Governor-General of New Zealand, RT Hon. Dame Cindy Kiro was welcomed by the village council of Magiagi earlier this week, with a special Ava ceremony.
This follows the re-launch of the “Save the Manumea Campaign” by the Samoa Conservation Society, including the Save the Manumea branded painted buses.
The Governor General also visited the Commonwealth Graves at Magiagi Cemetery to pay her respects and lay wreaths.
While in Savaii earlier the Governor General visited Vaisala and Asau to see the Vaai cocoa farms.
Cocoa beans were introduced to Samoa in the 1880s, and the climate on the island provides the perfect environment for growing premium cocoa.
Aotearoa New Zealand has supported the development of the Samoa Koko Industry Association, with some of our main chocolate producers working with Savaii cocoa growers.
After this visit, they saw a demonstration of the traditional art of Siapo – barkcloth made from the paper mulberry tree.
