Lauaki Namulau’ulu

Lauaki Namulau'ulu was a Samoan orator chief who led the Mau a Pule movement in 1908. This movement was a significant drive for political independence in Western Samoa, which was then under German rule. The matai (chiefs) were unhappy with the German governor's efforts to alter the fa'a Samoa (Samoan way of life) and consolidate his authority. When the governor summoned warships, Lauaki and nine other leaders surrendered. They were subsequently tried and exiled to Saipan in the Mariana Islands. The Mau movement continued to be a force for independence, particularly after New Zealand took control of Western Samoa following World War I.123