The Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (EFKS) in New Zealand began during a time when many Samoan families were moving to the country in search of better opportunities. These families, determined to keep their faith and cultural identity intact, needed a place where they could worship in Samoan and continue to strengthen their faith.
On 29 December 1962, sixteen Samoans gathered at 169 Nelson Street, Auckland, to establish the first EFKS church in New Zealand. Their goal was clear: to create a place of worship that served the Samoan community in New Zealand and remained connected to the EFKS mission in Samoa. This church, now known as EFKS Grey Lynn, laid the foundation for what would become a monumental center for religious and cultural life for Samoans in Auckland.
The church’s initial leadership included Afioga Fuimaono Konesane E P Fuimaono as Chairperson, Sooalo Mafola Loli Timaloa as Secretary, and Faititilipatasi Fuimaono as Treasurer. On 30 December 1962, the first worship service was held at Druids Hall in Auckland, led by Pastor Ekepati Laeilua.
As the EFKS Grey Lynn congregation expanded, the church became a central gathering place for Samoans in Auckland. On 9 November 1963, the church was officially consecrated at its new location at 56 Sussex Street, Auckland. The appointment of Reverend Siaosi Ieriko and his wife Fuafuaga Ieriko on 14 December 1963, began nearly three decades of leadership, from 1963 to 1991, during which they helped the church grow and stabilise.
In 1992, Reverend Ioritana Tanielu and his wife Lonise Tanielu took over leadership and served until 2011. Their leadership further established the church’s role in the community. In 2012, Reverend Peniamina Leota and his wife Sinatala Leota were appointed, leading the church into its 50th anniversary that same year and its 60th anniversary in 2022.
Today, EFKS Grey Lynn remains a thriving church, continuing to serve as a spiritual and cultural hub for Samoans in Auckland city. From its humble beginnings with a small congregation, the church has grown significantly and is now part of a wider network of EFKS churches across New Zealand. There are now about 73 EFKS churches in New Zealand, serving over 30,000 members. The legacy of the first EFKS church in Grey Lynn continues to inspire and guide the Samoan community in New Zealand.
Establishment of Mataaga Aoga Amata
As the church continued to grow, it became clear that there was a need to support the younger generation in keeping their language and culture alive. In 2000, the EFKS Grey Lynn community founded Mata’aga Aoga Amata, a preschool focused on providing children with an education rooted in Samoan language and Christian values. The name “Mata’aga” refers to a place where something special is observed or celebrated—a focal point of significance in a Samoan community. Historically, it refers to the initial gathering place or sanctuary for Samoans in Ponsonby. Mata’aga Aoga Amata has since become a vital part of the community, ensuring that Samoan children in New Zealand grow up connected to their cultural heritage and prepared for the future.
