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"The second half of the twentieth century saw many Pacific people leave their island homes in search of education and opportunity that were otherwise unavailable to them. This Pacific diaspora provided countries like Australia and New Zealand with new cultural experiences, new artists and professionals and new communities. Semisi Ma`ia`i left his Såamoan home to pursue a career in medicine in New Zealand. His journey took him away from his homeland, but it returned him to his people. His medical practice drew Pacific people from many miles around. He was able to negotiate language and cultural difficulties for his patients, and developed resources to help with their sometimes difficult transition to a more Western-focused country. Eventually he wrote the first Såamoan dictionary written by a Såamoan, a forty-year labour of love. In 'Såamoan Odyssey' Dr Ma`ia`i recounts his journey, the struggles and joys of being part of the diaspora, his family life and views on the world we live in now"--Jacket.
About the author
Born in the village of Leifiifi on the island of `Upolu, Semisi Ma`ia`i is a doctor of medicine and holds the Samoan orator's title, Papaali`i. He emigrated to New Zealand in 1954 and, after graduation from medical college, married Jenny, a Pakeha New Zealander who was then working as a nurse in Wellington. They moved first to New Plymouth and then to Auckland, where they raised two children. Semisi wrote his Samoan dictionary Tusi 'Upu Samoa over this period. Forty years later, in 2010, it was published by Little Island Press, the first such dictionary to be written by a Samoan. Semisi and Jenny now live in Wellington, where Semisi continues to write.
