Dunedin-based students have joined a growing community of Samoan volunteer broadcasters on OAR FM Dunedin.
New programme Lupe o le Foaga is coordinated by Clinton Pupi, a student of Media, Film and Communication at University of Otago.
Mr Pupi is joined by co-hosts Jasmine Eteuati and Timothy Elisara for the Friday evening show. It airs ahead of Lupe Fetala’i, three hours of Samoan music, events and conversation presented by Lupe Fa’alele a Samoa i Otago, a Society of Samoans living in Otago.
On Sundays at 8am, the station also broadcasts and podcasts Lupe o le Talalelei, a short programme of Christian worship in Samoan language, led by ministers and pastors from Samoan churches in Dunedin.
Mr Pupi said the youth show Lupe o le Foaga provided a platform for discussion about such things as study practices, job seeking and opportunities for young Samoans in Dunedin to stay connected.
The bilingual programme acknowledged that some Samoan listeners were not fully proficient in English, while others were not proficient in the Samoan language.
“We are still finding our feet with the programme but next year we hope to connect with our audience more and come up with content that will help Samoan youth with anything they need.”
Lupe o le Foaga airs on Fridays at 5pm on OAR 105.4FM and 1575AM.