Hon. Tuilaepa’s vision for CHOGM honoured at Commonwealth leaders’ dinner
Lord Jonathan Marland, Chairman of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, recognised Hon. Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi as the man whose vision brought the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) to Samoa. During a CHOGM dinner on Thursday, 24 October in front of leaders and delegates from 56 nations, Lord Marland acknowledged Tuilaepa’s foresight, commitment, and […]
Fiji Prime Minister Bestowed TAGALOA Title by Leauva’a Village
Fiji’s Prime Minister, Rt Hon Sitiveni Rabuka, was officially bestowed the Tagaloa title in a traditional saofai ceremony held at Leauva’a village in Apia, Samoa on Wednesday, 24 October. The event took place shortly after the Prime Minister’s arrival from Fiji via a direct flight. The saofai ceremony, lasting just over two hours, coincided with […]
Missing funds Saga in Fa’asaleleaga II – ‘Where’s the $175,000? Where’s the Police?’
The Attorney General, Su’a Hellene Wallwork, has made her stance clear regarding the missing $175,000 from Fa’asaleleaga No. 2. In a legal opinion addressed to the Ministry of Finance, she emphasized that the funds, classified as public money, must be accounted for, and those responsible should face consequences. The case remains unresolved, with the whereabouts […]
Bill to Restore New Zealand Citizenship for Samoans clears committee stage
A Parliamentary committee has endorsed the “Restoring Citizenship Removed By Citizenship (Western Samoa) Act 1982 Bill.” Introduced by Member of Parliament Teanau Tuiono, the bill seeks to reinstate New Zealand citizenship to certain Samoans whose citizenship was stripped by the 1982 Act. The Governance and Administration Committee reviewed the bill and recommended its passage. The […]
Fa’avae Normani – from Auckland to the Gold Coast, championing Samoan culture
Fa’avae Normani, a cultural performer from Auckland, has brought his passion for Samoan culture to the Gold Coast, Australia. A former student of Avondale College, Fa’avae led the school’s Polynesian group to success at the annual School Pasefika Festival. Under his leadership, Avondale became a standout competitor, winning numerous accolades over several years. His journey […]
HMNZS Manawanui capsizes after grounding on Samoan reef
The Royal New Zealand Navy ship, HMNZS Manawanui, ran aground on a reef off the southern coast of Upolu, Samoa, overnight. The ship was conducting a hydrographic survey when it became stranded approximately one nautical mile from the shore. A coordinated rescue effort was launched, involving the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority (SFESA), the […]
Attorney General calls for release of funds to Lepa district
The Attorney General, Su’a Hellene Wallwork, has recommended that the balance of funds owed to the Lepa District Council be released to prevent the district from being “unfairly singled out.” In a legal opinion issued to the Ministry of Women, Community, and Social Development (MWCSD) Chief Executive Officer Loau Donina Vaa, Su’a addressed the status […]
Opposition leader raises concerns over FAST Ministers’ trip ahead of CHOGM
As Samoa prepares for the arrival of Commonwealth leaders in two weeks for the CHOGM summit, concerns have emerged over the timing of a trip involving some FAST party ministers. Opposition Leader Hon. Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi has voiced objections, while FAST Chairman Hon. La’auli Leuatea Schmidt justifies the ministers’ absence, explaining that the trip was […]
Manu Samoa head coach charged with multiple sexual allegations
Tuaimato, Samoa – According to a statement by Lakapi Samoa, Manu Samoa Head Coach Mase Mahonri Schwalger has been charged with multiple sexual allegations and was released on bail on Thursday, 26th September 2024. Lakapi Samoa has confirmed that the matter has been reported to the police, and they are fully cooperating with the investigation. […]
Fonoti title bestowed on Eric Petersen as he completes traditional tatau
Eric Petersen, a talented musician known for his role as the keyboard player in Josh Tatofi’s band, was recently bestowed the chiefly title of “Fonoti” during a saofa’i ceremony in the village of Faleapuna, Samoa. This followed his completion of the traditional tatau (pe’a), a significant step in his commitment to serving his family and […]