Regional
![Tuiloma Pula Lameko [on the left] being sworn in as a deputy head of state alongisde Le Mamea Ropati [Photo: RNZI/Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia]](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/eight_col_The_late_Member_of_Council_of_Deputies_Tuiloma_Pule_Lameko_on_the_left_being_sworn_as_deputy_head_of_states_with_Le_Mamea_Ropati_before_the_.jpg?itok=3HWlLCzO "Tuiloma Pula Lameko [on the left] being sworn in as a deputy head of state alongisde Le Mamea Ropati [Photo: RNZI/Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia]")
Apia, SAMOA — Samoa is making preparations for a state funeral for one of the country's two deputy heads of state, Tuiloma Pule Lameko, who died on Monday at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital.
The 83 year old was one of Samoa's longest serving politicians and public servants, having entered...
![Tropical Cyclone Josie causes major flooding in Fiji's Ba [Photo: Fiji Village via RNZI]](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/eight_col_JosieMon1.jpg?itok=A982Uss5 "Tropical Cyclone Josie causes major flooding in Fiji's Ba [Photo: Fiji Village via RNZI]")
Suva, FIJI — Tropical Cyclone Josie is moving away from the Fiji group but the category one cyclone has caused severe flooding in parts of the country.
Fiji Village online reports four people have died and one person is still missing after being washed away by flood waters.
Police have confirmed...
![CARDIFF, WALES - MARCH 31: Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker exchange punches during there WBA, IBF, WBO & IBO Heavyweight Championship title fight at Principality Stadium on March 31, 2018 [photo via NZ Herald]](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/2RTQTDGTLRB5BNCE7K7D4NE32Y.jpg?itok=iTSm8RSM "CARDIFF, WALES - MARCH 31: Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker exchange punches during there WBA, IBF, WBO & IBO Heavyweight Championship title fight at Principality Stadium on March 31, 2018 [photo via NZ Herald]")
Auckland, NEW ZEALAND — Boxing fans were queuing from 6am and some churches started mass late: Joseph Parker may not be the WBO champ any more, but New Zealanders still love him.
Parker lost this morning's (NZ time) world heavyweight unification bout by unanimous decision, but is the first man to...
Apia, SAMOA — The Elders Committee of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (C.C.C.S.) is adamant.
They will not obey the demand by the Government for all Church Ministers to pay income taxes.
The law became effective in January 2018. Which means many of the Church Ministers of C.C.C.S. are...
![L-R Sia Figiel, Mere Taito, Karlo Mila and Janet Steele. [photo: Ash Miles/Unity Books Wellington]](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/Pacific%20Women.jpg?itok=fgOlcL4A "L-R Sia Figiel, Mere Taito, Karlo Mila and Janet Steele. [photo: Ash Miles/Unity Books Wellington]")
Wellington, NEW ZEALAND — Pacific women and their challenges in coping with climate change have been highlighted in a new Commonwealth anthology.
A mix of new and established authors from the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, the Indian and Pacific Oceans contributed to the anthology.
Little Island co-...
![[screenshot from video]](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/Screen%20Shot%202018-03-31%20at%2010.10.17%20AM.png?itok=-22Anzra "[screenshot from video]")
Cardiff, WALES — Lupesoliai La’auliolemalietoa Joseph Parker has sent out his final rallying cry as he and Anthony Joshua faced off for the final time ahead of tomorrow’s hugely anticipated heavyweight unification bout at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.
Lupesoliai, born to Samoan parents Dempsey...
![[photo from website]](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/NATIONAL%20BANK%20OF%20SAMOA.jpg?itok=WuXmAQm- "[photo from website]")
Apia, SAMOA — National Bank of Samoa (NBS) and Digicel Samoa are pleased to announce a partnership to develop the next generation of cost-effective and easy mobile banking and remittance services for Samoan customers.
Digicel will work with NBS to integrate its Mobile Money platform with NBS’...
![Samoa's PM Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi [SN file photo]](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/samoaPM_33.jpg?itok=5dedYf-p "Samoa's PM Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi [SN file photo]")
Apia, SAMOA — Samoa's Prime Minister has warned that Facebook and other social media platforms may soon be banned in the country.
Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi told news media on Wednesday that it would be his government's last resort if bloggers using social media to attack government did not start...
![Robbie Magasiva [Photo: John McDermott via RNZI]](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/eight_col_Robbie.jpg?itok=E1dvWukr "Robbie Magasiva [Photo: John McDermott via RNZI]")
Auckland, NEW ZEALAND — The magic of storytelling island-style has seen audiences return in droves to see a popular Pacific comedy group for performances at this month's Auckland Arts Festival.
The Naked Samoans Do Magic is their new show after almost a decade off stage that was sprinkled with...
![The Samoa sevens team are onto their third manager this season. [Photo: PHOTOSPORT via RNZI]](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/samoa%207s.jpg?itok=OS8vQUaM "The Samoa sevens team are onto their third manager this season. [Photo: PHOTOSPORT via RNZI]")
Apia, SAMOA — The Manu Samoa sevens team is searching for a third manager in little over eight months.
Shalom Senara has resigned from the role due to family reasons.
He took up the position in October, having spent the previous two years as the Samoa Rugby Union's Development Manager.
"Shalom has...