Judith Collins, National Party Spokeswoman for Pacific Island Affairs and Clevedon Electorate MP, praises the contribution of New Zealand-born and educated people to the Samoan economy and Cook Islander to graduate with early childhood education qualifications.
Samoans who have gained qualifications in New Zealand and Australia are returning home to put their skills to use, contributing to the country’s progress.
Clevedon MP Judith Collins holidayed in Samoa for her birthday recently and was pleased to see the progress made there.
“More Samoans are returning there from New Zealand and Australia bringing skills and experience and setting up businesses.
“There are big opportunities in Samoa,” she says.
Ms Collins’s sister-in-law moved back to Samoa from New Zealand a few years ago and established the airport lodge. Her brother-in-law, who is palagi, set up an electrical business.
“It has been very successful for them to move back there,” Ms Collins says.
While in Samoa Ms Collins met with the Prime Minister Tuila’epa Sailele Malielegaoi, the Deputy Prime Minister Misa Telefoni Retzlaff and other dignitaries.
“I am very impressed at the increased levels of infrastructure put into Samoa.
“There has been a big emphasis on tourism and education. In particular, it was pleasing to see a level of commitment at the National University of Samoa to train young people to achieve qualifications.
“I have been to Samoa three times in the past 14 months and I’ve been pleased to see the progress.”
Ms Collins also highlighted the safety and peacefulness in Samoa. She attributed this to the strong role of families and the matai system.
“Family structure is highly important. More than lip-service is paid to families in Samoa,” Ms Collins says.
Congratulations to Cook Island graduate
Clevedon MP Judith Collins is writing to East Tamaki resident Tetiare Eliu to congratulate her on being the first Cook Islander to graduate with early childhood education qualifications.
Miss Eliu’s goal is to teach the new generation of Cook Islanders the language of her ancestors – Cook Island Maori.
Ms Collins, the National Party spokesperson for Pacific Island Affairs says Tetiare is a great role model for younger Cook Islanders.
“Not only will she be able to use language to pass on cultural values but her success will encourage others to achieve great things,” Ms Collins says.
“I want to celebrate her success because far too much emphasis is placed on negative statistics rather than on positive role models.
