The Loligi branch of the Seumanutafa family held their annual Auckland Anniversary weekend celebrations on the 24th January 2009 in what could only be called - piercing hot weather conditions. The event was held at the home of Uluomato'otua Aiono. The event was co-ordinated and led by Fepulea'i Tautia Levi and the committee Reverend Pita Uo, Fepulea'i Koki (Cochise) Avei, Amituana'i Siaki Avei, Opelu Foutanu and Rita Hughes Scott.
The day began with an umu, an opportunity for younger members of some of the Kiwi branches to learn traditional Samoan cooking at its best. Led by Fepulea'i Tautia, Fepulea'i Koki, Reverend Pita Uo, Falemoe and Siaki Avei and Bill Holland with some of the second and third generation youngsters who assisted and observed the traditional culinary tasks performed by young Samoan men back in the homeland. Said some of the young males, Elroy Levi and Fatu Aiono, "we were here early to do the umu...., hard work. " Fiti Leota and Glen Uo shrugged off the 'umu making' as normal. And so it was, the umu pork, palusami, pisupo and taro were beautifully cooked. There were no left overs, everyone took a bag of food home. Dessert was a mixture of custard and "Falemoe Avei's -divine- steamed pudding", pavlova, custard and apple pies with cherries, apricots, plums, grapes and kiwi fruit. 
For anyone who wants to order "large or small" Falemoe Avei's traditional Samoan steamed pudding at its best - email the blogsite moderator at vinepa@vinepa.com.
As the family members began to arrive and the meets and greets session closed, each family branch had the opportunity to introduce themselves and perform an item followed by a Samoan siva. Next year there will definitely be some upskilling in the siva techniques and some sporting activities included. The two family matriarchs who were present were Tofuinu'u and Faifuaina who both spoke about the necessity for maintaining family links and remembering the central importance of God. It was a fun filled day with lots of laughter, reconnecting with some relatives like Max Reid (son of Silaumua) who spoke about missionary life in China and the need for us to remember the gift of family as "God given". Binnie (aka Sepelini daughter of Leiataua Lesa Auimatagi Siaki Seumanutafa Loligi) who was accompanied by Soloa (aka Poto's) son introduced herself and spoke about her family branch and the number of descendants in that line. And of course Peseta Leva Aati Schuster (Aati branch) who dropped in with Losa (Lima Osasa branch) to say hello.
Eliza (daughter of Tofuinu'u) performed "Mama Mia" to an enthusiastic audience who clapped and jeered along with her. Siblings Stella and Bill Holland spoke with emotion about the significance of family ties for them but a special bouquet goes to Bill's wife Jenny who took majestic control of the Samoan siva. Opelu Pili Foutanu (son of Sepelini who married One Lino) spoke of his attendance on the day as a living symbol of his acknowledgment of his mother's connection to the Seumanutafa Loligi family. A special award should be given to the Oliana (aka Oriana) Avei's descendants who gave a magnificent performance to Abba's "Ring Ring" song. The Avei dance school was unbeatable.
Not to be outdone was Vaova'i Uo's lineage who are gifted songsters, the harmony was superb and no one else dared to venture anywhere close to the Uo girls on the day.
Faifuaina's lineage took comfort in more of the abstract style of Samoan siva while Siniva's children Fepulea'i Itu and Maletina spoke about their family links and their commitment to future family projects and fundraising.
It can only get bigger and better. For those who were unable to attend, next year we hope to see more family members. Thanks to all who attended but special thanks to Fepulea'i Tautia Levi for co-ordinating the day and to the family committee who orchestrated the day right down to clearing away furniture and tidying up.
Key learning for the day - Faith in God & Love Family.
SCENES From The 2009 Auckland Seumanutafa Loligi Celebrations:
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