Identity

Sāʻiliga

The Search

The name was chosen as a reminder that our search to reach the heights is never over. As practitioners, we should constantly be seeking the heights of the mauga to improve ourselves and our practice to better work for the people and communities we serve. In order to do that, we need support, guidance, and company on that noble search. It is our hope, that Sāʻiliga can be part of that journey for social practitioners across Aotearoa.

Faʻailoga

The Logo

The Taro Leaf

The humble taro is a perfect comparison for social practitioners.

It is one of the earliest crops that was cultivated in the islands of the Moana and is a staple food in the diets of Samoans. It connects us with our ancestors, as well as with generations to come.

All parts of the taro are used to feed the people. The taro itself is the root of the plant. However, the leaves have always provided versatility, including when cooked with coconut cream to form the delicious lūʻau/palusami. This is just like the work that social practitioners provide - we do all that we can to serve our communities. If not prepared correctly, taro is poisonous. Likewise, underprepared practitioners can cause more harm to our communities than they intend. So it is vital that we are well-equiped and prepared to best work for the people.

The stylised taro leaf in the logo holds this meaning, whilst also serving as a heart that is connected across time and space.

The Faletele

The faletele is the meeting house of the matai of the village. Decision making and big conversations happen in this space. This was chosen for the logo as a space for social practitioners to both gather and learn, and to affirm that we are all leaders contributing to the wellbeing of our communities.