Regional
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — It has been almost a year since the HMNZS Manawanui sunk off the southcoast of Upolu in Samoa.
But people living in affected coastal communities say their calls for fair compensation and the removal of the wreck continue to fall on deaf ears.
RNZ Pacific journalist Grace...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Tonga's King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau'u have been in Australia for their first official visit.
PMN reported the king and queen were given a tour of Ngunnawal, the traditional homeland of the Australian capital, Canberra; and met with foreign minister Penny Wong.
Also...
Apia, SAMOA — Lauano Aukuso Ah Ching sees the divine at work in the landslide election win that brought Samoa's new prime minister to power.
He gets emotional as he describes Laaulialemalietoa Polataivao Fosi Schmidt's victory, or, as he describes it: "Our people's choice".
"I thank...
‘WASHINGTON (AP) — After serving with the Marine Corps in Iraq, Julio Torres has the American flag and Marine insignia tattooed on his arms to show his pride in serving a country he calls home.
After post-traumatic stress syndrome, drug addiction and a criminal charge following his deployment, the...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Samoa's newly elected prime minister is in New Zealand for medical treatment.
And while, according to Samoa’s government policy, the prime minister is entitled to fully funded overseas medical treatment, the Prime Minister's family, however, is funding all his expenses...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A landmark agreement to protect our oceans, known as the United Nations High Seas Treaty, has been officially approved and is set to become international law.
The treaty comes amid the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York, attended by global leaders and...
Apia, SAMOA — (September 18, 2025) A Treasury Office report has revealed that the government has just enough funds left in the salary item of the national budget to cover one more week of wages for public servants.
However, the report noted that these funds do not include outstanding overtime...
HONOLULU — Prompted by a Proclamation and Executive Order from President Trump, the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council deliberated on the impacts of commercial fishing within the boundaries of the Pacific Islands Heritage, Rose Atoll, Marianas Trench and Papahānaumokuākea Marine...
Pago Paago, AMERICAN SAMOA — French Polynesia's president wants Pacific countries to agree to a moratorium on deep sea mining despite the wide range of views on the issue in the region.
Moetai Brotherson represents one of the Pacific countries calling for a moratorium, alongside the likes of Palau...
Apia, SAMOA — September 18, 2025 — At a time when anti-Semitism is surging worldwide and millions are accusing Israel of committing genocide and deliberately starving Palestinians in Gaza, Israel has found an unexpected yet steadfast ally in the Pacific.
Samoa’s newly elected Prime Minister, Rt....

![Taliilagi Mauava Tu'upo Toleafaoa Va'atausili (left) and elder Puleaga Visesio Patea Fatu say the Manawanui maritime disaster has destroyed their fishing grounds and they want the wreck removed from Tafitoala Reef. (August 2025) [photo: RNZ / Mark Papalii] Taliilagi Mauava Tu'upo Toleafaoa Va'atausili (left) and elder Puleaga Visesio Patea Fatu](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/village_elders.jpeg?itok=K8cIvCQY)
![Tonga's King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau'u with Governor Margaret Beazley and Mr Wilson. [photo: Australia High Commission /Tonga Facebook] Tonga's King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau'u with Governor Margaret Beazley](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/tonga_royal_visit_.jpeg?itok=8PgFgwLl)
![New Samoa Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Polataivao Fosi Schmidt's swearing-in ceremony, Tuesday, September 16, 2025. [ABC News: Adel Fruean] swearing in ceremony photo](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/swearing_in_ceremony.jpeg?itok=z2UI4qna)
![Julio Torre shows his USMC tattoo as he poses for a photo inside serenity corner, a church he founded nearly a decade ago, Monday, Sept. 22. 2025 in Terrell, Texas. [AP photo /Tony Gutierrez] Julio Torre shows his USMC tattoo](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/usmc_tattoo_copy.jpg?itok=3TTt3vd8)

![Palau's President Surangel S Whipps Jr says he is proud of the island nation being the first country to ratify the High Seas Treaty. [photo: Reuters / David Dee Delgado] Palau's President Surangel S Whipps Jr](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/pres_whipps_jr.jpeg?itok=tGVWpvxb)

![In this SN file photo, Taulapapa Will Sword mans the knot tying station on during the IGFA Passport to Fishing program, teaching participants how to tie different types of knots to ensure secured hooks on the line. [courtesy photo] will sword](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/07_captain_will_sword_knot_tying.jpg?itok=OoDsXtXr)
![French Polynesia's President Moetai Brotherson in Honiara for the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting from 8-12 September 2025.: [Photo: RNZ Pacific / Caleb Fotheringham] French Polynesia's President Moetai Brothers](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/french_polynesia_president.jpeg?itok=LTDZm9-j)
![American Samoa Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula (right) congratulates Samoa’s new Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi, after Tuesday’s swearing-in ceremony. [photo: Asi A. Fa'asau] Am Samoa gov and samoa PM](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/img_3590.jpg?itok=8iwBqjWw)