To celebrate Samoan Language Week, and the third most popular language spoken in New Zealand, Vodafone has updated its network banner to read “VF Talofa”.

This follows the telecommunications company changing its network banner to recognise key moments in New Zealand, including “VF Stay Safe” (during levels 3 and 4); “VF Stay Kind” (when emerging from level 3 lockdown in May); “VF Aotearoa” (to follow on from Te Wiki o te Reo Māori); and “VF Kia Ora” (to celebrate the opening of the trans-Tasman bubble).

Juliet Jones, Legal Director and Executive Sponsor of Vodafone NZ’s Pasifika Network, says: “Samoan is the third most spoken language in New Zealand, and we wanted to do something uniquely Vodafone to celebrate this beautiful language and culture.”

This year’s theme for Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa (Samoan Language Week) is: “Poupou le lotoifale. Ola manuia le anofale”, which means to strengthen the posts of your house, for all to thrive.

Juliet explains: “Our company’s purpose is to create a better Aotearoa New Zealand via remarkable technology, which aligns closely to the Samoan Language Week philosophy of helping all to thrive. We’re pleased to say ‘Talofa’ this week via our network banner and spread the messages of positivity and strength.”

Vodafone’s Pasifika Network is an internal employee group that celebrates Pacific Island peoples and staff who work at Vodafone NZ.

This represents a continuation of Vodafone NZ's bi-cultural foundation, with a multicultural application. The network banner will revert to “VF Aotearoa” next week.