Plans are underway to commemorate 100 years since the Mau Movement with the construction of a new Mau House in Vaimoso, set to become the centrepiece of next year’s centennial celebrations.
Speaking to Samoa Newshub during an election candidate interview, talking chief Tomaagauaune Mikaele Kelekolio II said the goal is to honour Samoa’s long fight for independence by preserving the story and legacy of the Mau for future generations.
“The Mau Movement, born from the Mau a Pule led by Lauaki in Savai‘i, was a non-violent movement that came out of our people’s desire to be free from foreign rule and brutality,” he said.
The Mau reached its tragic climax on what is now known as Black Saturday, when Tupua Tamasese Lealofi III was fatally shot by New Zealand administrators during a peaceful demonstration in Apia.
The current Mau house in Vaimoso is only a float used in past parades. “Students and visitors come to my home asking about the Mau, but what they see is not a proper building,” said Tomaagauaune.
“We want to rebuild it properly, as a museum, where people can learn and research the Mau’s contribution to Samoa’s journey to independence.”
The design for the new building has already been completed, with the estimated cost set at $500,000.
“We need to remind ourselves of this history, and sustain it for another hundred years.”
