Samoa chief suggests returning Manawanui compensation to NZ as it's not enough
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Uncertainty around compensation payments for the HMNZS Manawanui marine disaster in Samoa is growing, with the paramount chief of one of the affected villages q

![Naval Divers on the scene above HMNZS Manawanui, off the Southern Coast of Upulo. [Photo: New Zealand Defense Force] Sunken HMNZS Manawanui](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/navy_divers_.jpeg?itok=w86uVIE1)
![Back in 1978, the Ocean Minerals Company (OMCO) developed an Archimedes-screw-drive system that dug deep into the sediment for traction. Allseas approached the problem differently, designing the new collector with wide snowcat-style tracks and deepwater buoyancy to distribute weight evenly, enabling it to move gently across the seafloor. [courtesy photos] OLD VS NEW](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/old_vs_new.png?itok=LYdWI5zC)
![Government leaders are escorted to their seats at the opening of the 39th Legislature on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 that took place at the Gov. H. Rex Lee Auditorium. During the event, Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula delivered the State of the Territory Address, and Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean, on behalf of the Fono, responded. [ASG photo] GOVT LEADERS](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/govt_leaders.jpg?itok=hshEHolr)


![Dept. of Health representatives met with pastors and youth leaders from each church to present these items, with hopes of encouraging healthy living through daily physical activity. [Facebook photo] Sports equipment for Manu'a youth](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/sports_equipment_for_manua.jpg?itok=CYciZj1E)



