Celebrating Samoan Language Week Ordinary Chef
Zackarier Talataina I’m half-Samoan, half-Māori, and I grew up in Taita, Wellington. I joined on 22 February and I’m going through Basic Common Training right now. The reason I joined the Navy was to travel places I’ve never been to and most importantly to make my family & friends proud. I’m the first in my family to be in the Navy. At the moment a typical day for me is parade and PT session and a lot more! I grew up in Mount Albert, Auckland. My Dad is Samoan but was born in New Zealand, so was mostly raised around my dad and my nana which is my dad’s mum who was born in Samoa. She speaks fluently and knows the way of the culture. I was raised, born and bred in my ethnic background. Where I’m from, and thinking about how many famous people that are Samoan, makes me proud to be Samoan. It’s about having the pride that every culture has. For Samoans it’s about respect and much more. My special saying is “Vii’a Le Atua”, which means GOD IS GOOD.
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Navy Today #266
