Fotu o Mālama Rotorua Retreat 2025

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During the Term 3 holidays, a dedicated group of ten passionate teachers gathered in Rotorua for the Fotu o Mālama Retreat 2025 — two days of deep collaboration, creativity, fun and immersion. Fotu o Mālama is the association for teachers of Gagana Samoa at secondary and tertiary institutions in NZ. Their shared mission is to strengthen and grow Gagana Samoa across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Over the course of the retreat, the team successfully developed six new externals for Levels 1, 2, and 3. These resources were carefully crafted to align with the refreshed curriculum and to reflect authentic Samoan contexts, values, and voices. Each teacher brought their unique expertise, ensuring that the final resources would support both teachers and students in delivering high-quality, culturally grounded language learning experiences.

The retreat provided more than just time for resource creation — it was also a space for talanoa, connection, and professional rejuvenation. Teachers shared strategies, stories, and aspirations for the future of Gagana Samoa in New Zealand schools, reaffirming their collective commitment to nurturing the language and culture for future generations.

For more information about Fotu o Mālama, please contact Lemoa Henry Fesulua’i at lemoa.fesuluai@aut.ac.nz