AGP Executive Report

Health: Japan has pledged SAT$8.25 million to upgrade Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital and district facilities, including new medical equipment. Rugby Governance: World Rugby chairman Brett Robinson was welcomed to Samoa and given the chiefly title Manūmailagi as he visits to address divisions in the sport. Prime Minister La’auli says Manu Samoa will go to the 2027 World Cup, but its management must change. Women’s Rugby League: Samoa faces England in a winner-takes-all World Cup clash, with a semi-final place—and a landmark first for the women’s team—at stake. Parliament: Opposition MP Lauofo Fonotoe Pierre Meredith is challenging his 24-hour suspension, saying the rules cited apply to conduct inside the House. Economy: Government cash reserves remain above $500 million, but the economy contracted 1.6% in 2025/26. Climate: A strong El Niño is already disrupting Pacific water, health and agriculture, with drier-than-usual conditions forecast across much of the region. Samoa is among nine countries set to receive support for mobile emergency alerts.

Toa Sāmoa: Sunday’s sold-out clash with Tonga is shaping as a major Pacific showcase, with both sides chasing a semi-final place at the Rugby League World Cup. Manu Samoa: The Prime Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to send the team to the 2027 World Cup, but said management changes are needed to address divisions in Samoan rugby. Child Wellbeing: Parliament advanced a benefit fund bill, with the Prime Minister saying the policy grew from the grief of the 2019 measles outbreak; it now goes to a select committee. Climate Watch: Pacific forecasters warn a strong El Niño could bring drier-than-usual conditions and heightened weather risks into 2027, prompting calls for Samoa to prepare. Health Outreach: Japan donated a $349,413 mobile clinic and medical equipment to Samoa’s Kidney Foundation, helping bring screenings to communities. Australia Visa: Samoa is among the eligible countries for Australia’s permanent-residence ballot, which now has a $25 registration fee and offers up to 3,000 visas a year.

Child Wellbeing: Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa says Samoa’s proposed benefit scheme grew from the grief of the 2019 measles outbreak, which killed more than 100 people. Parliament has sent the amendment to a select committee. Health Access: Japan has donated a $349,413 mobile clinic and medical equipment to the National Kidney Foundation, enabling screenings in communities across Upolu; the foundation hopes to extend the service to Savai‘i. Deaf Rugby: Samoa is making its first appearance at the World Rugby Deaf Competition in Japan, with Afega’s Rosita Simone the only Samoan selected for the women’s World Barbarians team. World Cup Rivalry: Toa Samoa’s 64–6 win over Papua New Guinea sets up a high-stakes clash with unbeaten Tonga, with a semi-final place at stake. Samoa–New Zealand Ties: Prime Minister La’auli says treaty talks should wait until after New Zealand’s election, while Christopher Luxon says a review is not currently a priority. School Assistance: More than 3,000 people in Vaimauga No. 3 are still waiting for the government’s $150 back-to-school payment.

Public Finances: Samoa says its cash position remains above SAT$500 million, with a SAT$149.6 million surplus in 2025–26 and public debt at 19.3% of GDP. Parliament: HRPP Deputy Leader Lauofo Nuafesili Pierre Lauofo was suspended for 24 hours after the Speaker ruled his comments about a parliamentary committee breached standing orders; Lauofo apologised. Sport: Samoa’s deaf rugby sevens team is heading to Japan for its first World Rugby Deaf Competition, while two young Samoans represented the country at a regional skills contest in Vanuatu. Treaty Talks: Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt says discussions on reviewing Samoa’s 64-year-old Treaty of Friendship with New Zealand should wait until after the country’s election; Christopher Luxon says the review is not a current priority. Community Support: More than 3,000 people in Vaimauga No. 3 are still waiting for the government’s $150 back-to-school payment. Toa Samoa: After routing Papua New Guinea 64–6, Samoa faces Tonga in a highly anticipated World Cup clash, with a semi-final place at stake.

Parliament: HRPP Deputy Leader Lauofo Nuafesili Pierre Lauofo was suspended for 24 hours after the Speaker ruled his media comments undermined a parliamentary committee; Lauofo apologised. Leauva’a residents have backed a separate parliamentary seat, subject to a two-thirds vote on electoral changes. Cost-of-Living Support: More than 3,000 people in Vaimauga No. 3 are still waiting for the government’s $150 back-to-school payment, months after nationwide payments began. Samoa–New Zealand Relations: A dispute over talks to refresh the 64-year-old Treaty of Friendship remains unresolved. Prime Minister La’auli says he asked to wait until after New Zealand’s election; Christopher Luxon denies requesting talks, while community leader Anae Arthur Anae says media reports may have inflamed the issue. Rugby League: Toa Samoa’s 64–6 win over Papua New Guinea has set up a much-anticipated World Cup clash with Tonga, which a leading NRL coach calls the biggest international match in decades. Weather Preparedness: The government is urging families to prepare for El Niño, with dry conditions already affecting crops and water supplies.

Toa Samoa: Fans celebrated across Apia and the islands after the team’s 64–6 Rugby League World Cup win over Papua New Guinea, with crowds gathering at public screenings despite a ban on car parades. Climate Readiness: Prime Minister La’auli is urging people to prepare for El Niño, which could bring months of dry weather; the government plans to deploy water trucks and provide tanks to households. Maritime Support: Japan has given Samoa a 17-metre maintenance boat and mobile workshop truck to help the Samoa Shipping Corporation service its fleet. Samoa–New Zealand Ties: La’auli says he put treaty talks on hold until after New Zealand’s election, while Christopher Luxon denies asking to proceed and says the treaty is not a priority. Sport: Netball Samoa has appointed Tia Winikerei as Tifaimoana’s head coach ahead of the 2027 World Cup. Migration: Australia has allocated 150 permanent-residence places for Samoan citizens under its Pacific Engagement Visa programme for 2026–27.

Toa Samoa Celebrations: Fans across Samoa took to the streets after Toa Samoa’s 64–6 win over Papua New Guinea, their second Rugby League World Cup victory. Apia’s public screening drew crowds, with Prime Minister La’auli and Cabinet ministers cheering alongside supporters. Japan Partnership: Japan handed Samoa Shipping Corporation a 17-metre maintenance boat and mobile workshop truck to help maintain its fleet and strengthen inter-island transport. Treaty Talks: Samoa’s Prime Minister says he paused plans to refresh the Treaty of Friendship with New Zealand until after its election; Christopher Luxon denies asking him to proceed, saying the treaty is not a priority for his government now. El Niño Readiness: La’auli has urged people to prepare for prolonged dry conditions, which are already affecting crops and water supplies. The government plans to deploy water trucks and provide household tanks.

Toa Samoa: Samoa overwhelmed Papua New Guinea 64–6 in Port Moresby, scoring 50 unanswered second-half points to stay unbeaten at the Rugby League World Cup. The team now faces Tonga in a crucial clash that could secure a semi-final place. Fan Celebrations: Supporters across Samoa marked the win with village parades, decorated horses and public screenings, showing how deeply the team’s campaign resonates at home. Samoa–India Ties: Visiting Indian Minister of State Pabitra Margherita and Prime Minister Laʻaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt signed an agreement to support education, healthcare and vocational training for children and people with disabilities.

Rugby League World Cup: Toa Samoa thrashed Papua New Guinea 64–6 in Port Moresby, scoring 50 unanswered points after a tight first half. Jarome Luai set up four tries and Brian To’o crossed as Samoa stayed unbeaten; they face Tonga next in a key test for the semi-finals. Samoa–India Ties: Visiting Indian minister Pabitra Margherita and Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt signed an agreement to improve education, healthcare and vocational training for children and people with disabilities. Their talks also covered digital development, climate resilience and economic cooperation. Public Service: Samoa Export Authority chief executive Keneti Faulalo has resigned before completing his contract, citing a medical condition. His departure renews questions about the loss of experienced senior officials from a small public service.

Toa Samoa: Samoa stayed unbeaten at the Rugby League World Cup with a 64–6 win over Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby, scoring 50 unanswered second-half points. Jarome Luai and Brian To’o were welcomed by local fans; Samoa now face Tonga in a crucial clash next Sunday. Weather Preparedness: Samoa’s Meteorology Division is urging households, businesses and agencies to prepare for strengthening El Niño, with dry conditions raising risks to water supplies, farming and health. Community Support: The Government has renewed funding for SUNGO, backing non-government organisations working with families, villages and vulnerable communities. Public Service: Samoa Export Authority chief executive Keneti Faulalo has resigned before completing his contract, citing a medical condition. His departure renews questions about the loss of experienced public servants.

Toa Samoa: Samoa meet Papua New Guinea in a sold-out Rugby League World Cup clash in Port Moresby, with public screenings set up in Apia for fans. Climate Watch: Samoa’s Meteorology Division is warning of strengthening El Niño, urging households and agencies to conserve water and prepare for drought, heat and heightened cyclone risk. Government & Communities: The government has renewed funding support for NGOs working with families and vulnerable communities. Manawanui Compensation: Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt has asked affected Safata residents to remain patient as checks continue before the promised $10 million is released. Pacific Diplomacy: Samoa’s plan to open an embassy in Jerusalem faces fresh criticism, as Pacific civil society groups call for Israel’s new Forum partnership to be suspended. Rugby Governance: World Rugby’s chief is travelling to Apia to help resolve Samoa’s rugby dispute.

Toa Samoa: The team prepares for Saturday’s Rugby League World Cup clash with Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby. Samoa’s government has arranged public screens in Apia so fans can watch together. Climate Preparedness: Samoa’s Meteorology Division warns strengthening El Niño could bring prolonged dry weather, pressure on water and crops, heat risks and increased cyclone danger. It urges households and agencies to conserve water and protect crops and livestock. Community Support: The Government has renewed funding for NGOs through SUNGO, backing grassroots work with families and vulnerable communities. Manawanui Compensation: Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt has asked Safata residents affected by the ship’s sinking to be patient while checks continue before the promised $10 million compensation is released. Conservation: A year after rats and feral pigs were removed from Nu’utele Island, native seedlings are returning and residents are again able to grow giant taro.

Toa Samoa: Samoa’s World Cup clash with the PNG Kumuls is set for Saturday in Port Moresby, where a capacity crowd is expected. The government has arranged public screenings at Matafele and Matagialalua, while Samoan supporters in PNG welcomed the team with songs, dances and leis. Dry-weather warning: Samoa’s Meteorology Division urges households and agencies to conserve water and protect crops as strengthening El Niño conditions raise drought, heat and cyclone risks. Community support: The government has renewed funding for SUNGO to strengthen NGOs working with families, villages and vulnerable communities. Export leadership: Samoa Export Authority chief executive Pouli Dr Keneti Faulalo will step down on 31 December to focus on his health; the board says he helped establish the authority and its five-year plan. Rugby governance: World Rugby’s chief is heading to Apia to address Samoa’s rugby deadlock.

Export Leadership: Samoa Export Authority chief executive Pouli Dr Keneti Faulalo will leave on 31 December, resigning before his contract ends to focus on his health. The authority says he helped establish its structure and five-year plan. Toa Samoa: After opening the Rugby League World Cup with a 78–4 win over France, Toa Samoa face the PNG Kumuls in Port Moresby on Saturday. Samoan supporters in PNG welcomed the team with songs, dances and leis; co-captain Jarome Luai says the home crowd will make for a tough test. Rugby Governance: World Rugby chairman Brett Robinson is meeting Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt in Apia to seek a resolution to the dispute between Lakapi Samoa and the government-backed rival union. Manawanui Compensation: The Prime Minister has urged affected Safata residents to be patient as the government completes checks before releasing $10 million in compensation. Culture: A Gagana Sāmoa song, “Lalelei” by Aotearoa band LEAO, has won the APRA Silver Scroll, a first for a song written entirely in the Samoan language. Young Talent: Foaina Rachel Malae, 15, is the only locally based player in Samoa’s squad at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

Rugby Governance: World Rugby chairman Brett Robinson is in Apia to meet Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt, seeking to resolve Samoa’s split rugby administration. Toa Samoa: Jarome Luai and his team face the PNG Kumuls in a high-stakes World Cup clash in Port Moresby on Saturday, with a sold-out crowd expected. Safata Compensation: The Prime Minister has asked residents affected by the sunken HMNZS Manawanui to remain patient while checks continue before the government releases $10 million in compensation. Culture: A song written entirely in Gagana Sāmoa has made history: Aotearoa band LEAO won the APRA Silver Scroll for “LALELEI.” Young Talent: Foaina Rachel Malae, 15, is Samoa’s only locally based player at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco. Pacific Health: WHO warns climate change, staff shortages and limited funding are adding pressure to island health systems, while ADB’s new five-year Pacific strategy includes Samoa and prioritises resilience and stronger services.

Economic Update: Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa has ordered Treasury and the Central Bank to provide Parliament with current economic figures after a withdrawn report cited a T$200 million GDP decline; officials said it was removed over inconsistent estimates. Water Shortages: Toamua Uta families are waking at 4am or travelling elsewhere to bathe, while Eva residents rely on a spring. Rugby Governance: World Rugby chair Brett Robinson is expected in Apia for talks on the dispute over control of Samoa rugby, with Manu Sāmoa’s 2027 World Cup preparations a priority. Foreign Relations: The Prime Minister reaffirmed plans for an embassy in Jerusalem and discussed Israeli agricultural training opportunities. Pacific Development: ADB’s new five-year strategy includes Samoa, focusing on climate resilience, essential services and stronger project delivery. Sport: Toa Sāmoa’s 78–4 win over France sets up Saturday’s World Cup clash with Papua New Guinea. Samoa’s U19 women’s cricket team will face New Zealand next January at the 2027 World Cup. Culture: LEAO made history as the first act to win Aotearoa’s Silver Scroll with a song written entirely in Gagana Sāmoa.