PHOTO: PETER MCINTOSH
The institution welcomed Dr Malielegaoi and other dignitaries for an evening marking the 56th anniversary of Samoan independence.
More than 200 people gathered for the occasion, including members of the prime minister's delegation, Minister of Pacific Peoples Aupito Sua William Sio, polytechnic chief executive Phil Ker, polytechnic staff, members of the Samoan community and Dunedin city councillor Aaron Hawkins.
Dr Malielegaoi was welcomed with a traditional greeting and a rendition of the Samoan and New Zealand national anthems before he spoke at the Student Hub.
A prayer of thanksgiving was delivered in Samoan before the 'ava ceremony.
Later in the evening there were performances from groups including the Otago Samoan Students' Association.
