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Police execute search warrant of Samoa Observer offices

The Ministry of Police has executed a search warrant on the Samoa Observer premises at Vaitele. It was part of their investigation to track down the person who has been making what they claim as “defamatory” statements against a woman who claims to be carrying the marks of Jesus Christ’s suffering...

Not long after World War II, US poultry firms began dumping turkey tails, along with chicken backs, into markets in Samoa. By 2007, the average Samoan was consuming more than 44 pounds of turkey tails every year. [photo: Mark Turnauckas]

Turkey tails, culture and food

More than one livestock producer has told me that current food policy “maximizes assholes per acre.” I appreciate this off-color phrase as it emphasizes what ought to be obvious: that livestock intensification maximizes all elements of animal production, even those for which there may be no market...

American Samoa shows reluctance to join undersea cable

Hesitation by the United States is threatening American Samoa's involvement in a new undersea fibre optic cable with Samoa. Samoa's prime minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, had invited American Samoa to join on to the Tui Samoa cable, which will be launched later this year. But American Samoa...

Contractors work on the Te Mato Vai water project in Rarotonga, Cook Islands [Photo: Phillipa Webb / Cook Islands News]

China likely to team up more on aid to Pacific

The Pacific is likely to see more teamwork involving China such as the Chinese-New Zealand partnership to pipe water around Rarotonga. An expert on China's foreign aid programme, Denghua Zhang, said the Te Mato Vai project in the Cook Islands was helping China learn about aid delivery and...

Alosio Taimo faces dozens charges of sex offending against young boys, and will go on trial in February 2018. [photo: JAMES IRELAND/FAIRFAX NZ]

Auckland school rugby coach faces multiple charges of sex abuse against children

A school rugby coach will go on trial in Auckland next year for dozens of charges of sexual abuse against young boys. Alosio Taimo, a long-time school volunteer and member of the Samoan church community, pleaded not guilty to all charges during an appearance at the High Court on Wednesday. Justice...

WestPac concerned about proposed amendment to fed Billfish Conservation Act

The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council has shared with the federal government their concerns on the impact of Pacific fisheries with a proposed amendment to the federal Billfish Conservation Act (BCA). The proposed amendment, through federal legislation, was introduced last month...

NZ is funding Samoa's dog control program. [Photo: supplied]

New shelter set up for Samoa's stray dogs

Samoa has a new facility to shelter and train stray dogs. The shelter, at Tafaigata, is the first of its kind for Samoa and replaces a temporary shelter at Vaitele that was established in June 2014. It was opened by Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, last week. Our correspondent,...

Fekita ‘Utoikamanu of Tonga has been appointed the United Nations High Representative for the Least Developed Countries. [courtesy photo]

Pacific Community congratulates ‘Utoikamanu on high level UN appointment

Noumea, NEW CALEDONIA — The Pacific Community (SPC) offers its congratulations on the appointment of the Kingdom of Tonga’s Fekita ‘Utoikamanu to the esteemed position of United Nations High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island...

Survey finds health disparities in two Pacific Islander populations

ANN ARBOR. Michigan — A survey of two groups of Pacific Islanders draws comparisons between the health of two populations of Pacific Islanders residing in California, revealing they lag behind the state in several key areas of health. Led by Sela Panapasa, a scientist in the University of Michigan...

HAPPY EASTER SAMOA: Tupetoa Ronji and Bena Tanielu are happy to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with the world – including some of the most dangerous places for Christians. (Photo: Misiona Simo)

For God so loved the world — Samoa celebrates Easter

As Samoa pauses today to remember the suffering of Jesus Christ the Saviour, two passionate Samoan Christians whose mission is to tell the world about that love, will join them in thanksgiving. This Good Friday, Tupetoa Ronji and Rebena Tanielu, will join their families in Samoa for a time of...

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