There is evidence to suggest that the different languages of the Pasifika people in New Zealand are declining (Taumoefolau, Bell & Stark, 2003).  This decline particularly in Manukau South Auckland, New Zealand, is a challenge.  There are two sides to the challenge.  The first, involves the interrelationship between language and culture.  The other is a consequence of the impact that the decline might have on the English achievement of Pasifika students who speak a first language (L1) and English as a second language (L2), and on those who attend schools in New Zealand.  This paper discusses the implications of this decline particularly identity and academic success for Samoan people living in Aotearoa, New Zealand.