AGP Executive Report

Honours & Service: Samoa marked its 64th Independence Anniversary with 33 awards and medals, recognising sporting figures, civil servants, activists and culture/environment champions, while the Head of State urged a “new beginning” grounded in faith and sacrifice. Polynesian Priorities: Regional leaders met in Samoa with New Zealand’s Winston Peters to push shared Polynesian goals on climate resilience, security, migration, and language/culture ties. Youth & Safety: PM Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt warned that Samoa’s youth are being “used” by international drug rings after alleged Samoan hitmen were charged in Vietnam. Governance & Rights: A Samoa youth survey found frustration with how development benefits are shared and concerns that culture and tradition can block human rights protections. Language & Identity: Samoan Language Week kicked off across Aotearoa with church services, and a new “Sāmoan Made Simple” book aims to help people learn gagana Samoa in everyday life. Education Milestone: USP Samoa Campus graduated 224 students (161 women), celebrating “transformation” and Pacific unity. Fashion Spotlight: MENA founder Talaleomalie Filomena Loheni was appointed MNZM for shaping Pacific fashion from Samoa to global runways. Regional Sport: New Zealand moved to help save Moana Pasifika as Moana’s Super Rugby future faces financial uncertainty. Culture & Pride: A Pride soap label and LGBTQ+ rights support campaign highlighted solidarity and protection of queer culture.

Rugby & Pacific identity: New Zealand has stepped in to try to save Super Rugby’s Moana Pasifika, directing officials to begin urgent talks with NZ Rugby and other stakeholders after the franchise’s owners said they can’t keep funding it. Youth & safety: Samoa PM Laaulialemalietoa Schmidt says young people are being “used” by international drug rings after two alleged Samoan hitmen were charged over a Vietnam killing tied to the “Coconut Cartel,” warning families and villages have been harmed. Independence celebrations: Samoa’s 64th Independence anniversary is marked with speeches, parades, and a strong police deployment for the festivities, while Tonga’s PM Lord Fakafanua arrives as a key guest. Language & culture: Le Vaiaso O le Gagana Samoa (Samoan Language Week) begins across Aotearoa, with renewed focus on keeping Gagana Samoa strong for younger generations. Education & community: USP Samoa Campus graduation sees 224 students (161 women) graduate under a theme of transformation and “convergence,” echoing Pacific unity. Business & resilience: A new Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund launched in Suva aims to help Pacific small businesses access finance, including in Samoa, for blue/green growth and climate resilience. Sports spotlight: Samoa’s Olympic sailor Vaimo’oi’a Astrid Ripley heads to the Oceania Championships in Tahiti, building momentum toward the next cycle.

Rugby & Pacific identity: New Zealand has stepped in to try to save Moana Pasifika after the franchise’s owners said funding would end, with Foreign Minister Winston Peters directing officials to urgently talk with NZ Rugby and other stakeholders about a financially sustainable future. Youth & safety: Samoa’s Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Schmidt says young people are being “used” by international drug rings, following charges tied to alleged Samoan hitmen in Vietnam and the wider “Coconut Cartel” case that has shaken families and Samoa’s reputation. Independence celebrations: Samoa’s 64th Independence anniversary is marked with regional guests, a strong police presence for events, and a lively Independence Games opening that blends traditional sports and popular codes. Education & community: USP Samoa Campus graduation saw 224 students (161 women) graduate under the theme O le Taualuga, with leaders stressing learning, service, and Pacific unity. Language & culture: Samoan Language Week kicks off across Aotearoa, with organisers pushing beyond celebration toward everyday use and protection of Gagana Samoa. Regional development: A new Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund launched in Suva aims to help Pacific small businesses access finance, especially in blue/green economy and climate resilience, including Samoa.

Independence & governance: Samoa’s Head of State marked the 64th Independence anniversary with a call to step into a “new beginning” with confidence, hope and unity, while the National Assembly resumed as MPs returned to oversight after a recess of regional and international engagements. Sports diplomacy: New Zealand moved to save Super Rugby’s Moana Pasifika, with Winston Peters confirming talks with NZ Rugby after the club’s owners said funding would end—an issue also raised with Samoa and Tonga leaders during Independence commemorations. Youth & public safety: Samoa’s PM said youth are being “used” by international drug rings after two alleged Samoan hitmen confessed in Vietnam, as Samoa police detained a man linked to the case and authorities froze accounts tied to the investigation. Language & identity: Samoan Language Week kicked off across Aotearoa, with church services and a focus on keeping Gagana Sāmoa strong—plus a new “Sāmoan Made Simple” resource and daily phrase ideas for learners. Education & community: USP Samoa graduation saw 224 students (161 women) graduate under the theme “O le Taualuga,” celebrating transformation and Pacific unity. Culture & environment: A new regional fund aims to help Pacific small businesses access finance for blue/green growth, while Samoan and Pacific advocates protested Coca-Cola’s plastic use, urging a return to reusable packaging.

Polynesian diplomacy & fuel costs: NZ Foreign Minister Winston Peters met Samoa, Tonga and Tokelau leaders in Apia, stressing support for the region amid Middle East-driven fuel and cost pressures, and discussing Moana Pasifika’s future. Youth, drugs & Vietnam case: Samoa PM Laaulialemalietoa Schmidt says youth are being “used” by international drug rings after Samoans were charged over a Vietnam killing tied to the “Coconut Cartel.” Language & identity: Samoan Language Week kicked off across Aotearoa with church services, while in Samoa and beyond, resources like “Sāmoan Made Simple” and daily phrase guides aim to keep gagana Samoa strong for younger generations. USP graduation momentum: 224 students (161 women) graduated at USP Samoa under the theme O le Taualuga, with leaders urging education to serve families and the Blue Pacific. Independence celebrations in full swing: Sports parades and the Independence Games launch brought traditional and modern sports together, with police planning a heavy presence for the festivities. Honours spotlight: Beatrice Faumuinā and other Pacific leaders were recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours for sport, governance and public service. Climate mobility & statelessness: A Pacific-focused discussion highlights how climate-linked movement can raise risks of loss of nationality, urging faster action to protect people. Plant knowledge for resilience: A Tiapapata Art Centre workshop will explore traditional plant knowledge, linking youth and knowledge holders to climate resilience. Sports on the move: Samoa’s Olympic sailor Vaimo’oi’a Ripley heads to the Oceania Championships in Tahiti, building momentum toward the next cycle. Regional business support: A new EU-backed Pacific fund launched in Suva will help small businesses in Samoa and other islands access finance, especially in blue/green and climate resilience sectors. Culture meets protest: Environmental advocates and Samoan performers protested Coca-Cola’s plastic use, calling for reusable packaging across the Pacific.

Independence Celebrations: Samoa’s 64th Independence Anniversary kicked off with a big Sports Parade and the launch of the Independence Games, featuring 19 local and overseas sports bodies and tributes to legendary athletes. Education & Youth: USP Samoa Campus graduation saw 224 students graduate, including 161 women, under the theme O le Taualuga, with King Tupou VI taking part in the ceremony. Language & Identity: Samoa Language Week in Aotearoa spotlights how gagana Sāmoa is lived and protected daily, while Jason Tiatia’s Sāmoan Made Simple book offers easy starter phrases for learners. Culture & Community: A new Pacific-focused carpet design by Samoan artist Ana Teofilo is set to be showcased at Tūhura Otago Museum, drawing on everyday motifs and Pacific treasures. Regional Diplomacy: Tonga’s PM Lord Fatafehi Fakafanua arrived for Samoa’s Independence milestone, underscoring close ties. Sports Pathways: Vaimo’oi’a Astrid Ripley heads to the Oceania Championships in Tahiti, and Netball’s Ocean of Power Tour brings an Australian pathway squad to Samoa in July. Public Safety: Samoa police are investigating a transnational murder-for-hire case linked to alleged Samoan hitmen in Vietnam, with bank accounts frozen as inquiries widen.

Independence Celebrations: Tonga’s PM Lord Fatafehi Fakafanua arrived in Samoa as a key dignitary for the 64th Independence Anniversary, welcomed with a guard of honour and underscoring strong Polynesian ties. USP Graduation & Royal Visit: King Tupou VI of Tonga is in Samoa for the USP Samoa Campus graduation, with the Head of State hosting a luncheon and the ceremony framed around transformation and Pacific unity. Sports & Community Spirit: A lively Independence Sports Parade kicked off the 2026 Independence Games, blending traditional events like fautasi and kirikiti with popular codes, while police say 400 officers will be deployed for the festivities. Culture & Language: A new book, Sāmoan Made Simple, aims to make learning Gagana Samoa easier for everyday readers, and a bilingual children’s picture book introduces ‘ava ceremony traditions ahead of Samoan Language Week. Business & Environment: A new Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund targets finance access for Pacific SMEs, while Pacific community groups urged Coca-Cola’s largest bottler to cut single-use plastic and return reusable packaging. Public Safety Watch: Samoa police are investigating a transnational murder-for-hire case linked to arrests in Vietnam, including detentions and bank freezes tied to the “Coconut Cartel” allegations.

Independence Celebrations: Tonga’s PM Lord Fatafehi Fakafanua arrived in Apia as a key dignitary for Samoa’s 64th Independence Anniversary, welcomed with a guard of honour and underscoring deep Polynesian ties. Education & Community: A Fijian husband-and-wife duo graduated together at USP Samoa, sharing how online learning, sacrifice, and even selling food helped them finish their education across Fiji, Nauru and Tokelau. Business & Resilience: A new Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund was launched to help Pacific micro, small and medium businesses access finance and grow in the blue/green economy and climate resilience. Language & Learning: “Sāmoan Made Simple” is out, a new easy guide by language advocate Jason Tiatia aimed at getting more people speaking Gagana Samoa. Sports & Culture: Independence Games kicked off with a lively sports parade featuring traditional and modern events, while Vaimo’oi’a Astrid Ripley heads to the Oceania sailing championships in Tahiti. Culture & Environment: A plant knowledge workshop is planned at Tiapapata Art Centre in June, exploring traditional ecological knowledge through intergenerational learning. Diplomacy: Samoa’s Head of State hosted King Tupou VI of Tonga for a luncheon tied to USP graduation celebrations. Public Safety: Samoa Police say 400 officers will be deployed for Independence events to keep crowds safe and respond quickly if needed. International Crime Watch: Samoa police detained a man linked to alleged transnational murder-for-hire investigations tied to the “Coconut Cartel” case in Vietnam, with bank freezes and ongoing questioning.

Independence Celebrations: A big sports parade kicked off Samoa’s 64th Independence Games, with 19 local and overseas sports bodies—from fautasi and kirikiti to basketball and rugby—leading into the opening ceremony and the Marist Sevens on 5–6 June. Education & Culture: USP Samoa Campus graduation drew hundreds under the theme O le Taualuga, with King Tupou VI conferring awards and leaders urging graduates to carry Pacific unity forward. Sport Pathways: Samoa’s Olympic sailor Vaimo’oi’a Astrid Ripley heads to the 2026 Oceania Championships in Tahiti (ILCA 6), a key step toward the 2027 Pacific Games. Diplomacy: The UK’s new High Commissioner, Andrew Nethercott, presented credentials to Samoa’s Head of State, reaffirming Commonwealth ties and people-to-people links. Community & Environment: A plant knowledge workshop on moringa and traditional ecological knowledge is set for Tiapapata Art Centre (8–14 June), bringing youth, educators and conservation partners together. Public Safety: Samoa police are investigating a transnational murder case after Samoan nationals allegedly linked to the “Coconut Cartel” killing in Vietnam; Fiji confirmed the suspects transited via Nadi and Samoa moved to freeze accounts. Arts & Identity: A new bilingual children’s book, Sauniga o le ‘Ava Samoa, launches ahead of Samoan Language Week, spotlighting the ‘ava ceremony for young readers.

USP Samoa Graduation: Hundreds of graduates marked “O le Taualuga” at Samoa Football Apia Park, with King Tupou VI conferring awards and leaders stressing learning, service, responsibility and hope. Independence Celebrations: A parade of 19 sports bodies kicked off Samoa’s 64th Independence Games, featuring traditional and global sports, plus a flag-raising and athlete oaths. Diplomacy: The UK’s new High Commissioner, Andrew Nethercott, presented credentials to Samoa’s Head of State, reaffirming Commonwealth ties and cooperation. Culture & Arts: A Samoan artist’s new Pacific-inspired carpet is unveiled at New Zealand’s Tūhura Otago Museum, spotlighting living heritage and connection across islands. Public Safety: Police say 400 officers will be deployed for Independence events, aiming to keep crowds safe and respond quickly. Transnational Crime: Samoa police are investigating alleged hitmen linked to a Vietnam confession tied to Sydney’s “Coconut Cartel,” with bank accounts frozen and regional coordination underway. Sports Pathways: Netball’s Ocean of Power Tour brings an Australian pathway squad to Samoa in July, with cultural immersion alongside matches. Women’s Leadership: Samoa’s MFA&T CEO highlights women’s growing roles in public and private sectors and calls for space to contribute freely.

Plastic & Culture Activism: Samoan and Pacific Islander community leaders joined environmental advocates outside Coca-Cola Europacific Partners’ AGM in London, calling for less single-use plastic and a return to reusable packaging, with Samoan and ‘ori performances and a “message in a bottle” letter signed by local conservation and recycling groups. Transnational Crime Probe: Samoa Police have opened an investigation into a “first of its kind” alleged transnational murder-for-hire case after two Samoan nationals were detained in Vietnam over the shooting death of a Sydney man. Super Rugby Leadership: Wallace Sititi has been named captain of the Gallagher Chiefs for the clash with the Auckland Blues, with the 22-year-old drawing on family leadership and fa’aSamoa values. Aviation & Community Safety: A man, woman and young girl were removed from an Air New Zealand flight at Faleolo before departure for Auckland, with police seeking public help to locate Conner Strickert. Education & Regional Governance: The USP Council’s 101st meeting in Tonga adopted audited finances and reviewed the 2026 outlook, with the next Council meeting set for Apia, Samoa later this year. Culture for Kids: A new bilingual children’s picture book, “Sauniga o le ‘Ava Samoa,” launches ahead of Samoan Language Week, teaching young readers about the ‘ava ceremony and fa’asamoa. Sporting Pathways: Netball Australia’s pathway squad will tour Samoa in July, playing matches and joining cultural activities including an ‘Ava ceremony and community clinics. Pacific Security Debate: RNZ Pacific reports New Zealand is pushing for closer Pacific defence force integration amid concerns about militarisation and the region’s “Ocean of Peace.”

Sports Spotlight: Wallace Sititi has been named captain of the Gallagher Chiefs for their big clash against the Auckland Blues, with the 22-year-old saying the role is a “massive blessing” and vowing to carry his culture into the match. Aviation & Community Safety: Samoa Police say they stopped three people from boarding an Auckland-bound Air New Zealand flight at Faleolo, while also seeking public help to locate Conner Strickert wanted for questioning. Regional Education & Governance: The USP Council’s 101st meeting in Tonga reaffirmed commitment to Pacific leadership and institutional renewal, adopting audited 2025 finances and reviewing the 2026 outlook, with the next Council meeting due in Apia later this year. Culture & Language: A new bilingual children’s book, Sauniga o le ‘Ava Samoa, launches ahead of Samoan Language Week, teaching young readers about the ‘ava ceremony and fa’asamoa. Women & Development: Samoa’s MFA&T CEO Peseta Noumea Simi highlighted women’s growing contributions across public and private sectors and urged people to be recognised for their ability. Heritage in Action: Samoa marked International Museum Day with a focus on living heritage, community practice, and gifts of contemporary heritage objects to the Museum of Samoa. Sport Pathways: Netball Australia’s Ocean of Power Tour brings a pathway squad to Samoa in July for matches, clinics, and cultural immersion.

Sports Pathways: Netball Australia’s Ocean of Power Tour is set to bring a national pathway squad to Samoa for three matches (17–20 July) at Tuanaimato, with an Ava Ceremony, school and community clinics, and games against Samoa’s Invitational Team. Basketball & Identity: Auckland Samoa’s team heads into the Independence Basketball Tournament (1–4 June), reconnecting young Pacific players with heritage—many visiting Samoa for the first time. Culture Through Art: Te Reanga Toi Hou, a Māori-led exhibition at the NZ Art Show in Wellington, spotlights emerging artists linked to Massey’s Toi Rauwhārangi College and puts indigenous knowledge at the centre. Language & Childhood Reading: A new bilingual children’s picture book, Sauniga o le ‘Ava Samoa, launches ahead of Samoan Language Week (31 May–6 June), teaching ‘ava ceremony traditions to young readers. Community Heritage: Samoa marks International Museum Day with a focus on living heritage, community safeguarding, and gifts of contemporary heritage objects to the Museum of Samoa. Women’s Leadership: Samoa’s MFA&T CEO Peseta Noumea Simi highlights women’s growing roles in public and private sectors and calls for recognition and space to contribute. Rugby (Local Connection): Dragons confirm Samoa scrum-half Ere Enari’s signing, adding Super Rugby experience ahead of the 2026/27 season. Regional Security Debate: RNZ reports New Zealand pushing Pacific defence integration as concerns grow about militarisation and the region’s “Ocean of Peace.”

PACER Plus Diplomacy: Cook Islands officials have just wrapped key PACER Plus Budget and Joint Committee talks in Tonga, shaping next steps on trade facilitation, customs, standards, biosecurity, and private-sector projects. Immigration Politics: In New Zealand, ACT has backtracked after David Seymour floated a near-$1,300-a-year daily charge idea for seasonal RSE workers—now saying it won’t apply to them. Sport Spotlight: Australia’s government is putting $12m into preparations for the 2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup, with Samoa set to face Australia in the opening match. Regional Security Debate: New Zealand is pushing Pacific buy-in for closer defence integration as concerns grow about militarisation and the region’s “Ocean of Peace.” Culture & Learning: A new bilingual children’s ‘ava ceremony book launches ahead of Samoan Language Week, adding more Samoan stories to Auckland libraries.

RSE Cost Confusion: ACT has backtracked after David Seymour floated a nearly $1,300-a-year “infrastructure surcharge” for seasonal RSE workers, then clarified it won’t apply to the RSE scheme—after RNZ Pacific reported the earlier “would have thought” comment. Culture & Language: A new bilingual children’s book, Sauniga o le ‘Ava Samoa, launches ahead of Samoan Language Week (31 May–6 June), spotlighting the ‘ava ceremony for young readers. Travel Shockwaves: Uluru tourism operators say they’ll “find a solution” after Virgin Australia cuts key routes, including the Brisbane–Apia (Samoa) service. Sport, Samoa on the Move: Dragons confirm Samoa scrum-half Ere Enari is joining from the Hurricanes this summer. Pacific Security Debate: New Zealand pushes closer Pacific defence integration as concerns grow about militarisation and the region’s “Ocean of Peace.” Heritage in Action: Samoa marks International Museum Day with living-heritage projects and a gift of contemporary heritage objects to the Museum of Samoa.

Comedy & Culture: Joe Daymond’s 2026 Comedy Mixtape is still buzzing after a packed Auckland Q Theatre run—fast, loud, and stacked with Pacific talent, with crowd banter turning breaks into part of the show. Language & Heritage: A new bilingual children’s book, Sauniga o le ‘Ava Samoa, launches ahead of Samoan Language Week (31 May–6 June), spotlighting the ‘ava ceremony for young readers. Travel Shockwaves: Virgin Australia’s cuts hit the region too, with its Brisbane–Apia Samoa route suspended indefinitely from 24 August. Sport (Samoa on the move): Dragons confirm Samoa scrum-half Ere Enari joining this summer after Hurricanes form. Regional Security Debate: New Zealand pushes Pacific defence integration as militarisation concerns grow—while Pacific nations weigh bigger partnerships. Community Spotlight: Samoa marks International Museum Day with living-heritage work and gifts to the Museum of Samoa. Climate Watch: Heat stress in Samoan classrooms is rising, with researchers warning of impacts on learning and wellbeing.