Times have changed — and so should our tools
When our grandparents first migrated from Samoa to Aotearoa, Australia, and beyond, many worked in factories, on farms, or in service jobs. Today, more and more Samoans are in professional roles — offices, universities, healthcare, government, and leadership positions.
Yet one thing hasn’t changed: the tools most workplaces provide are still generic. At the start of the year, companies hand out the same old Collins diaries and plain notebooks. They don’t reflect who we are, what we value, or the languages we speak. Especially if you live in Aotearoa New Zealand where Samoan is the 3rd most spoken language in the country.
It’s time that changed.
Bringing your whole self to work
Many workplaces talk about “diversity and inclusion,” but for Samoans, inclusion is more than a slogan. It’s about being able to bring your whole authentic self into your mahi — language, culture, faith, and identity included.
When you open a bilingual Samoan planner at your desk, you’re not just organising your day. You’re making a quiet but powerful statement: “I am proud of who I am, and my culture belongs in this space too.”
More than stationery: a cultural anchor
Our Samoan planners aren’t like anything else on the market. Inside, you’ll find:
- Prayers and songs to start and end your day.
- Greetings and sayings to practice daily Samoan language.
- Proverbs (alagaupu) to guide reflection and decision-making.
- Important Samoan dates to keep history alive.
- Layouts fully in Samoan — monthly, weekly, and daily.
It’s not just about staying organised. It’s about being surrounded by reminders of who you are and where you come from.
Why this matters in the workplace
- Visibility: Using Samoan-language tools in professional settings normalises fa’a Samoa and challenges the idea that only English belongs in offices.
- Confidence: It helps Samoan professionals stand strong in their identity, not just outside work but inside the workplace.
- Inspiration: It sparks curiosity. Non-Samoan colleagues often ask about the sayings or prayers, opening space for kōrero and cultural learning.
- Representation: It shows younger Samoans entering the workforce that they don’t need to leave their culture at the door.
A planner with purpose
Choosing a bilingual Samoan planner over a generic diary isn’t a small decision — it’s an act of pride. It says that fa’a Samoa belongs in every space we enter, from the boardroom to the classroom.
And when workplaces purchase them for Samoan staff instead of standard planners, they’re not just buying stationery. They’re investing in visibility, identity, and inclusion.
Final thought
We’ve moved far from the factories of the migration era. Our communities now fill roles in law, business, medicine, teaching, and beyond. It’s time the tools we use every day reflected that journey.
A bilingual Samoan planner on your desk isn’t just practical — it’s a reminder that you belong, and your culture belongs too.
👉 Want to see more?
Bring fa’a Samoa into your workplace this year.
Explore our Samoan Planners Collection — including dated and undated Samoan planners — and choose a planner that reflects your identity.
Want to see more? Watch how our planners are used daily on our Tuhi YouTube channel.