The Minister of Pacific Island Affairs Mark Gosche is to be honoured by a traditional Samoan Ava Ceremony in
Christchurch tomorrow.
The ceremony is to be hosted by the Fono Faufautua a Matai Samoa i
Kalaisetete, Christchurch's Samoan Advisory Council of Chiefs.
When an 'ava ceremony takes place, the partaking together of chiefs and orators as well as special guests symbolises
unity and solidarity.
Mr Gosche is a New Zealand Born Samoan and the first cabinet minister of Pacific descent.
He was elected in 1996 as a List MP and is currently the Member of Parliament for Maungakiekie.
Mr Gosche and his wife Carol will be accompanied by aiga (relatives) and family matai (chiefs) who live in Christchurch.
Venue: Nga Hau E Wha Marae
Pages Road
Christchurch
Date: Saturday 1 April 2000
Time: 7pm
ENDS