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A Canoe Before the Wind
An extraordinary memoir of an immigrant son's story of a better future
In 1962, a Sāmoan family journeyed to New Zealand - a country immigrants once called 'the land of milk and honey' - in search of a better life. Instead, their eldest son, Vitale, arrived in an era of dawn raids by police and immigration officials, and endless racism and bullying at school. Yet he endured and, against the odds, grew up to become one of a select few civilians to pass New Zealand's elite SAS selection process. After seven years in the army, Vitale scaled impressive heights to become tactical commander of the police special tactics group, commander of the armed offenders squad, head of dignitary and witness protection, and one of New Zealand's most decorated policemen.
From high-profile hostage situations to overcoming a career-ending stroke, Soifua Vitale Joseph Fatutoa Lafaele's story is an inspiring one, of overcoming difficulty with values to guide you through life's challenges - ua se vaʻa tu matagi, like a canoe before the wind.
In 1962, a Sāmoan family journeyed to New Zealand - a country immigrants once called 'the land of milk and honey' - in search of a better life. Instead, their eldest son, Vitale, arrived in an era of dawn raids by police and immigration officials, and endless racism and bullying at school. Yet he endured and, against the odds, grew up to become one of a select few civilians to pass New Zealand's elite SAS selection process. After seven years in the army, Vitale scaled impressive heights to become tactical commander of the police special tactics group, commander of the armed offenders squad, head of dignitary and witness protection, and one of New Zealand's most decorated policemen.
From high-profile hostage situations to overcoming a career-ending stroke, Soifua Vitale Joseph Fatutoa Lafaele's story is an inspiring one, of overcoming difficulty with values to guide you through life's challenges - ua se vaʻa tu matagi, like a canoe before the wind.
- GenresMemoir
303 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2023
5 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 6, 2023
"New Zealanders were the ones who overstayed in our country for almost 50 years, but even though we’d been invited here when our people were needed to work in the factories, we were now the overstayers."
In 1962, a Sāmoan family journeyed to New Zealand - a country immigrants once called 'the land of milk and honey' - in search of a better life. Instead, their eldest son, Vitale, arrived in an era of dawn raids by police and immigration officials, and endless racism and bullying at school. Yet he endured and, against the odds, grew up to become one of a select few civilians to pass New Zealand's elite SAS selection process. After seven years in the army, Vitale scaled impressive heights to become tactical commander of the police special tactics group, commander of the armed offenders squad, head of dignitary and witness protection, and one of New Zealand's most decorated policemen.
"If there are things that you don’t like because they challenge you, decide to love them instead. Look at them as something you thirst for and want. Rather than avoiding them, seek them out."
From high-profile hostage situations to overcoming a career-ending stroke, Soifua Vitale Joseph Fatutoa Lafaele's story is an inspiring one, of overcoming difficulty with values to guide you through life's challenges - ua se vaʻa tu matagi, like a canoe before the wind.
This novel is so special and one I think every Kiwi needs to pick and read. Actually anyone in a leadership position needs to read this. It's simply written, but with a genuine voice. It covers a multitude of experience, both charming and heartbreaking. Lafele is an inspiration. An authentic leader. A man willing to learn from his mistakes. A man who wanted to be the best version of himself. A role model for all. This reflective memoir was a wonderful read. Pick yourself up a copy today.
"They’re [children] are going to go through life and they’re going to have their own issues, and I want them to remember that you can pick yourself up, that you can do what seems impossible."
In 1962, a Sāmoan family journeyed to New Zealand - a country immigrants once called 'the land of milk and honey' - in search of a better life. Instead, their eldest son, Vitale, arrived in an era of dawn raids by police and immigration officials, and endless racism and bullying at school. Yet he endured and, against the odds, grew up to become one of a select few civilians to pass New Zealand's elite SAS selection process. After seven years in the army, Vitale scaled impressive heights to become tactical commander of the police special tactics group, commander of the armed offenders squad, head of dignitary and witness protection, and one of New Zealand's most decorated policemen.
"If there are things that you don’t like because they challenge you, decide to love them instead. Look at them as something you thirst for and want. Rather than avoiding them, seek them out."
From high-profile hostage situations to overcoming a career-ending stroke, Soifua Vitale Joseph Fatutoa Lafaele's story is an inspiring one, of overcoming difficulty with values to guide you through life's challenges - ua se vaʻa tu matagi, like a canoe before the wind.
This novel is so special and one I think every Kiwi needs to pick and read. Actually anyone in a leadership position needs to read this. It's simply written, but with a genuine voice. It covers a multitude of experience, both charming and heartbreaking. Lafele is an inspiration. An authentic leader. A man willing to learn from his mistakes. A man who wanted to be the best version of himself. A role model for all. This reflective memoir was a wonderful read. Pick yourself up a copy today.
"They’re [children] are going to go through life and they’re going to have their own issues, and I want them to remember that you can pick yourself up, that you can do what seems impossible."
August 7, 2024
I wanted to like it, but the writing style really wasn't my favourite, may have been a 2 star, but an extra star is added for appreciation of the author's perseverance and values
October 19, 2024
This book has to be one of the best books I have read this year. It is written in a very accessible manner and Lafaele tells his story in a very open and honest way. He writes about his struggles as well successes, in a very humble and reflective way. He also brings insight into what it is like to genuinely live biculturally which I really appreciated, since it is not a familiar rhetoric in NZ society.
September 2, 2025
Inspiring memoir of a Samoan man’s experience of NZ as an immigrant child, SAS trooper, police officer and leader. A story of how people form values, and how values then form people. I shed some tears at the start and some more at the end.
November 24, 2023
What an amazing story, Vitale not only faces and overcomes racism but he confronts it face on. I love how he polices in his own way, leading people humbly and honestly. Pity the police couldn't see him for the tāonga he is.
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November 16, 2025An exciting moment in this book was when Vitale was ‘badged’ or accepted into the NZSAS. He went through being interrorgated and treated as a prisoner of war. This is Vitale during one of the interrogation sessions, “At that moment I was sure that I had failed and in the process of being medically withdrawn, as I’d only lasted six or seven hours. In reality, I’d been there for more than two days. I had lost all sense of reality and time. I had lasted for 12 long days in the harshest environment without any food and pushed to exhaustion. For 16 months, they had stripped away all the barriers and seen deep inside my soul. And what they saw was just me. In that moment, I felt that what they saw wasn’t good enough. They had taken me to that place where I was at peace with what else they had in store for me.” Vitale was ready to accept defeat. He had gone through hell and back but was in fact about to be accepted into the SAS. The way he writes about his trepidation and anxiety makes for an exciting moment. His commanding officer waited to see how Vitale would react to the order of taking off his blindfold, but slips in the extra detail of calling Vitale Trooper, an honorific reserved for those who pass training. This build up makes for a perfect story to tell, as well as a test to see how Vitale holds up. We learn from the fact that the commanding officers are testing Vitale that they are very thorough in their selection process and don't take any shortcuts to see who is the best of the best. Overall, the moment of Vitale Lafaele being accepted into the NZSAS is both exciting and a learning moment to read into the NZSAS selection process.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2024
A Powerful Narrative of Resilience and Heritage
Vitale Joseph Lafaele’s A Canoe Before the Wind is a compelling memoir that offers a poignant and insightful exploration of his Samoan heritage and his family’s journey to New Zealand. As a fellow Pacific Islander with Samoan roots, I was deeply moved by Lafaele’s honest and heartfelt storytelling.
The book beautifully captures the complexities of cultural identity, familial bonds, and the challenges and triumphs of immigration. Lafaele’s narrative resonates with readers from diverse backgrounds, highlighting the universal themes of hope, resilience, and the enduring power of being active in a mutually supportive community.
I was particularly struck by the parallels between my own family’s experiences and those depicted in the book. Both our families sought better opportunities through careers in service, including military and law enforcement; faced cardiovascular health challenges; and strove to preserve the treasures of the Samoan way despite struggling with some elements of that culture. Lafaele’s memoir serves as an inspiration for moving forward through more open discussion, reminding us that all of our roots can be a source of both challenge and strength.
I highly recommend A Canoe Before the Wind to anyone interested in the history of Samoan immigrants to New Zealand, immigration narratives in general, or a heartwarming and inspiring story.
Vitale Joseph Lafaele’s A Canoe Before the Wind is a compelling memoir that offers a poignant and insightful exploration of his Samoan heritage and his family’s journey to New Zealand. As a fellow Pacific Islander with Samoan roots, I was deeply moved by Lafaele’s honest and heartfelt storytelling.
The book beautifully captures the complexities of cultural identity, familial bonds, and the challenges and triumphs of immigration. Lafaele’s narrative resonates with readers from diverse backgrounds, highlighting the universal themes of hope, resilience, and the enduring power of being active in a mutually supportive community.
I was particularly struck by the parallels between my own family’s experiences and those depicted in the book. Both our families sought better opportunities through careers in service, including military and law enforcement; faced cardiovascular health challenges; and strove to preserve the treasures of the Samoan way despite struggling with some elements of that culture. Lafaele’s memoir serves as an inspiration for moving forward through more open discussion, reminding us that all of our roots can be a source of both challenge and strength.
I highly recommend A Canoe Before the Wind to anyone interested in the history of Samoan immigrants to New Zealand, immigration narratives in general, or a heartwarming and inspiring story.
November 13, 2025
A great read of the life of an incredible man! Vitale has lived many lives and worked hard to live up to the example his parents set him. His passion for his work, his family and for fa’a Samoa pours off the pages.
It is a pretty easy read (I read it in a day while travelling) and at times reads a little bit like a job application/LinkedIn post, but to be honest I don’t mind. Vitale’s story needs telling, it is inspiring and teaches a lot about how we overcome hardship and treat others, both inside and outside of the working environment. Moreover you can feel the warmth and humility of his character in his words.
Fa’afetai lava for sharing your story Soifua Vitale Laufaele!
It is a pretty easy read (I read it in a day while travelling) and at times reads a little bit like a job application/LinkedIn post, but to be honest I don’t mind. Vitale’s story needs telling, it is inspiring and teaches a lot about how we overcome hardship and treat others, both inside and outside of the working environment. Moreover you can feel the warmth and humility of his character in his words.
Fa’afetai lava for sharing your story Soifua Vitale Laufaele!
November 30, 2024
An incredible story of a Samoan immigrant making a life for himself in NZ with grit, determination and courage. The author's values shine through in his writing and actions, it was also great to learn more about NZ life from a Pasifika perspective, something which is underrepresented in our literature. I fould the style of writing a bit simplistic, but it's definitely worth reading for the story and inspiration.
January 5, 2026
I loved this. An engaging, easy to read memoir sharing insights, experiences and perspectives across immigration, Samoan culture, bridging two worlds, navigating racism, life’s milestones, relationships and more. As the daughter of someone who immigrated to Aotearoa in the 60’s from the Pacific it gave me a glimpse into what life must’ve been like for my Dad growing up in Ponsonby and working in factories. Impressed by Vitale’s tenacity and leadership journey.
January 18, 2024
Great book to read about a samoan family moving to nz just before dawn raids and being succesful in nz pakeha systems while keeping his samoan hertiage and humbleness. Great for any leaders to read!
Soifua!
Soifua!
January 20, 2024
Excellent biography. Nice to read about growing up in Auckland and how much things have changed in only one generation. The author is clearly very humble and thoughtful. Very readable
January 6, 2025
What a fascinating read and insight. I'm looking forward to bookclub discussions on this as the themes of leadership and family and community resonate with me.
March 1, 2025
Inspiring and life-affirming.
March 4, 2025
Tells the stigma about "non-Palagi" has to face in the "Palagi" world.
Suitable for all readers but it will definitely motivate more the Pasifika people in achieving their dreams.
Suitable for all readers but it will definitely motivate more the Pasifika people in achieving their dreams.
October 5, 2025
Read via audio book. Great book! Very motivating!
February 2, 2024
This book was ok (Prob 2.5-3 stars) - but it just got a bit repetitive and read like a resume or job interview. I also struggle a bit with non-fiction potentially!
Was interesting to read about VJ’s achievements though and also the way he was treated by the Police organisation in the end - pretty uncool.
Was interesting to read about VJ’s achievements though and also the way he was treated by the Police organisation in the end - pretty uncool.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews