Earlier this month we celebrated Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa - Samoa Language Week.

Acting Residential Manager Seumanu Robert has been with the Department of Corrections at Auckland Prison for four years. He is inspired by his culture and aspires to use Samoan values in his daily work at Corrections.

“Working in a multicultural environment deeply inspires me to contribute to our shared purpose, demonstrating respect and fostering teamwork to support positive change,” says Robert.

Robert shared his favourite proverb, which is, “O le tele o sulu e maua ai figota, e māmā se avega pe a tāamo fa’atasi.” This translates to, “The more torches are used, the more shellfish are found”, and means, my strength does not come from me alone, but from many.”