AGP Executive Report

Independence & Language Week in the diaspora: In Invercargill, around 100 Samoans and friends marked Samoa’s Independence Day with a march, flag-raising at the civic building, car parade, sports and church service—plus Samoan Language Week workshops for young people. Court & politics: In Vaimauga 3’s election petition, witnesses told court MP Lautimuia Uelese Vaai allegedly gave $500 to entice voters, with defence arguing it was traditional faaaloalo. National development: Samoa officially launched its new five-year Pathway for the Development of Samoa (FY2026/27–FY2030/31), calling for community empowerment, resilient growth, good governance and partnerships, with a public roadshow planned across Upolu and Savai‘i. Mental health milestone: A new Ahmadhina Health Centre opened as Samoa’s first known positive and transcultural psychotherapy clinic, aiming to support families and young people with culturally grounded care. Fuel situation: Samoa’s Ministry of Finance says there is no fuel shortage and reserves remain comfortable, after an “amber alert” sparked public worry. Disability rights: Mataafa Faatino Utumapu was elected to the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, a first for Samoa. Culture & wellbeing: Two Sāmoan women are using music and tautua—through teaching, mentoring and songwriting—to strengthen Pacific identity and community connection.

Nuclear & Decolonisation: Pacific leaders and advocates say decolonisation is still unfinished decades after nuclear testing, pointing to ongoing contamination, self-determination disputes, and who benefits from natural resources. Sports & Community Ties: England captain Ben Stokes faces an ECB probe after a nightclub incident tied to Saracens player Totoa Auvaa, a former Samoa A and Samoa Under-20 captain—raising fresh questions about curfew and team conduct. Local Justice & Courts: Two of three people linked to a Vietnam shooting involving two Samoan men were remanded for two more weeks as court proceedings continue over alleged misleading of police and corruption charges. Disability Rights: Samoa marks a milestone as Mataafa Faatino Utumapu is elected to the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the first Samoan to reach the CRPD committee. National Planning: Samoa launches its new five-year Pathway for the Development of Samoa (FY2026/27–FY2030/31), calling for shared delivery across government, communities, and the private sector. Mental Health Access: A new Ahmadhina Health Centre opens in Samoa, offering Positive and Transcultural Psychotherapy—described as a first in the Pacific. Fuel Update: Samoa’s Ministry of Finance says there is no fuel shortage and reserves remain comfortable, after public uncertainty and an amber alert announcement. Culture & Language: Samoa Language Week celebrations continue to inspire community events, including music and bilingual children’s videos promoting gagana Samoa.

Moana Pasifika Rescue Talks: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters says there’s still a pathway to save the Super Rugby franchise, with new potential backers showing interest and no direct government bailout—after liquidation fears followed the club’s April decision to fold. Public Safety & Youth: Samoa’s PM Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt warns international drug rings are targeting young people with big pay, after two Samoans were arrested in Vietnam linked to an assassination. Mental Health Access: A new Ahmadhina Health Centre opens in Samoa as the first known Positive and Transcultural Psychotherapy clinic in the Pacific, aiming to support families and young people with culturally grounded care. Disability Rights Milestone: Mataafa Faatino Utumapu is elected to the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, a first for a Samoan. Fuel Update: Samoa’s Ministry of Finance says there is no fuel shortage and reserves remain comfortable, even as officials discuss precautionary alert levels. Culture & Language: Samoa Language Week momentum continues with community music and children’s bilingual video launches celebrating gagana Samoa. Sports Spotlight: England captain Ben Stokes faces investigations after a nightclub incident involving Saracens player Totoa Auvaa, a former Samoa A and Under-20 captain. Samoa Development Plan: Government launches the five-year Pathway for the Development of Samoa (PDS2), focusing on community empowerment, resilient growth, and good governance.

National Development: Samoa officially launched its new five-year Pathway for the Development of Samoa (FY2026/27–FY2030/31), calling for a whole-of-society push to deliver “Highly resilient, safe and prosperous” outcomes grounded in Fa’a Samoa. Public Service & Skills: 109 government officials graduated at USP Samoa, supported by Australia’s Tautai Governance for Economic Growth Program to strengthen public service delivery. Mental Health Access: A new Ahmadhina Health Centre opened as Samoa’s first known psychotherapy clinic in the Pacific focused on Positive and Transcultural Psychotherapy, aiming to better serve families and young people. Fuel Worries: Samoa’s Ministry of Finance says there is no fuel shortage and reserves remain comfortable, after earlier public uncertainty and precautionary alert moves. Culture & Language: Samoa Language Week celebrations continued across communities, including music videos for children and library events in Auckland supporting gagana Samoa. Community Safety: Police report 20 drug raids in the first five months, with 55 people charged. Sports & Identity: Moana Pasifika’s future could be decided within weeks as Samoa and Tonga-led discussions seek a new path for the Super Rugby franchise.

Court Update: Two of three men linked to alleged bribery and corruption connected to a Vietnam shooting were remanded for two more weeks in Samoa District Court, with prosecutors seeking more time as the case remains part of an active investigation. National Planning: Samoa officially launched its new five-year Pathway for the Development of Samoa (FY2026/27–FY2030/31), calling for whole-of-society effort and centring community empowerment, resilient growth, and good governance. Fuel & Daily Life: Samoa’s Ministry of Finance says there is no fuel shortage and reserves remain comfortable, even as authorities keep a precautionary amber alert in place. Health & Culture: Samoa’s first psychotherapy clinic opened, bringing Positive and Transcultural Psychotherapy that integrates culture and family context into care. Language & Community: Samoa Language Week celebrations continued with music, children’s bilingual videos, and community events highlighting gagana Samoa and village blessings. Rugby Futures: Moana Pasifika’s survival talks are expected to reach a decision within weeks, with new potential backers and a Samoa-and-Tonga-led rescue plan in motion. Development & Poverty: A poverty advocate warns more school students are working to cover family bills, raising concerns about learning impacts.

National Development: Samoa’s PM launched the Pathway for the Development of Samoa (PDS) FY2026/27–FY2030/31 at TATTE, calling for a whole-of-society push to deliver “highly resilient, safe and prosperous” outcomes grounded in Fa’a Samoa and faith. Public Service Growth: 109 government officials graduated at USP Samoa, backed by Australia’s Tautai Governance for Economic Growth Program to strengthen public sector performance. Mental Health Access: Samoa’s first psychotherapy clinic, Ahmadhina Health Centre, opened with Positive and Transcultural Psychotherapy, aiming to serve families and young people with culturally grounded care. Fuel Calm, Preparedness Still On: Finance says there’s no fuel shortage and reserves remain comfortable, even as the Disaster Advisory Committee had earlier placed Samoa on precautionary amber alert. Culture & Language: Samoa Language Week wrapped with community celebrations, from Auckland library events to new bilingual children’s music videos, keeping gagana Samoa front and centre. Youth & Work Pressure: A poverty advocate highlights how more students are working to cover family bills, raising concerns about impacts on learning. Sports & Identity: Moana Pasifika’s future is expected to be clearer within weeks as Samoa and Tonga-led rescue talks continue after liquidation.

National Development: Samoa’s new five-year development plan (FY2026/27–FY2030/31) was launched at TATTE in Sogi, with a public roadshow planned across Upolu and Savai‘i, aiming for a “Highly Resilient, Inclusive, Safe and Prosperous Samoa” grounded in Fa’a-Samoa and faith. Mental Health & Culture: A new Ahmadhina Health Centre has opened as Samoa’s first Positive and Transcultural Psychotherapy clinic, designed to treat mental health with cultural and family context in mind. Fuel & Preparedness: Samoa has been told there’s no fuel shortage and reserves remain comfortable, but officials also moved to a precautionary amber alert framework for possible global supply disruption. Education & Poverty: A poverty advocate says more school students are working to help cover family bills, raising concerns about how long hours can affect learning. Public Service Upskilling: 109 public servants graduated at USP Samoa, supported by Australia’s Tautai Governance for Economic Growth Program to strengthen service delivery. Samoa Language Week (Culture): Celebrations continued with community events and new bilingual children’s music videos, keeping gagana Samoa front and centre. Climate Funding Push: Samoa is pressing for easier climate funding as the 2030 deadline nears, arguing for faster, fairer support for vulnerable islands. Community Spotlight (Music): Two Sāmoan women are using music as tautua—service—mentoring the next generation of Pacific artists.

Mental Health Access: Samoa’s first psychotherapy clinic, Ahmadhina Health Centre, has opened with Positive and Transcultural Psychotherapy, aiming to support families and young people amid ongoing suicide and limited care access. Public Service Growth: 109 Government of Samoa officials graduated at USP Samoa Campus, backed by Australia’s Tautai Governance for Economic Growth Program to strengthen public service delivery. Samoa Language Week (Culture): Celebrations wrapped up with community events and new bilingual children’s music videos, while Auckland’s Manurewa Library hosted Sāmoan Language Week end-of-week festivities highlighting language, identity, and culture. Fuel Confidence: Samoa’s Ministry of Finance says there is no fuel shortage and reserves remain comfortable, after public uncertainty and an amber-alert precaution linked to global oil disruption. Youth, Work & Cost of Living: A poverty advocate warns that more students are working long hours to help families, raising concerns about impacts on learning. Regional Spotlight (Rugby): Moana Pasifika’s future could be decided within weeks as New Zealand officials move to explore options to keep the franchise alive. Drug Safety Concerns: Police report 20 drug raids so far this year, with 55 people charged and methamphetamine among seized items.

Samoan Language Week: Oamaru Pacific Island Trust (OPIT) wrapped up Samoa Language Week with a community night mixing legends, history, screen-printing Samoan patterns, coconut “valu le popo,” and traditional food like pani popo, koko Samoa, sapasui and fa’alifu taro—showing how language, faith and village blessings connect families. Community & Culture in Auckland: Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson joined Manurewa Library celebrations to highlight how public libraries help others understand Sāmoan language and heritage, with cultural attire and a theme message: “From the high mountains are the blessings of the village.” Fuel Calm, Not Crisis: Samoa’s Ministry of Finance says there is NO fuel shortage and reserves remain comfortable (50 days diesel, 56 petrol, 82 kerosene/jet), after an “amber alert” sparked public worry. Health & Learning: A “Sāmoan Scientist” podcast is launching to bring diabetes research into Pacific homes through everyday, culture-linked conversations. Sports & Identity: Moana Pasifika’s future is still in play as New Zealand officials move to explore options after liquidation—aiming to protect the Samoa and Tonga rugby pathway vision.

Samoan Language Week: OPIT’s cultural programme brought legends, proverbs, screen-printing, coconut “valu le popo,” and traditional food like pani popo and sapasui to families during Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa. Community Culture in Auckland: Manurewa Library wrapped up the week with a Samoan identity celebration, with Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson stressing that sharing language helps others understand Samoa’s culture. Airport Music Moment: Air NZ crew member and Samoan singer Puni performed for passengers at Auckland Airport, using gagana Samoa to connect with elderly travellers and planning a new single soon. Health in Pacific Homes: “Sāmoan Scientist” Amy Maslen-Miller launched a diabetes-focused podcast to translate research into everyday conversations for Pacific families. Fuel Calm, Plans Ready: Samoa’s Ministry of Finance says there is NO fuel shortage and reserves remain comfortable, while the Disaster Advisory Committee keeps a precautionary amber alert and outlines escalation levels. Moana Pasifika Future Watch: Discussions on saving the Super Rugby franchise are expected within weeks, with Samoa and Tonga-linked options on the table. Education & Belonging: University of Auckland highlights Samoan women leading Pacific student success through bridging pathways like Unibound.

Independence & Diplomacy: Australia’s Governor-General Sam Mostyn thanked Samoa for its “family” hospitality during Independence Day, the opening of the new Legislative Assembly building, and meetings with community groups tackling local needs. Fuel Reality Check: Samoa’s Ministry of Finance says there is NO fuel shortage and supplies remain comfortable, with reserves covering weeks and more tankers scheduled—after earlier public uncertainty and an amber-alert precaution. Culture & Health in Plain Talk: The “Sāmoan Scientist” launches a new podcast to bring diabetes research into Pacific homes, linking traditional food, culture and everyday health choices. Language Week Momentum: New bilingual Samoan children’s music videos were released during Samoa Language Week, building on past hits and pushing gagana Samoa for young learners. Moana Pasifika Lifeline: With Moana Pasifika in liquidation and debts reported at over $8m, New Zealand has stepped in—officials are told to urgently talk with NZ Rugby and stakeholders as a Samoa-and-Tonga-led plan develops. Education Milestone: USP Samoa Campus graduated 224 students, with leaders stressing learning, service and Pacific kinship. Sports Spotlight: Samoa’s presence in regional rugby culture continues as Moana Pasifika’s future and Super Rugby’s wider pressures stay front and centre.

Independence & Governance: Samoa marked its 60th Independence anniversary on 1 June, with flag-raising and year-long celebrations, while Parliament returned to debate the Special Parliamentary Inquiry Committee’s findings on Land and Titles Court laws. Health & Culture: A “Sāmoan Scientist” launches a podcast to bring diabetes research into Pacific homes, using a Pacific lens to make everyday health choices easier. Fuel & Preparedness: Samoa is on an amber precautionary alert over the global fuel situation, with a National Fuel Supply Emergency Response Plan approved and contingency steps outlined. Rugby Pathways: Moana Pasifika’s future is in limbo after liquidation and debts reported at over $8 million, as New Zealand moves to start talks with NZ Rugby and stakeholders—Samoa and Tonga are central to the discussion. Language & Youth: Samoa Language Week continues to inspire new bilingual children’s music videos, while Samoa’s education sector looks ahead to national exam results and ongoing literacy and numeracy efforts. Regional Diplomacy: New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters met Samoa, Tonga and Tokelau leaders, linking Polynesian priorities, climate pressures, and fuel-cost impacts. Community Recognition: Marriott appoints John Douglas to lead its Pacific Islands portfolio, with strategic oversight across Fiji, Samoa and beyond.

Moana Pasifika Rescue Talks: A decision on the franchise’s future is expected within weeks as New Zealand Rugby Players Association discussions continue over a Samoa-and-Tonga-led plan after liquidation and debts reported at over $8 million. Fuel Crisis Preparedness: Samoa remains on amber precaution over global fuel supply risks, with a National Fuel Supply Emergency Response Plan approved and potential measures outlined if conditions worsen. Samoa Language Week 2026: Malamalama Moni Aoga Amata launched four new bilingual Samoan children’s music videos, building on last year’s hit and keeping gagana Samoa front and centre for families and educators. Culture in Motion: Church services across Aotearoa marked the start of Samoan Language Week, while Samoan Language Music Videos were also launched during the celebrations. Regional Pride & Talent: PMN Fiji won Best Pacific Language Programme at the New Zealand Radio and Podcast Awards, and Samoa-linked pathways at the University of Auckland highlight Pacific student success. Honours & Service: Samoa’s Independence Anniversary saw 33 recipients recognised for service across sport, community, education and national life. Hospitality Leadership: Marriott appointed John Douglas as Area General Manager for the Pacific Islands, with oversight including Samoa.

Fuel Security & Cost of Living: Samoa is on a precautionary alert over global fuel supply, with the Cabinet approving a National Fuel Supply Plan and a colour-coded system (Green/Amber/Red) for escalating risk. Global Energy Shock: UNCTAD warns oil-price spikes from Strait of Hormuz tensions could hit vulnerable nations with an extra US$20.4b fuel bill, with Pacific SIDS among those most exposed. Education & Youth: Samoa’s Ministry of Education says national exam results will be released 18 January, with recounts due by 22 January. Regional Diplomacy: New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters met Samoa, Tonga and Tokelau leaders in Apia, linking Polynesian priorities like climate resilience, language and culture with regional cooperation. Moana Pasifika Lifeline: Moana Pasifika’s future could be decided within weeks as New Zealand officials begin urgent talks with NZ Rugby after liquidation and $8m+ creditor claims. Public Safety & Community Impact: Samoa PM Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt says youth are being “used” by international drug rings after alleged Samoan hitmen were charged in Vietnam. Samoan Language Week (Aotearoa): Church services mark Le Vaiaso O le Gagana Samoa, with concerns raised about funding and labour for Samoan-language early education nests. Culture & Pride: Samoa’s 64th Independence Anniversary honours 33 recipients, celebrating service across sports, government, churches and community work. Arts Spotlight: Samoan tenor Pene Pati’s documentary premieres at the Sydney film festival, spotlighting a Pacific voice on global opera stages.

Moana Pasifika Rescue Talks: New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters says officials have been told to start urgent talks with NZ Rugby and other stakeholders to keep the Super Rugby franchise alive after liquidation and $8m+ creditor claims, with Samoa and Tonga seen as key to any next licence plan. Independence & National Service: Samoa marked its 64th Independence Anniversary with honours for 33 people across sport, civil service, culture, churches and community work, while the Head of State urged a “new beginning” rooted in faith and service. Regional Polynesian Priorities: Leaders from Samoa, Tonga and Tokelau met in Apia with Peters to push shared Pacific goals on climate resilience, security, migration, and language and culture protection. Youth & Drug Ring Warning: Samoa’s PM Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt says young people are being “used” by international drug rings after alleged Samoan hitmen were charged in Vietnam. Samoa Language Week (Aotearoa): Le Vaiaso O le Gagana Samoa runs May 31–June 6, with church services and renewed focus on keeping Gagana Sāmoa strong as intergenerational language loss remains a concern. Education Update: M.E.S.C. says national exam results are due to be released 18 January, with recounts until 22 January. Culture on Stage: Samoan tenor Pene Pati’s documentary “Tenor: My Name is Pati” premieres at the Sydney film festival, highlighting his rise from Upolu to major opera houses.

Super Rugby Crisis: New Zealand has stepped in to try to save Moana Pasifika after the franchise was placed into liquidation, with Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters directing officials to begin talks with NZ Rugby and other stakeholders as the team faces millions in creditor claims and a tight deadline for a 2027 plan. Youth & Security: Samoa’s PM Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt says young people are being “used” by international drug rings, following charges tied to a Vietnam killing case that has sparked concern over reputational damage and protection of families and villages. Independence Celebrations: Samoa marked its 64th Independence Anniversary with a Head of State address calling for confidence and hope, plus honours for 33 recipients across sport, public service, culture, environment and community work. Education & Language: USP Samoa Campus graduation saw 224 students (161 women) graduate, while across Aotearoa Samoa Language Week opened with renewed focus on living and protecting Gagana Sāmoa, amid ongoing intergenerational language loss concerns. Culture & Fashion: MENA founder Talaleomalie Filomena Loheni was honoured in New Zealand’s King’s Birthday awards for services to Pacific fashion, from handmade beginnings in Samoa to global runways.