On the stroke of midnight, on December 29, 2011, Western Samoa travelled through time.



The seconds following this leap into the future belonged to December 31 and at this moment Samoa joined New Zealand and Australia as partners in time.



Samoa has experienced many changes in its recent past. Some have been beyond its control, such as the devastating tsunami of 2009, but some, like the driving side change and the modernisation of the currency, have been deliberate and well considered.



This latest alteration to Samoan life was brought to fruition by its Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi and marked with ceremonial pride before an audience of dignitaries - domestic and foreign, chiefs and their wives, choir singers, police singers and media during a service at the National Samoan prayer house on Thursday night.



The PM outlined his economic and social reasoning to align Samoa with NZ and Australia, explaining that Samoans would now be able to travel more smoothly to these countries to visit family and fulfill social obligations.



Economic activity would be developed in a positive direction as Samoans would now enjoy a five day work week in common with their pacific neighbours.



A chief's wife seated next to me whispered discretely at this point that she would now have to remember grandchildren's birthdays more accurately, as her usual excuse had now been officially eliminated.



''Y Not'' bar in Apia, Samoa's capital, provided a more casual environment for its patrons to celebrate the voyage through time. Party goers were invited to warp into the future ''Star Trek style'' while sipping ''alien urine'' or a ''Darth Vader'' cocktail.



Natasha Fabricius, event organiser, explained that Samoa's newest cell phone provider - Blue Sky - sponsorship of the event was a classic example of the way Samoa is embracing economic change. Previously Digicell had dominated the market, but now there is fierce competition between the two providers and everyone is benefiting from the more dynamic commercial environment.



Taking into consideration that in recent months Polynesia Blue airlines has been renamed Virgin Samoa by its owners it is clear to see that this pacific nation is emerging as a desired economic partner in business.



Many Samoans feel that any move to strengthen Samoa's economy internationally and at home is to be welcomed. Although many were unable to pinpoint exactly how or if things would directly affect them or their family, the concept of joining more closely and equally with NZ and Australia in economic terms was not lost, and expressions of pride and hope were evident in their responses.



Samoa now shares the same date with New Zealand and a one hour time difference due to New Zealand's day light saving.



Technically speaking, this signifies the first state-sponsored time travel of the 21st century. When asked for comment on this claim, the Prime Minister merely raised a quizzical eyebrow.



Perhaps, when choosing a celebratory gift, the New Zealand government could send the boxed set of ''Back to the future'' dvds to avoid any further pop-culture reference confusion.



Today, life goes on as normal. Whatever good fortune, challenges and achievement the future may bring for Samoa, the country is embracing change, in true Samoan fashion, with the calm ease of a people who respect modernity, treasure tradition and will direct their own ship, in their own style, on their own time.