Regional
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The New Zealand government is pausing the recognition of some international adoptions, primarily affecting Samoa, due to concerns over child abuse in cases involving adoptions from overseas.
Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says efforts are underway with Samoa...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — There has been a significant new funding boost for the Pacific-led effort to protect our oceans.
The Bezos Earth Fund has announced just over US$37 million in grants to support marine protection efforts across 12 countries and territories.
The fund, owned by Amazon's...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Head of State Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaleto’a Sualauvi II at the opening of the 18th Parliament Address on September 16, 2025, Apia, Samoa, where he delivered special remarks, congratulating Laaulialemalietoa Polataivao Fosi, who has now been “entrusted with the...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Independent State of Samoa welcomed its eighth Prime Minister since gaining independence in 1962, as Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi took the oath of office on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, in a historic ceremony that lasted nearly five hours.
The swearing-...
HONOLULU — (September 15, 2025) The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) concluded its 157th meeting this week, providing key scientific recommendations to the Council on bottomfish management, climate impacts, bycatch and new ocean...
Apia, SAMOA — The testimonies of two medical professionals in the high-profile murder trial of celebrated Samoan poet and playwright Papalii Sia Figiel on Thursday, September 11, 2025, confirmed that she is suffering from a serious psychotic disorder.
Amituanai Dr. Cecilia Alailima was the final...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A new light trail in Rotorua will see the geothermal valley of Te Puia filled with swirling steam and illuminated with laser lights, with the waiata of singer Maisey Rika guiding the way.
Mārama — the Geyser Night Trail will run until 18 April 2026 — enhancing the night-...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — As the final prosecution witness began to testify in the trial surrounding the murder of Dr Caroline Gabbard in May last year, the accused walked out of the courtroom to break into a fit of wails and loud weeping on Thursday morning (Samoa time).
Dr Cecilia Alailima was...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Caretaker Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa said she has no regrets in her four years in office, which she described as a challenging period of significant transition and reform.
After delivering her concession speech on Tuesday, Fiame said dwelling on regrets is...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — South Auckland’s Māngere Arts Centre will host a special one-night-only stand-up comedy showcase, Va’ine Fresh, on September 27, shining the spotlight on Pasifika women breaking new ground in comedy.
The show will feature 10 Pasifika women performing stand-up for the...