AGP Executive Report

Reef Grants: Samoa Reef Resilience Hub has named the first 16 recipients for its inaugural community and stakeholder grants, backing 14 local groups plus the Samoa Voyaging Society and the National University of Samoa to protect and restore coral and coastal marine life using a ridge-to-reef approach. Education Milestone: Avele College marks 102 years since opening and 30 years since it began admitting female students, celebrating leaders who helped make the change and the growing number of girls in the school. Disability Rights at UN: Samoa’s Mataafa Faatino Utumapu has been elected to the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, winning 138 votes and becoming the first Samoan on the committee, with Pacific leaders hailing it as a major regional milestone. Community & Culture Through Sport: Pualele Va’a Cup 2026 at Pualele Outrigger Canoe Club’s Moata’a base brought paddlers, families and volunteers together, framing va’a as service, unity and ocean connection. Voting From Abroad: Samoa’s debate over eligible voters abroad and how remittances shape off-island involvement is back in focus ahead of next year’s General Election. Social Media Violence Concern: Community members warn that violent content online is becoming “normal,” influencing young people and eroding respect and dignity.

Disability Rights Milestone: Samoa’s Mataafa Faatino Utumapu has been elected to the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), with the Pacific Islands Forum calling it a major win for Blue Pacific leadership and disability-inclusive development. Culture & Learning: The Samoa Observer Tusitala Short Story Competition returned after a dengue pause, celebrating “Leaders - Ta’ita’i” with students from Upolu and Savai’i, while Itu-o-Tane College swept most prizes at the school level. Community Safety & Governance: A Vaimauga 3 election petition hearing heard claims that MP Lautimuia Uelese Vaai gave money to entice voters, as court testimony continues. Mental Health Access: A new Ahmadhina Health Centre opened in Samoa, described as the first in the Pacific focused on Positive and Transcultural Psychotherapy, aiming to support families and young people. Youth, Work & Pressure: A poverty advocate warns more students are working to help families, raising concerns about how long hours can affect learning. National Development Focus: Samoa launched its new five-year Pathway for the Development of Samoa (PDS2), centering community empowerment, resilient growth, and good governance. Sport & Identity: The Pualele Va’a Cup 2026 celebrated va’a as culture and community, bringing paddlers and families together ahead of Independence celebrations. Online Violence Concern: Community members are urging action as violent content on social media is seen as normalising harmful behaviour among young people.

Tusitala Short Story win: Itu-o-Tane College swept the Samoa Observer Short Story competition, taking most prizes across Samoan and English categories, with a special award for 15 years of consistent participation and over 100 students submitting entries. Disability rights milestone: The Pacific Islands Forum hailed Samoa’s Mataafa Faatino Utumapu’s election to the UN CRPD Committee, calling it a major step for disability inclusion and Pacific leadership. Election petition in Vaimauga 3: Witnesses in the Vaimauga 3 case told court that MP Lautimuia Uelese Vaai gave $500 to entice voters, while the defence framed it as traditional courtesy. Mental health care: A new Ahmadhina Health Centre opened as Samoa’s first psychotherapy clinic focused on Positive and Transcultural Psychotherapy, aiming to improve access for families and young people. Public service boost: 109 Government of Samoa officials graduated at USP Samoa, supported by Australia’s Tautai Governance for Economic Growth Program to strengthen service delivery. Culture & sport: Pualele Va’a Cup 2026 celebrated va’a as community, teamwork and intergenerational connection ahead of Samoa’s Independence spirit. Samoans abroad voting: Calls are renewed for eligible Samoans living overseas to vote in the next General Election, tied to remittances and family ties. Youth, violence online: Community members warn that violent content on social media is normalising harmful behaviour and eroding respect and dignity. Climate and tuna: Pacific nations are rolling out an advanced warning system to help governments respond to climate-driven shifts in tuna beyond national waters.

Samoa’s Voting Rights Abroad: Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi renewed calls for Samoans living overseas to be able to vote in next year’s General Election, pointing to the role of remittances in supporting families and communities. Social Media Violence: Community voices in Samoa are warning that violent content online is becoming “normal,” shaping young people’s behaviour and eroding respect and dignity. Disability Rights Milestone: Mataafa Faatino Utumapu was elected to the UN CRPD Committee, making him the first Samoan to win a seat on the international body. National Development Push: Government launched the Pathway for the Development of Samoa (FY2026/27–FY2030/31), with a five-year plan focused on community empowerment, resilient growth, good governance, and Fa’a Samoa. Mental Health Care: A new Ahmadhina Health Centre opened, described as the first Pacific clinic focused on Positive and Transcultural Psychotherapy, aiming to better support families and young people. Sports & Culture: The Pualele Va’a Cup 2026 celebrated va’a as more than racing—highlighting community, teamwork, and intergenerational participation. Independence Celebrations Abroad: Samoa’s Independence Day and Samoan Language Week were marked in Invercargill with marches, flag-raising, workshops, and cultural events.

Independence & Language Week in the diaspora: In Invercargill, around 100 Samoans and friends marked Samoa’s Independence Day with a march, flag-raising at the civic building, car parade, sports and church service—plus Samoan Language Week workshops for young people. Court & politics: In Vaimauga 3’s election petition, witnesses told court MP Lautimuia Uelese Vaai allegedly gave $500 to entice voters, with defence arguing it was traditional faaaloalo. National development: Samoa officially launched its new five-year Pathway for the Development of Samoa (FY2026/27–FY2030/31), calling for community empowerment, resilient growth, good governance and partnerships, with a public roadshow planned across Upolu and Savai‘i. Mental health milestone: A new Ahmadhina Health Centre opened as Samoa’s first known positive and transcultural psychotherapy clinic, aiming to support families and young people with culturally grounded care. Fuel situation: Samoa’s Ministry of Finance says there is no fuel shortage and reserves remain comfortable, after an “amber alert” sparked public worry. Disability rights: Mataafa Faatino Utumapu was elected to the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, a first for Samoa. Culture & wellbeing: Two Sāmoan women are using music and tautua—through teaching, mentoring and songwriting—to strengthen Pacific identity and community connection.

Nuclear & Decolonisation: Pacific leaders and advocates say decolonisation is still unfinished decades after nuclear testing, pointing to ongoing contamination, self-determination disputes, and who benefits from natural resources. Sports & Community Ties: England captain Ben Stokes faces an ECB probe after a nightclub incident tied to Saracens player Totoa Auvaa, a former Samoa A and Samoa Under-20 captain—raising fresh questions about curfew and team conduct. Local Justice & Courts: Two of three people linked to a Vietnam shooting involving two Samoan men were remanded for two more weeks as court proceedings continue over alleged misleading of police and corruption charges. Disability Rights: Samoa marks a milestone as Mataafa Faatino Utumapu is elected to the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the first Samoan to reach the CRPD committee. National Planning: Samoa launches its new five-year Pathway for the Development of Samoa (FY2026/27–FY2030/31), calling for shared delivery across government, communities, and the private sector. Mental Health Access: A new Ahmadhina Health Centre opens in Samoa, offering Positive and Transcultural Psychotherapy—described as a first in the Pacific. Fuel Update: Samoa’s Ministry of Finance says there is no fuel shortage and reserves remain comfortable, after public uncertainty and an amber alert announcement. Culture & Language: Samoa Language Week celebrations continue to inspire community events, including music and bilingual children’s videos promoting gagana Samoa.

Moana Pasifika Rescue Talks: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters says there’s still a pathway to save the Super Rugby franchise, with new potential backers showing interest and no direct government bailout—after liquidation fears followed the club’s April decision to fold. Public Safety & Youth: Samoa’s PM Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt warns international drug rings are targeting young people with big pay, after two Samoans were arrested in Vietnam linked to an assassination. Mental Health Access: A new Ahmadhina Health Centre opens in Samoa as the first known Positive and Transcultural Psychotherapy clinic in the Pacific, aiming to support families and young people with culturally grounded care. Disability Rights Milestone: Mataafa Faatino Utumapu is elected to the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, a first for a Samoan. Fuel Update: Samoa’s Ministry of Finance says there is no fuel shortage and reserves remain comfortable, even as officials discuss precautionary alert levels. Culture & Language: Samoa Language Week momentum continues with community music and children’s bilingual video launches celebrating gagana Samoa. Sports Spotlight: England captain Ben Stokes faces investigations after a nightclub incident involving Saracens player Totoa Auvaa, a former Samoa A and Under-20 captain. Samoa Development Plan: Government launches the five-year Pathway for the Development of Samoa (PDS2), focusing on community empowerment, resilient growth, and good governance.

National Development: Samoa officially launched its new five-year Pathway for the Development of Samoa (FY2026/27–FY2030/31), calling for a whole-of-society push to deliver “Highly resilient, safe and prosperous” outcomes grounded in Fa’a Samoa. Public Service & Skills: 109 government officials graduated at USP Samoa, supported by Australia’s Tautai Governance for Economic Growth Program to strengthen public service delivery. Mental Health Access: A new Ahmadhina Health Centre opened as Samoa’s first known psychotherapy clinic in the Pacific focused on Positive and Transcultural Psychotherapy, aiming to better serve families and young people. Fuel Worries: Samoa’s Ministry of Finance says there is no fuel shortage and reserves remain comfortable, after earlier public uncertainty and precautionary alert moves. Culture & Language: Samoa Language Week celebrations continued across communities, including music videos for children and library events in Auckland supporting gagana Samoa. Community Safety: Police report 20 drug raids in the first five months, with 55 people charged. Sports & Identity: Moana Pasifika’s future could be decided within weeks as Samoa and Tonga-led discussions seek a new path for the Super Rugby franchise.

Court Update: Two of three men linked to alleged bribery and corruption connected to a Vietnam shooting were remanded for two more weeks in Samoa District Court, with prosecutors seeking more time as the case remains part of an active investigation. National Planning: Samoa officially launched its new five-year Pathway for the Development of Samoa (FY2026/27–FY2030/31), calling for whole-of-society effort and centring community empowerment, resilient growth, and good governance. Fuel & Daily Life: Samoa’s Ministry of Finance says there is no fuel shortage and reserves remain comfortable, even as authorities keep a precautionary amber alert in place. Health & Culture: Samoa’s first psychotherapy clinic opened, bringing Positive and Transcultural Psychotherapy that integrates culture and family context into care. Language & Community: Samoa Language Week celebrations continued with music, children’s bilingual videos, and community events highlighting gagana Samoa and village blessings. Rugby Futures: Moana Pasifika’s survival talks are expected to reach a decision within weeks, with new potential backers and a Samoa-and-Tonga-led rescue plan in motion. Development & Poverty: A poverty advocate warns more school students are working to cover family bills, raising concerns about learning impacts.

National Development: Samoa’s PM launched the Pathway for the Development of Samoa (PDS) FY2026/27–FY2030/31 at TATTE, calling for a whole-of-society push to deliver “highly resilient, safe and prosperous” outcomes grounded in Fa’a Samoa and faith. Public Service Growth: 109 government officials graduated at USP Samoa, backed by Australia’s Tautai Governance for Economic Growth Program to strengthen public sector performance. Mental Health Access: Samoa’s first psychotherapy clinic, Ahmadhina Health Centre, opened with Positive and Transcultural Psychotherapy, aiming to serve families and young people with culturally grounded care. Fuel Calm, Preparedness Still On: Finance says there’s no fuel shortage and reserves remain comfortable, even as the Disaster Advisory Committee had earlier placed Samoa on precautionary amber alert. Culture & Language: Samoa Language Week wrapped with community celebrations, from Auckland library events to new bilingual children’s music videos, keeping gagana Samoa front and centre. Youth & Work Pressure: A poverty advocate highlights how more students are working to cover family bills, raising concerns about impacts on learning. Sports & Identity: Moana Pasifika’s future is expected to be clearer within weeks as Samoa and Tonga-led rescue talks continue after liquidation.

National Development: Samoa’s new five-year development plan (FY2026/27–FY2030/31) was launched at TATTE in Sogi, with a public roadshow planned across Upolu and Savai‘i, aiming for a “Highly Resilient, Inclusive, Safe and Prosperous Samoa” grounded in Fa’a-Samoa and faith. Mental Health & Culture: A new Ahmadhina Health Centre has opened as Samoa’s first Positive and Transcultural Psychotherapy clinic, designed to treat mental health with cultural and family context in mind. Fuel & Preparedness: Samoa has been told there’s no fuel shortage and reserves remain comfortable, but officials also moved to a precautionary amber alert framework for possible global supply disruption. Education & Poverty: A poverty advocate says more school students are working to help cover family bills, raising concerns about how long hours can affect learning. Public Service Upskilling: 109 public servants graduated at USP Samoa, supported by Australia’s Tautai Governance for Economic Growth Program to strengthen service delivery. Samoa Language Week (Culture): Celebrations continued with community events and new bilingual children’s music videos, keeping gagana Samoa front and centre. Climate Funding Push: Samoa is pressing for easier climate funding as the 2030 deadline nears, arguing for faster, fairer support for vulnerable islands. Community Spotlight (Music): Two Sāmoan women are using music as tautua—service—mentoring the next generation of Pacific artists.

Mental Health Access: Samoa’s first psychotherapy clinic, Ahmadhina Health Centre, has opened with Positive and Transcultural Psychotherapy, aiming to support families and young people amid ongoing suicide and limited care access. Public Service Growth: 109 Government of Samoa officials graduated at USP Samoa Campus, backed by Australia’s Tautai Governance for Economic Growth Program to strengthen public service delivery. Samoa Language Week (Culture): Celebrations wrapped up with community events and new bilingual children’s music videos, while Auckland’s Manurewa Library hosted Sāmoan Language Week end-of-week festivities highlighting language, identity, and culture. Fuel Confidence: Samoa’s Ministry of Finance says there is no fuel shortage and reserves remain comfortable, after public uncertainty and an amber-alert precaution linked to global oil disruption. Youth, Work & Cost of Living: A poverty advocate warns that more students are working long hours to help families, raising concerns about impacts on learning. Regional Spotlight (Rugby): Moana Pasifika’s future could be decided within weeks as New Zealand officials move to explore options to keep the franchise alive. Drug Safety Concerns: Police report 20 drug raids so far this year, with 55 people charged and methamphetamine among seized items.

Samoan Language Week: Oamaru Pacific Island Trust (OPIT) wrapped up Samoa Language Week with a community night mixing legends, history, screen-printing Samoan patterns, coconut “valu le popo,” and traditional food like pani popo, koko Samoa, sapasui and fa’alifu taro—showing how language, faith and village blessings connect families. Community & Culture in Auckland: Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson joined Manurewa Library celebrations to highlight how public libraries help others understand Sāmoan language and heritage, with cultural attire and a theme message: “From the high mountains are the blessings of the village.” Fuel Calm, Not Crisis: Samoa’s Ministry of Finance says there is NO fuel shortage and reserves remain comfortable (50 days diesel, 56 petrol, 82 kerosene/jet), after an “amber alert” sparked public worry. Health & Learning: A “Sāmoan Scientist” podcast is launching to bring diabetes research into Pacific homes through everyday, culture-linked conversations. Sports & Identity: Moana Pasifika’s future is still in play as New Zealand officials move to explore options after liquidation—aiming to protect the Samoa and Tonga rugby pathway vision.

Samoan Language Week: OPIT’s cultural programme brought legends, proverbs, screen-printing, coconut “valu le popo,” and traditional food like pani popo and sapasui to families during Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa. Community Culture in Auckland: Manurewa Library wrapped up the week with a Samoan identity celebration, with Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson stressing that sharing language helps others understand Samoa’s culture. Airport Music Moment: Air NZ crew member and Samoan singer Puni performed for passengers at Auckland Airport, using gagana Samoa to connect with elderly travellers and planning a new single soon. Health in Pacific Homes: “Sāmoan Scientist” Amy Maslen-Miller launched a diabetes-focused podcast to translate research into everyday conversations for Pacific families. Fuel Calm, Plans Ready: Samoa’s Ministry of Finance says there is NO fuel shortage and reserves remain comfortable, while the Disaster Advisory Committee keeps a precautionary amber alert and outlines escalation levels. Moana Pasifika Future Watch: Discussions on saving the Super Rugby franchise are expected within weeks, with Samoa and Tonga-linked options on the table. Education & Belonging: University of Auckland highlights Samoan women leading Pacific student success through bridging pathways like Unibound.

Independence & Diplomacy: Australia’s Governor-General Sam Mostyn thanked Samoa for its “family” hospitality during Independence Day, the opening of the new Legislative Assembly building, and meetings with community groups tackling local needs. Fuel Reality Check: Samoa’s Ministry of Finance says there is NO fuel shortage and supplies remain comfortable, with reserves covering weeks and more tankers scheduled—after earlier public uncertainty and an amber-alert precaution. Culture & Health in Plain Talk: The “Sāmoan Scientist” launches a new podcast to bring diabetes research into Pacific homes, linking traditional food, culture and everyday health choices. Language Week Momentum: New bilingual Samoan children’s music videos were released during Samoa Language Week, building on past hits and pushing gagana Samoa for young learners. Moana Pasifika Lifeline: With Moana Pasifika in liquidation and debts reported at over $8m, New Zealand has stepped in—officials are told to urgently talk with NZ Rugby and stakeholders as a Samoa-and-Tonga-led plan develops. Education Milestone: USP Samoa Campus graduated 224 students, with leaders stressing learning, service and Pacific kinship. Sports Spotlight: Samoa’s presence in regional rugby culture continues as Moana Pasifika’s future and Super Rugby’s wider pressures stay front and centre.

Independence & Governance: Samoa marked its 60th Independence anniversary on 1 June, with flag-raising and year-long celebrations, while Parliament returned to debate the Special Parliamentary Inquiry Committee’s findings on Land and Titles Court laws. Health & Culture: A “Sāmoan Scientist” launches a podcast to bring diabetes research into Pacific homes, using a Pacific lens to make everyday health choices easier. Fuel & Preparedness: Samoa is on an amber precautionary alert over the global fuel situation, with a National Fuel Supply Emergency Response Plan approved and contingency steps outlined. Rugby Pathways: Moana Pasifika’s future is in limbo after liquidation and debts reported at over $8 million, as New Zealand moves to start talks with NZ Rugby and stakeholders—Samoa and Tonga are central to the discussion. Language & Youth: Samoa Language Week continues to inspire new bilingual children’s music videos, while Samoa’s education sector looks ahead to national exam results and ongoing literacy and numeracy efforts. Regional Diplomacy: New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters met Samoa, Tonga and Tokelau leaders, linking Polynesian priorities, climate pressures, and fuel-cost impacts. Community Recognition: Marriott appoints John Douglas to lead its Pacific Islands portfolio, with strategic oversight across Fiji, Samoa and beyond.