AGP Executive Report

Super Rugby Pacific: New Zealand Rugby has confirmed Moana Pasifika is out of the 2027 competition after rejecting rescue bids, saying no party met the required capital and business plan conditions; the league will shift to a 10-team format, though NZR says the door stays open beyond 2027. Politics & rights: Parliament heated up over mandatory drug tests for MPs, with debate focused on constitutional rights and whether MPs’ seats could be affected if someone tests positive. Media & business: The Minister of Revenue threatened to revoke the Samoa Observer’s business licence, accusing the paper of publishing incorrect and biased reports. Public safety & justice: Samoa’s acting police commissioner says immigration records show Anthony Pele left Samoa on 2 Feb 2023, correcting claims he could have been in the country. Environment & compensation: Samoa will seek an additional NZ$4.2m for Siumu communities affected by the HMNZS Manawanui sinking, on top of NZ$10m already paid to Safata residents. Sports (local): Netball Samoa named its Under-21 trials squad and training pathway for Oceania qualifiers, while Manu Samoa 7s are set for Singapore with a strong pool draw.

Samoan Rugby Governance: Lakapi Samoa chairman Namulauulu Sami Leota told parliament rugby’s internal division must be settled outside parliament, saying the priority is protecting Samoa’s seat at World Rugby and enabling a July 28–31 Oceania-hosted event. Rugby Funding Row: Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt said Australia told him to sign the AU$50m Veimoana rugby agreement, adding Australia expects Samoa’s government to handle accountability and transparency. Moana Pasifika Deadline: NZR says a decision on Moana Pasifika’s Super Rugby future is being finalised, with an announcement expected before or by Friday as the franchise nears a critical deadline. Sevens Focus: Manu Samoa 7s are set for the Singapore Sevens quarterfinal push, aiming for a fourth straight last-eight spot after strong pool positioning. Police Clarify Vietnam Case: Samoa’s acting police commissioner corrected a Samoa Observer claim about wanted suspect Anthony Pele being in Samoa, citing immigration records and saying police have no official Australian warrant request. Vietnam Interview Blocked: Vietnam authorities declined Samoa’s request for face-to-face interviews with murder suspects Joseph Vaa and Steve Tofa, offering only written questions. Court Debt: Bluewave Wireless was ordered by the Supreme Court to pay CSL more than $397,000 over a breached internet services contract. Online Respect Debate: An associate minister asked government to consider turning off Facebook comments and keeping Saturday markets closed from 8pm, citing disrespectful language online. Drug Crackdown: Police report 24 arrests in recent illegal drug raids, with methamphetamine and marijuana seized. Aviation Talk: Associate minister Asiata Tafu Salevao told parliament Samoa could buy an aircraft if it wished, despite ADB concerns about financial risk.

Police & Justice: Samoa’s acting police commissioner says Vietnam has refused a face-to-face meeting with two Apia men charged over a Ho Chi Minh City murder, leaving Samoa to submit written questions only. Crime & Safety: Samoa police report 24 arrests in a recent illegal drugs crackdown after 11 raids, with methamphetamine and marijuana seized; officials say mugshots are shared to boost public help. Rugby Governance: Lakapi Samoa chairman Namulauulu Sami Leota has been appointed to the World Rugby Council, as Samoa debates rugby funding and accountability. Manu Samoa Sevens: Samoa’s 7s team is aiming for a fourth straight quarterfinal at the Singapore Sevens, with pool games against Spain and Japan before facing New Zealand. Sports & Talent: An 11-year-old Samoan-rooted footballer, Aquila Peleseuma, has signed with France’s Paris FC, while Netball Samoa names a squad for a July series against Australia Pathways. Regional Security: Tonga has joined an INTERPOL cybercrime initiative that includes Samoa, as cyber threats and scams rise across the Pacific.

Rugby & National Pride: Lakapi Samoa chairman Namulauulu Sami Leota has been appointed Samoa’s representative on the World Rugby Council, keeping Samoa’s voice at the top table. Manu Samoa Boost: Former All Blacks fullback Shaun Stevenson has confirmed he’ll play for Samoa from November, ending speculation and adding depth ahead of test matches. Parliament & Rugby Funding: PM Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt told MPs Australia urged him to sign the AU$50m Veimoana rugby agreement, sparking a heated accountability debate. Education Focus: Samoa opened Post-School Education Week 2026, with leaders stressing PSET as a pathway to jobs and skills for young people. Workforce Development: The Public Service Commission highlighted progress under Australia’s Tautai programme, including 109 officials graduating in HR, public sector management and procurement. Labour Mobility Pressure: A Vaisigano 1 MP called for overseas recruitment to ease village labour shortages as workers leave under NZ/Australia schemes. Health Services Alarm: A district MP demanded removal of a Sataua hospital doctor, alleging long absences and poor patient care. Youth & Democracy: Pacific youth leaders met in Fiji to push for stronger youth roles in governance, saying young people remain underrepresented. Crime & Safety: Samoa police said Vietnam declined face-to-face interview requests in a murder case involving Samoan nationals, while authorities also address public concern over an Australian fugitive’s posts claiming Samoa links. Sports Development: Australia’s ADF donated cricket gear to Samoa’s cricket association to support local teams.

Pacific Diplomacy: U.S. officials say last week’s White House summit with Pacific leaders was “collaborative” and focused on listening, with Biden pledging new infrastructure, extra climate funding, and action on illegal fishing—while stressing Washington is not asking countries to choose sides. Youth & Democracy: A Pacific youth forum heard that young people remain underrepresented in politics due to cultural and economic barriers, with Samoa among the delegations discussing how to boost participation and leadership. Education & Jobs: Samoa marked Post-Secondary Education Week, with ministers stressing PSET as a pathway to skills, employment, and keeping boys engaged beyond Year 10. Workforce Development: Samoa’s Public Service Commission highlighted workforce training progress, including 109 officials graduating in HR, public sector management, and procurement. Health System Pressure: A Vaisigano 1 MP called for removal of a district hospital doctor, alleging serious service failures; the Health Minister promised action. Sports & Community: Australia’s Defence Force donated cricket gear to Samoa, and the stage is set for the Marist 33rd International Sevens in Apia. Crime & Safety: Interpol warns of a sharp rise in cybercrime across Asia and the South Pacific, hitting small island states hardest. Public Trust: Samoa’s PM faced fresh criticism after insiders say his promised weekly media briefings have gone quiet.

Sports Infrastructure: China’s Anhui Foreign Economic Construction Co. has been awarded a multi-million-tala contract to rehabilitate the Samoa Aquatic Center and upgrade Apia Park Sports Complex ahead of next year’s Pacific Games. Public Safety & Environment: Samoa’s styrofoam plates and cups ban is set to take effect on 30 June 2020, with the Ministry warning importers and retailers to sell out existing stock and face fines for non-compliance. Justice & Accountability: In New Zealand, former funeral director Tauanu’u Nicholas Bakulich has been named after sentencing over misconduct involving a Samoan chief’s remains, while Hawke’s Bay human trafficker Joseph Matamata has been granted parole. Violence in Siumu: A 25-year-old man, Sunia Lino, has been charged after allegedly shooting his uncle in the head with a rifle following a family dispute. Health & Media: The PM’s promised weekly press conference has gone quiet for over a month, as public pushback grows against his criticism of doctors. Community & Skills: Educators are calling for stronger links between education and real workplace experience, not just academic qualifications. Cricket Support: The Australian Defence Force donated cricket gear and uniforms to the Samoa International Cricket Association. Rugby Spotlight: World Rugby announced major changes to rankings calculations from 1 July, removing home-ground weighting.

Healthcare Accountability: Samoa’s PM faced public pushback after criticism of doctors over more patients being referred overseas, with residents arguing deeper system gaps are driving the trend. Education-to-Work Links: Educators and professionals say Samoa needs stronger pathways from school to real jobs, calling for more practical skills, workplace experience, and better communication training. Manu Samoa Update: Hooker Motu Matu’u is set for a likely extended absence after a four-game sanction for a high tackle, with concussion checks affecting availability beyond the pool stage. Rugby Spotlight: World Rugby confirmed a major rankings change from July 1, removing home-ground weighting for men and women. Community & Environment: Eight Upolu communities are training to monitor mangroves, aiming to strengthen local data collection for coastal protection and livelihoods. Sports (Regional): Hurricanes’ Pasifika stars powered a record 60-5 Super Rugby Pacific final win over the Chiefs. Health & Welfare: Baby Eliana’s family is seeking urgent help for a liver transplant in India as government support covers only part of the costs.

Manu Samoa Rugby: Hooker Motu Matu’u has been hit with a likely three-match ban after a high tackle sanction, ruling him out of the Scotland game and potentially more beyond the pool stage. Healthcare & policy: Public pushback is growing against PM Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt’s criticism of doctors, with critics saying deeper healthcare system gaps are driving overseas referrals. Education & jobs: Educators and professionals warn Samoa still needs stronger links between schooling and real workplace experience, skills like communication and practical training. Sports (Sevens): Samoa’s Manusina Sevens squad has been named for the Oceania Women’s Sevens Championship in Suva, with an Olympic qualifier spot at stake. Environment: Eight Upolu communities are taking part in mangrove monitoring training to build local capacity and collect field data for coastal protection. Community & wellbeing: Baby Eliana’s family is seeking urgent help for a liver transplant in India as government support covers some costs but not all. Regional human story: A Cook Islands fisherman lost at sea for a week has been found alive after RNZAF and a Taiwanese vessel rescue, bringing relief to his family.

CHOGM 2026 Accommodation Push: As preparations ramp up for Samoa’s 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism and hotel groups are urging property owners to register to help secure rooms for thousands of delegates and side-forums. Samoa Governance & Debt Watch: Former Education Minister Loau Keneti Sio is calling for two Commissions of Inquiry—one into EPC power outages and generator costs, and another into a $20m catamaran boat still not delivered—while former MP Afualo warns Samoa could face tougher conditions from development partners if loan repayments aren’t met. Budget Scrutiny: Fiame Naomi Mataafa urges MPs to closely examine the 2026/27 budget to ensure it matches Samoa’s development priorities and strengthens good governance. Manu Samoa Rugby: Samoa halfback Melani Matavao says he’s ready to seize any World Cup chance, and Wales’ Jamie Roberts says Wales is set for tonight’s clash at Apia Park. Community & Safety: Samoa Police have arrested a man accused of shooting and damaging a public streetlight in Vaitele Fou. Health Appeal: Baby Eliana needs urgent help for a liver transplant in India, with families seeking support beyond government airfare and limited caregiver coverage.

Budget & Governance: Former PM Fiame Naomi Mataafa urges MPs to scrutinise Samoa’s 2026/27 budget for real good-governance funding, warning repeated spending and weak reserves could hurt future development. Public Finance Warning: Economist Afualo Dr Wood Salele warns Samoa may struggle to secure future support if it can’t meet loan repayment obligations, stressing trust with lenders. Energy & Power Crisis Accountability: Former Minister Loau Keneti Sio calls for two Commissions of Inquiry—one into Fiaga power outages and generator failures, and another into the delayed $20m catamaran boat. Fuel Transition Push: Pacific energy experts at the Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue say the fuel crisis was predictable and must drive faster, community-led renewable change. Health Appeal: Baby Eliana needs urgent help for a liver transplant in India, with parents seeking support beyond government airfare sponsorship. Sports—Rugby World Cup: Manu Samoa hooker Motu Matu’u faces a likely three-match ban after a high tackle sanction. Local Crime: Samoa police arrest a man for allegedly shooting and damaging a streetlight at Vaitele Fou. Community & Culture: Samoa confirms it will take part in Expo 2027 Belgrade under “Rhythms of Samoa,” and Parliament announces Samoa Arts & Culture Week in September.

Electricity & transport accountability: Former Education Minister Loau Keneti Sio is pushing for two separate Commissions of Inquiry—one into EPC generator failures and power outages, and another into a $20m catamaran boat that has yet to arrive in Samoa. Public safety: A 41-year-old man has been arrested after a viral video showed him shooting and damaging a streetlight in Vaitele Fou, with police warning against reckless firearm use. Fuel crisis & renewables: Pacific energy experts say the region must speed up locally led renewable energy, arguing emergency fuel fixes aren’t enough and lessons from past oil shocks were ignored. Air travel update: Qantas launched its inaugural Faleolo–Auckland service with 95 passengers, adding to Air New Zealand and Fiji Airways as Samoa Airways plans continue. Tourism shift: Prime Minister Schmidt says Teuila Tourism Festival Week will be replaced by Samoa Arts & Culture Week in September. Culture & sport: Samoa confirmed it will participate in EXPO 2027 Belgrade under “Rhythms of Samoa,” while Manu Samoa halfback Melani Matavao says he’s ready to seize his Rugby World Cup chance.

Expo 2027: Samoa has confirmed it will take part in Expo 2027 Belgrade under the theme “Rhythms of Samoa: Connecting Through Sport, Trade and Culture,” highlighting Fa’a Samoa, sport, music and sustainable development. Aviation & Travel: Qantas launched its inaugural Faleolo–Auckland service with 95 passengers on the return flight, adding a third option alongside Air New Zealand and Fiji Airways, while Samoa Airways plans remain in the works. Energy & Policy: Pacific energy experts say the fuel crisis proves renewables must be fast-tracked, with solutions that are locally led and community-focused—not just emergency fuel supply. Parliament & Local Services: Lautimuia Uelese Vaai used the Budget debate to push for electricity and water improvements, a fuel levy review, and stronger support for district committees. Public Safety: Police arrested a 41-year-old after viral footage showed him shooting and damaging streetlights, with the PM urging communities to protect public assets. Culture: Samoa will replace the Teuila Tourism Festival Week with a Samoa Arts & Culture Week in September. Courts: The HRPP case over district council chair appointments is set for hearing on 13 July, with a timetable confirmed by the Supreme Court.

Rugby & Community Spirit: Queensland’s Tino Fa’asuamaleaui credited late father Fereti’s final message for his big role in the Maroons’ 44-24 State of Origin win over NSW, sending the series to a Brisbane decider. Public Safety: Police arrested a 41-year-old after viral footage of him shooting and damaging streetlights, with the PM urging village councils to help protect public assets. Power & Infrastructure: Samoa Airport Authority and EPC traded explanations over brief Faleolo power outages, saying the airport’s backup generator failed due to a technical fault before power was restored. Mental Health at Work: The Salvation Army delivered workplace stress and burnout training to staff of the Labour & Employment Export Programme (LEEP) to build safer support systems. Aviation Plans in Parliament: Samoa PM Schmidt dismissed ADB warnings about a government-backed airline as “discouraging,” while MPs debate the financial risk and Samoa’s readiness. Court Watch: Supreme Court Justice Clarke allowed interveners in the HRPP challenge to FAST district council chair appointments, with a hearing set for 13 July. Fuel Security: NEOC says Samoa’s fuel supply remains secure under an Amber Alert, with scheduled tanker arrivals continuing. Church Update: The Apia Samoa Latter-day Saints temple will close from Dec. 23 for extensive renovations. Sports Abroad: Former All Blacks TJ Perenara will captain the Barbarians against South Africa in Gqeberha on Saturday.

Parliament & Governance: Samoa’s PM Laaulialemalietoa Schmidt hit back at Asian Development Bank warnings over a planned Samoa Airways jet relaunch, saying partners “don’t know anything we are facing,” while also pushing for proper distribution of New Zealand’s $10m Manawanui compensation to Safata and Siumu. Courts & Politics: In Vaimauga No.3 election petition proceedings, Taioaliiseu denied using money to entice votes; meanwhile the HRPP case over district chair appointments is set for hearing on 13 July. Justice & Sports: Former Manu Samoa sevens player Joe Perez pleaded guilty to drug-related charges and is seeking a discharge without conviction tied to his overseas contract. Health: Samoa opened its first cervical cancer screening clinic at Moto’otua and launched the Stay MALU campaign for women aged 30–65. Economy & Accountability: The PM told Parliament Samoa has been short-changed for years by fake invoices and customs manipulation, and the Education Grant (OGG) was abused and not audited for 8 years. Regional Fisheries: Samoa backed a new MOU to strengthen sustainable management of South Pacific albacore tuna, while Tokelau faces loss of key fisheries access under the Nauru Agreement. Business & Community: Ah Liki Wholesale partnered with Pasifika Sanitary Products to supply locally made sanitary care nationwide.

Airline Debate: Samoa’s government has doubled down on plans to relaunch Samoa Airways jet operations, dismissing ADB and IFC warnings as “they don’t know what we are facing,” while UTOS says fundraising is only one part of a wider funding strategy. Manawanui Compensation: PM urges proper distribution of the NZ$10M Manawanui fund; NEOC says 957 Safata residents have signed MOUs and 746 are ready for payment, with a document-and-verification system to reach eligible people. Education Accountability: In Parliament, the Education Minister says the One Government Grant was abused and not audited for eight years, with some school principals facing alleged theft cases. Women’s Health: Samoa opens its first cervical cancer screening clinic at Moto’otua and launches the Stay MALU campaign for women aged 30–65, with plans to expand to district hospitals. Regional Fisheries Skills: FFA opens more scholarships for fisheries enforcement and compliance, with Cohort 12 starting 7 Sept 2026. Pacific Diplomacy & Climate: China and Pacific island states push closer cooperation, while SPREP confirms El Niño conditions and warns Western Pacific communities to plan for drier, drought-risk months. Sports & Community: Manu Samoa Sevens secured a resort camp for Monaco repechage preparations, and Samoa’s education leaders gather in Apia for the first Pacific Education Leaders Conference in-country.

Education Funding Probe: Samoa’s One Government Grant for schools has been abused and misspent, with audits missing for 8 years; some school principals face court over alleged theft, as Parliament debates who should run the programme. Health Access: Samoa opened its first Cervical Cancer Screening Clinic at the Health Credential Centre in Moto’otua, launching the Stay MALU campaign to encourage women aged 30–65 to get regular screenings, with plans to expand to district hospitals. UN Disability Rights Milestone: Palauan advocate Villaney “Lany” Remengesau made history as the first Palauan—and first Pacific candidate—elected to the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, alongside Samoa’s Mataafa Faatino Utumapu. Customs Revenue Shock: Prime Minister Schmidt told Parliament fake invoices have long bypassed customs duties and fees, prompting a task force response after discrepancies were found. Airline Politics: Samoa Airways relaunch plans drew fresh pushback after an ADB warning; the PM dismissed it, saying development partners “don’t know” what Samoa faces. Compensation Update: NEOC says over 6,000 Safata residents are set to receive NZ-funded Manawanui compensation, with hundreds of signed MOUs already submitted for payment. Pacific Education Leaders Conference: Samoa hosts the Pacific Education Council’s first conference in the country, focusing on teacher shortages and training pathways.