Maota Samoa will soon be celebrating its 45th birthday on Saturday 16 December Photo: RE: News via Geoffery Matautia
In 1978 the iconic Maota Samoa building was opened in Central Auckland, it was the first traditional Samoan fale or house to be built outside of the island.
Samoan leaders at the time envisioned the building as a thriving community and business hub for the Samoan and wider Pasifika peoples.
Established during the infamous Dawn Raids, Maota Samoa rose as a place of hope and gathering, it was seen as a place of safety and cultural pride.
On Saturday 16 December, Maota Samoa will be celebrating its 45th birthday.
Olivia Taouma, from the Friends of Maota Samoa committee spoke with Pacific Waves host Susana Suisuiki about the building's proud legacy.
