Samoans in NZ remember loved ones 

People from New Zealand's Samoan community gathered in Wellington on Sunday night for a memorial service to remember those lost in the tsunami tragedy.

Thousands attended the memorial service in Newtown.

People were invited to light a candle in memory of a lost loved one and were shown a slide show of images portraying the tsunami's destruction.

Government and local council officials were also in attendance to support the many Samoans living in New Zealand.

The Samoan High Commissioner says the damage bill to infrastructure alone is sitting at over $150 million and it is expected to rise.

There are now over 100 New Zealand defence force personnel in Samoa.

Medical teams are also on the ground and the government's given a further $1 million aid for emergency relief,

At least 180 people have been killed in the islands of Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga and the toll is expected to rise.

Five New Zealanders are among the dead, three adults and two young children.

A young child is also missing presumed dead and there are grave concerns for two other New Zealanders.

The Samoan government plans to hold a national funeral service for the victims and burial on Friday.

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jaxlino ; 2009-10-07 @ 14:15 NZDT  

anyone from the Satitoa village?

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markservian ; 2009-10-05 @ 21:05 NZDT  

Tai Taufua is interviewed in this story... http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/church-comforts-many-in-samoa-3048401/video

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Liviyj12 ; 2009-10-05 @ 19:30 NZDT  

i feel sorry fot those who have been affected.... i also feel sorry for Vai. he has lost so much of his family..:(

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Micksta ; 2009-10-05 @ 11:16 NZDT  

My heart goes out to everyone who has lost family member/s in the earthquake and tsunami. I know what it would be like, as I was in Samoa as the earthquake struck and I read and saw the devastating effects of the tsunami that followed, both in newspapers and also for real. I would like to say that Nuu Black Sand Beach was hit my the tsunami and is in a bad state (Not that much of an attraction now).

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PurpleOlive ; 2009-10-05 @ 09:04 NZDT  

I am so sad for all who have lost family members. We are humbled by how quickly lives can be lost. Our hearts go out to each and every one of you and I cry tears for your sweet babies. Your pain is shared by our thoughts and may you find the strength within yourselves to carry on, xox

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