Response to: Samoan From Foreign Soil

Born and Bred
by Ashleigh Neame

***

An essential essence
of being Samoan
is making the pilgrimage back to Samoa.
I think not!

I am classed as a
New Zealand European
but I have not been to Europe
so doesn't that make me not
New Zealand European?

Europe is not my heart.
England is not my heart.
New Zealand is my heart.

I am not
New Zealand European.
I am
New Zealander.

Aotearoa is not my adopted nation.
It is not my family's adopted nation.
It IS our nation.
It is our home.

So why are we classed as
New Zealand European?
We are clearly
New Zealander.

Samoaness from foreign soil.

If that were really, honestly, truly
true
then should England be calling me?

I am not English, Rev Mua Strickson-Pua.
I am New Zealander.
England does not call to me.
I do not want tea and scones.
I hate tea and scones.

Fish and chips.
Pavlova.
The Buzzy Bee that clicks as you tow it along.
These are icons of my culture.
I am
New Zealander.

You say that making peace requires fronting up.
I have made my peace.
I have fronted up.
I am NOT
New Zealand European.

I am New Zealander.

Born and bred.