Samoan Language Week in full swing: Oamaru Pacific Island Trust (OPIT) ran a family-focused cultural night with Samoan legends, screen-printing patterns, coconut “valu le popo,” songs and traditional food like pani popo, koko Samoa and sapasui. Kids’ culture on screen: Malamalama Moni Aoga Amata launched four new bilingual Samoan children’s music videos during Language Week, building on earlier hits and aiming to keep gagana Samoa lively for the next generation. New music videos drop: Malamalama Moni Aoga Amata and The KaRs also unveiled fresh Samoan language music videos as part of the week’s celebrations. Independence relay brings community sport: Triathlon Samoa’s 21km Independence Day Relay drew 12 teams, from age 9 to 71, with cash prizes supported by government funding. Powerlifting records & Oceania selection: Samoa Nationals Powerlifting Championships saw national and Oceania record lifts, with a team named for November’s Oceania meet in Suva. Manu Samoa Nations Cup squad set: 32 players were selected for July’s Nations Cup in Chile and Uruguay, including three on-island players, with Samoa opening against Hong Kong China on July 5. Fashion honour: MENA founder Talaleomalie Filomena Loheni was appointed an MNZM in the King’s Birthday Honours for services to Pacific fashion. Sports spotlight: Veteran cricketer Paitea Teofilo keeps playing into his 60s, saying age is just a number as he bowls for Tama Alapae. Independence honours & culture: Samoa marked its 64th Independence with 33 recipients across sport, public service and culture/environment.