leeson Ah Mau (born 20 December 1989) is a former professional rugby league footballer, who has represented both Samoa and New Zealand at international level. He previously played for the Warriors, North Queensland Cowboys and the St George Il ...

– Rugby League player * Patrick Ah Van – Rugby League Player *

Josh Aloiai Josh Aloiai (born 11 November 1995) is a Samoan international rugby league footballer who plays as a for the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles in the NRL. He previously played for the Wests Tigers in the National Rugby League. Background Aloiai wa ...

- Rugby league player *

Daejarn Asi Daejarn Asi (born 15 August 2000) is a New Zealand professional rugby league footballer who plays as a and for the Parramatta Eels in the National Rugby League (NRL). He previously played for the North Queensland Cowboys, New Zealand War ...

- Rugby League player * Nelson Asofa-Solomona – Rugby League player * Roy Asotasi – Rugby League player *

Renouf Atoni Renouf Atoni (''né'' To'omaga; born 25 June 1995) is a New Zealand rugby league footballer who plays as a for Wakefield Trinity in the Betfred Super League. He previously played for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in the National Rugby Le ...

- Rugby league player * Andrew Bentley - Rugby League player *

Kane Bentley Kane Bentley (born 16 April 1987) is a professional rugby league footballer who plays as a for the St Gaudens Bears in the Elite One Championship. He has played for both France and Scotland at international level. He previously played for To ...

- Rugby League player * Monty Betham – former professional

rugby league Rugby league football, commonly known as just rugby league and sometimes football, footy, rugby or league, is a full-contact sport played by two teams of thirteen players on a rectangular field measuring 68 metres (75 yards) wide and 112 ...

footballer & Boxer *

Dean Blore Dean Blore (born 29 September 1998) is an Australian professional rugby league footballer who plays as a for the St George Illawarra Dragons in the NSW Cup. Background Blore was born in Sydney, Australia. Blore played his junior rugby league ...

- Rugby League player *

Shawn Blore Shawn Blore (born 1 August 2000) is a professional rugby league footballer who plays as a forward for the Melbourne Storm in the National Rugby League (NRL). He has previously played for the Wests Tigers. Background Blore played his junior ...

- Rugby League player * Dylan Brown - Rugby League player *

Fa'amanu Brown Fa'amanu Brown (born 24 December 1994) is a , and international rugby league footballer, who plays as a and for Hull F.C. in the Betfred Super League. He previously played for the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, W ...

- Rugby League player * George Carmont – Rugby League player *

Michael Chee-Kam Michael Chee-Kam (born 26 February 1992) is a Samoa international rugby league footballer who plays as a forward or for the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the NRL. He previously played for the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles and the Wests Tigers in t ...

-Rugby League player *

Erin Clark Erin Clark (born 6 September 1997) is a Samoa international rugby league footballer who plays as a for the Gold Coast Titans in the NRL. Clark previously played for the New Zealand Warriors in the National Rugby League. Background Born i ...

– Rugby League player * Oscar Danielson – Rugby League player * Mark Elia – Rugby League player *

Herman Ese'ese Herman Ese'ese (born 7 September 1994) is a professional rugby league footballer who plays as a and for the Dolphins in the National Rugby League. He has played for both New Zealand and Samoa at international level. He previously played fo ...

- Rugby League player *

Henry Fa'afili Henry Fa'afili (born 30 May 1980) is a Samoan-born New Zealand former professional rugby league and rugby union footballer who played in the 1990s, 2000s and 2010s. He played representative rugby league (RL) for New Zealand Secondary Schools, ...

– former professional

footballer & Manu Samoa player *

David Fa'alogo David Fa'alogo (born 9 September 1980) is a former professional rugby league footballer played as a and in the 2000s and 2010s. He played for the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Newcastle Knights in the NRL, the Huddersfield Giants in the Super Le ...

– Rugby League player *

Poasa Faamausili Poasa Faamausili (born 14 February 1996) is a New Zealand rugby league footballer who plays as a for the Dolphins in the National Rugby League (NRL). He previously played for the St. George Illawarra Dragons, the Sydney Roosters and the N ...

- Rugby league player * Maurie Fa'asavalu – Rugby League player & Manu Samoa player * Sonny Fai – Rugby League player * David Faiumu – Rugby League player *

Bureta Faraimo Bureta Faraimo (born 16 July 1990) is a United States international rugby league footballer who plays on the for the Castleford Tigers in the Betfred Super League. He has previously played for the Parramatta Eels and the New Zealand Warriors ...

- Rugby league player * Sione Faumuina – Rugby League player *

Max Feagai Max Feagai (born 14 February 2001) is a professional rugby league footballer from New Zealand who plays as a er or for the St. George Illawarra Dragons in the National Rugby League (NRL). Background Feagai was born in Hastings, New Zealand ...

- Rugby League player * Olsen Filipaina – Rugby League player *

Marvin Filipo Marvin Filipo (born 20 March 1987) is a New Zealand professional rugby league footballer who currently plays for the Dora Creek Swampies in the Newcastle & Hunter Rugby League. He plays at and and previously played for the Newcastle Knights i ...

– Rugby League player * Joe Galuvao – Rugby League player * James Gavet – Rugby League player * Pita Godinet – Rugby League player * Harrison Hansen – Rugby League player *

Chanel Harris-Tavita Chanel Harris-Tavita (born 3 April 1999) is a Samoan international rugby league footballer who plays as a or and currently plays for the New Zealand Warriors in the National Rugby League (NRL). Background Harris-Tavita was born in Auckland, ...

- Rugby League player *

Hymel Hunt Hymel Hunt (born 14 November 1993) is a Samoa international rugby league footballer who plays as a er or . He previously played for the Gold Coast Titans, Melbourne Storm, South Sydney Rabbitohs and Newcastle Knights in the National Rugby Leag ...

- Rugby League player * Karmichael Hunt - Rugby League player * Krisnan Inu – Rugby League player * Masada Iosefa – Rugby League player * Willie Isa – Rugby League player * Jamayne Isaako - Rugby League player * Sam Kasiano – Rugby league player *

Oregon Kaufusi Oregon Kaufusi (born 20 August 1999) is a Samoa international rugby league footballer who plays as a for the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks in the National Rugby League. He previously played for the Parramatta Eels in the NRL. Background Kaufusi ...

- Rugby league player * Tim Lafai – Rugby league player *

Ali Lauitiiti Alaimatagi "Ali" Lauitiiti (born 13 July 1979) is a former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1990s, 2000s and 2010s, as a . Both a Samoa and New Zealand international representative forward, Lauitiiti played for the New Ze ...

– Rugby League player *

Tasesa Lavea Tasesa James Lavea (born 10 January 1980) is a New Zealand rugby union coach and former professional rugby league and rugby union footballer. He is of Samoan and Māori descent and heritage, and he coaches the 1st XV for Saint Kentigern College ...

– Rugby League player & Manu Samoa player *

Joseph Leilua Joseph Leilua (born 12 December 1991) is a international rugby league footballer who plays for the Featherstone Rovers. Leilua previously played for the Sydney Roosters, Newcastle Knights and the Canberra Raiders in the National Rugby League ...

– Rugby League player *

Connelly Lemuelu Connelly Lemuelu (born 7 July 1998) is a professional rugby league footballer who plays as a and er for the Dolphins in the National Rugby League. He previously played for the North Queensland Cowboys in the NRL, and Samoa internationally. ...

- Rugby League player *

Spencer Leniu Spencer Leniu (born 8 September 2000) is a Samoa international rugby league footballer who plays as a for the Sydney Roosters in the National Rugby League (NRL). Background Leniu was born in Auckland, New Zealand and grew up in Australia. He ...

- Rugby League player * Moses Leota – Rugby League player * Kylie Leuluai – Rugby League player * Phillip Leuluai – Rugby League player *

Thomas Leuluai Thomas James Leuluai (born 22 June 1985) is a New Zealand professional rugby league coach who is the assistant coach of the Wigan Warriors in the Betfred Super League and a former professional rugby league footballer who played for New Zealand ...

– Rugby League player *

Danny Levi Daniel "Danny" Levi (born 5 December 1996) is a professional rugby league footballer who plays as a for the Canberra Raiders in the NRL. He has played for New Zealand national rugby league team, New Zealand, New Zealand Māori rugby league tea ...

- Rugby League player * Jeff Lima – Rugby League player *

Mason Lino Mason Lino (born 4 February 1994) is a Samoan professional rugby league footballer who plays as a and for Wakefield Trinity in the Betfred Super League and Samoa at the international level. He previously played for the New Zealand Warriors ...

– Rugby League player *

Sam Lisone Sam Lisone (born 19 February 1994), also known by the nickname of "Slammin'", is a Samoa international rugby league footballer who plays as a for the Leeds Rhinos in the Super League. He previously played for the New Zealand Warriors and ...

- Rugby League player *

Isaac Liu Isaac Liu (born 26 April 1991) is a professional rugby league footballer who plays as a and forward for the Gold Coast Titans in the National Rugby League (NRL). He is both a Samoan and New Zealand international. He has previously playe ...

- Rugby League player *

Jamahl Lolesi Jamahl Lolesi (born 20 March 1981) is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 2000s and 2010s. A New Zealand and Samoa international representative or , he had previously played for the Wests Tigers, Canterb ...

– Rugby League player * Jarome Luai - Rugby League player *

Patrick Mago Patrick Mago (born 4 December 1994) is a professional rugby league footballer who plays as a for the Wigan Warriors in the SL. He previously played for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, North Queensland Cowboys and the Brisbane Broncos in th ...

- Rugby League player * Hutch Maiava – Rugby League player * Greg Marzhew - Rugby league player * Mose Masoe – Rugby League player * Willie Mason - Rugby League player *

Suaia Matagi Suaia Matagi (born 23 March 1988), also known by the nickname of "Sui", is a professional rugby league footballer who plays as a for the Castleford Tigers in the Betfred Super League. He is both a New Zealand and Samoan international. He pr ...

– Rugby League player * Steve Matai – Rugby League player * Ben Matulino – Rugby League player * Ken Maumalo – Rugby league player *

Wayne McDade Wayne McDade (born 1 July 1981) is a former Samoa international rugby league footballer who played as a . Background McDade was born in New Zealand. Playing career A Richmond Bulldogs junior, McDade has appeared in the NSWRL Premier League for ...

– Rugby League player * Francis Meli – Rugby League player * Constantine Mika – Rugby League player * Thomas Mikaele - Rugby League player * Junior Moors – Rugby League player * Ronaldo Mulitalo - Rugby League player * Zane Musgrove - Rugby League player * Jeremiah Nanai - Rugby league player *

Frank-Paul Nu'uausala Frank-Paul Nu'uausala (born 13 February 1987), also known by the nicknames of "Frank Paul the Wrecking Ball" or "Frank the tank", is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer. A New Zealand international representative forward, N ...

– Rugby League player * Hitro Okesene – Rugby League player *

Keenan Palasia Keenan Palasia (born 24 January 1997) is a Samoa international rugby league and Māori All Stars footballer who plays as a and for the Gold Coast Titans in the National Rugby League (NRL). Background Palasia was born in the Logan area of Br ...

- Rugby League player * Iafeta Paleaaesina – Rugby League player *

Sam Panapa Samuel Lameko Panapa is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1980s and 1990s. He represented three countries in his career: Tokelau, New Zealand and Western Samoa. Panapa played his club football in Aucklan ...

– Rugby League player *

Abraham Papalii Abraham Papali'i (born 20 June 1993) is a professional rugby player from New Zealand. He has played both rugby union and rugby league professionally. Papali'i currently plays rugby union for CA Brive Corrèze Limousin in France as back row. He l ...

- Rugby League player * Isaiah Papali'i - Rugby League player * Josh Papalii – Rugby League player *

Junior Pauga Junior Pauga (born 3 February 1996) is a professional rugby league footballer who plays for the Sydney City Roosters as a or er. He previously played for the Wests Tigers in the NRL. Background Born in Ōtāhuhu, Auckland, New Zealand, Pau ...

- Rugby League player *

Jaxson Paulo Jaxson Paulo (born 3 October 1999) is a Samoa international rugby league footballer from New Zealand who plays as a er for the Sydney Roosters in the National Rugby League (NRL). Background Paulo was born in Auckland, New Zealand, and is o ...

- Rugby League player * Joseph Paulo – Rugby League player * Junior Paulo – Rugby League player *

Franklin Pele Franklin Pele (born 18 December 2000) is a New Zealand professional rugby league footballer who plays as a for the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs in the National Rugby League He previously played for the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks in the N ...

- Rugby League player * Jordan Pereira - Rugby League player * Eddy Pettybourne – Rugby League player * Apollo Perelini – Former Rugby league player & Manu Samoa player * Sam Perrett – Rugby League player *

Dominique Peyroux Dominique Peyroux (born 21 January 1989) is a professional rugby league footballer who plays as a forward or for Toulouse Olympique in the Betfred Championship. He has played for the Cook Islands and Samoa at international level. He previousl ...

– Rugby League player * Willie Poching – Rugby League player *

Frank Pritchard Frank Semu Pritchard (born 3 November 1983), also known by the nicknames "Cranky" and "Frank the Tank", is a former professional rugby league footballer who represented New Zealand and Samoa at international level. A , he played in the Nat ...

– Rugby League player * Frank Puletua – Rugby League player *

Tony Puletua Anthony Puletua (born 25 June 1979), also known by the nickname of "TP", is a former professional rugby league footballer who last played for the Hull Kingston Rovers in the Super League. A New Zealand and Samoan international, Puletua previ ...

– Rugby League player * Nathaniel Roache - Rugby League player * Ben Roberts – Rugby League player * Iva Ropati – Rugby League player *

Jerome Ropati Jerome Ropati (born 23 November 1984) is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who played his entire career for the New Zealand Warriors in the National Rugby League (NRL). Ropati also represented New Zealand, and was a ...

– Rugby League player *

Tea Ropati Tea Faa'tea Ropati (born 7 September 1964) is a former professional rugby league footballer who represented New Zealand and Western Samoa. Background Ropati was born in Auckland, New Zealand. Ropati is a member of the large Ropati rugby leagu ...

– Rugby League player * Setaimata Sa – Rugby League player & Manu Samoa player *

Smith Samau Smith Samau (born 15 June 1986) is a former Samoa international rugby league footballer who plays for the Central Queensland Capras in the Queensland Cup. Background Samau was born in New Zealand. He grew up in Brisbane, Queensland and was edu ...

– Rugby League player *

Junior Sau Tafeaga Junior Sa'u (born 18 April 1987) is a professional New Zealand and Samoan rugby league player who plays as a for Old Glory DC in Major League Rugby (MLR). He also plays for the Keighley Cougars in RFL League 1. He previously played for ...

– Rugby League player *

Andre Savelio Andre Savelio (born ) is a professional rugby league footballer who plays as a forward for Hull F.C. in the Betfred Super League. He previously played for St Helens, on loan from the Saints at the Castleford Tigers in the Super League. He ...

- Rugby League player * Jesse Sene-Lefao - Rugby League player *

Lagi Setu Lagi Setu (born 25 February 1988) is a Samoa international rugby league footballer. In rugby league he primarily plays or . Early life Born in Auckland, New Zealand. Setus’ family moved to Ipswich, Queensland, where he was educated at Ipswi ...

– Rugby League player *

Ava Seumanufagai Ava Seumanufagai (born 3 June 1991) is a New Zealand professional rugby league footballer who currently plays for Leigh Leopards in the Betfred Super League. He previously played for the Wests Tigers, Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks and Canterbury-B ...

– Rugby league player * Jerry Seuseu – Rugby League player * Tim Simona – Rugby League player *

Tukimihia Simpkins Tukimihia Simpkins (born 24 December 2001) is a professional rugby league footballer who plays as a forward for the Wests Tigers in the NRL. Background Simpkins was born in Rotorua, New Zealand, and is of Māori descent. Career Early ...

- Rugby League player *

Toafofoa Sipley Toafofoa Sipley (born 5 January 1995) is a Niue national rugby league team, Niue international rugby league footballer who plays as a for the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles in the National Rugby League, NRL. He previously played for the New Zeal ...

- Rugby League player * Jeremy Smith – Rugby League player * Iosia Soliola – Rugby League player *

David Solomona David Joseph Solomona (born 26 January 1978) is a former professional rugby league footballer, who last played for the Warrington Wolves in the Super League. He was regularly amongst the top off-loaders in the competition. Background Solomona ...

– Rugby League player * Denny Solomona - Rugby League player * Malo Solomona – Rugby League player * Tupou Sopoaga – Rugby League player * Chase Stanley – Rugby League player * Kyle Stanley – Rugby League player * Jaydn Su'A - Rugby League player * Sauaso Sue - Rugby League player *

Anthony Swann Anthony Gilbert Swann (born 27 March 1975) is a former professional rugby league footballer who represented both New Zealand and Samoa in international rugby league. Background He was educated at Liston College, Henderson. Playing career Swa ...

– Rugby League player * Logan Swann – Rugby League player * Sam Tagataese – Rugby League player * Willie Talau – Rugby League player * Tony Tatupu – Rugby League player * Mark Taufua – Rugby League player * Murray Taulagi - Rugby League player * Misi Taulapapa – Rugby League player * Martin Taupau - Rugby League player * Ben Te'o – Rugby League player * Jazz Tevaga – Rugby League player *

Junior Tia-Kilifi Junior Tia-Kilifi (JTK) (born 24 April 1988) is a Samoa international former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 2000s and 2010s for the Penrith Panthers and the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in the National Rugby League. T ...

– Rugby League player *

Matthew Timoko Matthew Timoko (born 18 January 2000) is a professional rugby league footballer who plays as a for the Canberra Raiders in the National Rugby League (NRL). Background Timoko was born in Auckland, New Zealand and is of Māori descent. Timoko ...

- Rugby League player * Motu Tony – Rugby League player * Tony Tuimavave – Rugby League player * Braden Uele – Rugby league player * Wayne Ulugia – Rugby League player * Matt Utai – Rugby League player * Joe Vagana – Rugby League player * Nigel Vagana – Rugby League player *

Taioalo Vaivai Taioalo "Junior" Vaivai (born 18 January 1990) is a Professional Rugby League player. He is also a United States international who plays as a for Toulouse Olympique in the English Super League. He has previously played for the Penrith Panthers ...

- Rugby League player *

Daniel Vidot Daniel Sean Vidot (; born 8 February 1990) is an Australian professional wrestler and former professional rugby league footballer. He is currently signed to WWE, where he performs on the NXT brand under the ring name Xyon Quinn. During hi ...

– Rugby League player * Ruben Wiki – Rugby League player * Darrell Williams – Rugby League player * Antonio Winterstein – Rugby League player * Frank Winterstein – Rugby League player *

Matthew Wright Matthew may refer to: * Matthew (given name) * Matthew (surname) * ''Matthew'' (ship), the replica of the ship sailed by John Cabot in 1497 * ''Matthew'' (album), a 2000 album by rapper Kool Keith * Matthew (elm cultivar), a cultivar of the Chi ...

– Rugby League player * Cameron Howieson – Soccer player New Zealand Men's * Dane Ingham – Soccer player New Zealand Men's * Jai Ingham – Soccer player New Zealand Men's *

Bill Tuiloma Bill Poni Tuiloma (born 27 March 1995) is a New Zealand professional footballer who plays as a centre-back or defensive midfielder for Charlotte FC in Major League Soccer. Tuiloma has represented New Zealand internationally since 2013, and ...

- Soccer player New Zealand Men's * Renee Leota – Soccer player New Zealand Women's * Emma Hunter – Swimmer (Olympics)

All Blacks (past & present)

* Asafo Aumua – (All Black number 1163) * John Afoa – (All Black number 1062) * Sosene Anesi – (All Black number 1054) * Ben Atiga – (All Black number 1037) * Graeme Bachop – (All Black number 885) *

Stephen Bachop Stephen John Bachop (born 2 April 1966 in Christchurch) is a former New Zealand rugby union player and current coach. He is the older brother of fellow former All Black, Graeme Bachop. Rugby career Bachop had two spells in the National Provinc ...

- (All Black number 925) * Andrew Blowers – (All Black number 956) * Olo Brown – (All Black number 910) * Frank Bunce – (All Black number 915) * Caleb Clarke – (All Black number 1187) * Eroni Clarke – (All Black number 919) * Jerry Collins – (All Black number 1002), captain * Christian Cullen – (All Black number 952) * Matt Duffie – (All Black number 1164) * Charlie Faumuina – (All Black number 1116) * Ross Filipo – (All Black number 1070) * Alex Hodgman – (All Black number 1190) * Carl Hoeft – (All Black number 971) * Alama Ieremia – (All Black number 942) * Akira Ioane – (All Black number 1166) * Josh Ioane – (All Black number 1185) * Rieko Ioane – (All Black number 1156) * Michael Jones – (All Black number 882) * Jerome Kaino – (All Black number 1050) *

Josh Kronfeld Joshua Adrian Kronfeld (born 20 June 1971) is a TV presenter and a former rugby union footballer who represented New Zealand at international level and Otago, the Highlanders and Leicester at first-class level. During his international career, K ...

– (All Black number 943) * Pat Lam – (All Black number 928) *

Casey Laulala Casey Daniel Eti Laulala (born 3 May 1982) is a Samoan-born New Zealand former rugby union player. Career Born and raised in Samoa, Laulala started boarding at Wesley College when he was 15. Laulala made his test debut for New Zealand dur ...

– (All Black number 1048) * Nepo Laulala – (All Black number 1139) * Anton Lienert-Brown – (All Black number 1153) * Keith Lowen – (All Black number 1020) *

Steven Luatua Steve Luatua (born 29 April 1991) is a New Zealand rugby union player. His regular playing position is either as a lock or a loose forward. He plays for the Bristol Bears in the English Premiership. Luatua was a member of the New Zealand under ...

– (All Black number 1121) * Lelia Masaga – (All Black number 1092) * Chris Masoe – (All Black number 1059) * Aaron Mauger – (All Black number 1013) * Nathan Mauger – (All Black number 1008) * Keven Mealamu – (All Black number 1026), captain * Brad Mika – (All Black number 1024) * Dylan Mika – (All Black number 982) * Richard Mo'unga – (All Black number 1167) * Mils Muliaina – (All Black number 1033), captain *

Ma'a Nonu Ma'a Allan Nonu (; born 21 May 1982) is a professional rugby union player from New Zealand who currently plays for the San Diego Legion in Major League Rugby (MLR). He plays in the inside centre, but can also cover outside centre and wing. H ...

– (All Black number 1031) *

Dalton Papalii Dalton Reece Papalii ("Pa-pa-lee-e") is a New Zealand rugby union player who plays for Counties Manukau in the Mitre 10 Cup and the in the Super Rugby competition. Papalii has played 22 tests for the All Blacks, New Zealand's international tea ...

– (All Black number 1176) * Stephen Perofeta - (All Black number 1206) *

Augustine Pulu Augustine Pulu (born 4 January 1990) is a professional rugby union player who plays as a scrum-half for Japan Rugby League One club Hino Red Dolphins. Born in New Zealand, he represents Tonga at international level after qualifying on ancestry ...

– (All Black number 1136) * Francis Saili – (All Black number 1126) *

Ardie Savea Ardie Suemalo Savea (born 14 October 1993) is a rugby union player who plays as a flanker or number 8 for in the ITM Cup, the Hurricanes in Super Rugby and international rugby for the New Zealand All Blacks. Savea was a member of New Zealan ...

– (All Black number 1147), captain * Julian Savea – (All Black number 1111) * John Schuster – (All Black number 889) *

John Schwalger John Schwalger (born 28 September 1983 in Apia, Samoa) is a former New Zealand rugby union player who played at the prop position. Early life Schwalger moved to New Zealand after being born in Apia. He is the nephew of Samoa international Mahon ...

– (All Black number 1071) * Kevin Senio – (All Black number 1058) * Dave Solomon – (All Black number 415) * Frank Solomon – (All Black number 387) * Rodney So'oialo – (All Black number 1028), captain * Lima Sopoaga – (All Black number 1145) *

Benson Stanley Benson Stanley (born 11 September 1984 in New South Wales, Australia) is a rugby union player for US Montauban in the Pro D2. Stanley is a product of Auckland Grammar. He plays as a centre. Benson is one of the Stanley rugby clan that includes ...

– (All Black number 1102) *

Jeremy Stanley Jeremy Crispian Stanley (born 26 March 1975) is a former New Zealand rugby union player. He was born in Otahuhu, New Zealand. He played for the All Blacks, Ponsonby and Auckland and the Hurricanes as a centre. Personal life Stanley attend ...

– (All Black number 963) * Joe Stanley – (All Black number 874) *

Angus Ta'avao Angus may refer to: Media * ''Angus'' (film), a 1995 film * ''Angus Og'' (comics), in the ''Daily Record'' Places Australia * Angus, New South Wales Canada * Angus, Ontario, a community in Essa, Ontario * East Angus, Quebec Scotland * Angu ...

– (All Black number 1175) *

Mark Telea Mark Evander Tele'a (born 6 December 1996) is a New Zealand professional rugby union player who plays as a wing for Super Rugby club Blues and the New Zealand national team. Club career After showing promising form for during the 2019 Mit ...

– (All Black number 1207) * Neemia Tialata – (All Black number 1060) * Filo Tiatia – (All Black number 993) *

Isaia Toeava Isaia "Ice" Toeava (born 15 January 1986) is a professional rugby union player from New Zealand. Early career Toeava was born in Samoa but moved to New Zealand in 1994 to live with his grandmother. He attended De La Salle College, Mangere Eas ...

– (All Black number 1064) * Ofisa Tonu'u – (All Black number 957) *

Jeffery Toomaga-Allen Jeffery Latu Toomaga-Allen (born 19 November 1990) is a rugby union footballer who plays as a tighthead prop for Samoa, and for Ulster in the United Rugby Championship. He previously played for Wellington Lions in the ITM Cup and the Hurricanes ...

– (All Black number 1130) * Mose Tuiali'i – (All Black number 1042) * Va'aiga Tuigamala – (All Black number 900) *

Patrick Tuipulotu Patrick Tito Tuipulotu (born 23 January 1993) is a New Zealand rugby union player who is currently a lock for the Blues in Super Rugby and in the Mitre 10 Cup. Tuipulotu is the Blues' current captain and has previously captained Auckland in 201 ...

– (All Black number 1133) * Roger Tuivasa-Sheck – (All Black number 1204) * Richard Turner – (All Black number 917) * Tana Umaga – (All Black number 961), captain * Peter Umaga-Jensen – (All Black number 1189) * Victor Vito – (All Black number 1103) * Bryan Williams – (All Black number 689) *

Sonny Bill Williams Sonny Bill Williams (born 3 August 1985) is a New Zealand heavyweight boxer, and a former professional rugby league and rugby union player and as of recently is working for Stan Sports. He is only the second person to represent New Zealand in ...

– (All Black number 1108) * Rudi Wulf – (All Black number 1077)

General

* Tulele Faletolu – worship leader/singer – Hillsong Church *

Samani Pulepule Samani Pulepule (13 October 1923 – 4 June 2013), formally His Eminence and Most Reverend, Chief Apostle Dr. Samani Pulepule was a Samoan Minister from the early 1950s in the Assemblies of God movement. Dr Pulepule was also the Chief Apostle of ...

–

Preacher A preacher is a person who delivers sermons or homilies on religious topics to an assembly of people. Less common are preachers who preach on the street, or those whose message is not necessarily religious, but who preach components such as a ...

– Evangelist

Politics

* Arthur Anae – politician * Taito Phillip Field – politician * Mark Gosche – politician *Luamanuvao Winnie Laban – politician * Agnes Loheni – politician *

Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga Peseta Samuelu Masunu "Sam" Lotu-Iiga (born 2 November 1970) is a former member of the New Zealand Parliament for the Maungakiekie electorate, having been elected in the 2008 election. Lotu-Iiga was one of two National Party Pacific Island M ...

– politician * William Sio – politician

References

{{Immigration to New Zealand Polynesian New Zealander

History

Overview

Demographics

Culture

Notable Samoan New Zealanders

Arts

Sports

All Blacks (past & present)

General

Politics

See also

References