AGP Executive Report

Emergency Services: A patient transfer from Savai‘i to Apia was delayed for hours after the expected Samoa Airways flight failed to arrive; Prime Minister Laʻaulialemalietoa intervened to secure the medevac. Electoral Court: Safata 2 MP Tuia Paepae Pua Letoa was cleared of bribery allegations over compensation payments made before a by-election; the petitioner was ordered to pay $2,000. World Cup: The Government has pledged $4 million to support Toa Samoa and Fetu Samoa, as both prepare for the Rugby League World Cup. Public Accountability: The Prime Minister apologised after a 2007 video surfaced showing him making a Nazi salute and saying “Heil Hitler.” Economy: Samoa’s economy contracted 8.1% as investment plunged, while August’s merchandise trade deficit reached $132.4 million. Connectivity: A new project on Savai‘i has connected four primary schools and three government services to the internet. Climate: Samoan advocate Brianna Fruean urged Pacific leaders to turn climate promises into action on finance, emissions and protecting the 1.5°C limit.

Emergency Services: A patient transfer from Savaiʻi to Motoʻotua was delayed for hours after the expected Samoa Airways flight failed to arrive; Prime Minister Laʻauli intervened, and the Airport Authority confirmed the patient was eventually flown to Upolu. Election Court: Safata 2 MP Tuia Paepae Pua Letoa was cleared of bribery allegations linked to compensation payments for the sunken HMNZS Manawanui, with the petitioner ordered to pay $2,000. Economy: Samoa recorded a $132.4 million merchandise trade deficit in August as imports far outpaced exports and re-exports. World Cup: The Government has pledged $4 million for Toa and Fetu Samoa’s campaigns, as both teams prepare to represent the country at the Rugby League World Cup. National News: Samoa won Miss Global’s Best Host Country award, recognising the welcome and cultural hospitality shown during the titleholder’s visit. Prime Minister Laʻauli also apologised for a resurfaced 2007 video showing him making a Nazi salute and saying “Heil Hitler.” Savaiʻi Connectivity: A new project has connected four primary schools and government services in Savaiʻi to the internet, benefiting more than 1,000 students and 30 teachers.

Emergency Services: A Savai‘i patient waited hours for an air transfer to Motootua after the expected Samoa Airways flight did not arrive. The patient was eventually flown to Upolu after Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa intervened; he has called for an investigation. Election Court: Judges dismissed bribery allegations against Safata 2 MP Tuia Paepae Pua Letoa over compensation payments linked to the Manawanui sinking, ordering the petitioner to pay $2,000. Economy: Samoa recorded a $132.4 million merchandise trade deficit in August, with imports far exceeding exports and re-exports. National Recognition: Samoa won Miss Global’s Best Host Country award after titleholder Nguyen Dinh Nhu Van visited the country. World Cup: Government has provided $4 million tala to support Toa Samoa and Fetu Samoa, who head into the Rugby League World Cup with the country’s backing. Connectivity: A new project brings internet access to four Savai‘i schools and government services in Tuasivi, benefiting more than 1,000 students and 30 teachers. Climate: Samoan advocate Brianna Fruean urged Pacific leaders to turn climate promises into action on financing, emissions and protecting the 1.5°C goal. Prime Minister: La’aulialemalietoa apologised after 2007 footage showed him making a Nazi salute and saying “Heil Hitler,” calling the conduct inappropriate.

Rugby League: Newcastle forwards Francis Manuleleua and Jermaine McEwen are set for their Samoa debuts at the World Cup after breakout NRL seasons. The Government has committed ST$4 million to prepare Toa and Fetu Samoa, who head into the tournament with strong public backing. Connectivity: A new project brings internet to four Savai‘i primary schools and government services in Tuasivi, benefiting more than 1,000 students and 30 teachers. Climate Action: Samoan advocate Brianna Fruean urged Pacific leaders to turn climate promises into accessible funding and real protection for communities. Savai‘i Links: Maota Airport has reopened, restoring regular flights between Upolu and Savai‘i ahead of White Sunday. Economic Data: The Samoa Bureau of Statistics pulled a report estimating an 8.1% economic contraction for review, saying its quarterly production estimates remain the official GDP measure. Prime Minister: La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt apologised for a resurfaced 2007 video showing him making a Nazi salute and saying “Heil Hitler,” calling the words and gesture inappropriate.

Climate Action: Sāmoan activist Brianna Fruean urged Pacific leaders to turn climate promises into accessible finance, stronger community resilience and protection of the 1.5°C goal. White Sunday Travel: Maota Airport reopened on Savai‘i, restoring regular flights between the islands and giving families and visitors a faster route for the holiday weekend. World Cup Support: The Government pledged ST$4 million for Toa Samoa and Fetu Samoa as both teams prepare for the Rugby League World Cup; Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Schmidt urged them to carry the nation’s pride and unity into the tournament. Political Scrutiny: Schmidt apologised after a 2007 video showed him saying “Heil Hitler” and making a Nazi salute, calling the words and gesture inappropriate and rejecting extremism. Economic Questions: The Samoa Bureau of Statistics withdrew a report estimating an 8.1% economic contraction for review, stressing that quarterly GDP production reports remain the official estimates. Press Freedom: Samoa’s journalists’ association and regional media watchdogs are demanding answers over reports that the Prime Minister’s security deleted a journalist’s photos.

Rugby League: Samoa’s Government has committed $4 million to prepare Toa Samoa and Fetu Samoa for the World Cup. The teams were sent off amid calls to carry the nation’s hopes into the tournament. Government: Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt has apologised over a 2007 video showing him saying “Heil Hitler” and making a Nazi salute, calling his actions inappropriate and rejecting Nazism and racism. Economy: The Samoa Bureau of Statistics has withdrawn a report estimating an 8.1% economic contraction for review, saying its quarterly production reports remain the official GDP estimates. Media Freedom: Samoan journalists are demanding answers after reports that the Prime Minister’s security deleted a Samoa Observer reporter’s photos. Culture: Palolo harvesters are being urged to check village, landowner and authority requirements before accessing harvesting areas. Youth Sport: NRL Samoa says a shortage of junior competitions is holding back rugby league development and is running clinics to encourage young players.

Rugby League: NRL Samoa says a lack of youth competitions and club involvement is holding back the sport; holiday clinics aim to build pathways. Toa Samoa and Fetu Samoa have also named their World Cup squads. Government: Prime Minister La’auli Leuatea Schmidt apologised after a 2007 video showed him saying “Heil Hitler” and making a Nazi salute, calling his actions inappropriate and rejecting Nazism and racism. Economy: The Samoa Bureau of Statistics withdrew a report estimating an 8.1% economic contraction in 2025/26 for further review. It says quarterly production reports remain the official GDP estimates. Press Freedom: Samoa’s journalists’ association is seeking answers over reports that the Prime Minister’s security deleted a journalist’s photos; the government says its ban on the Samoa Observer remains in place. Public Services: The Samoa Airport Authority has re-advertised its general manager role without explaining why the position is open again. Culture: Palolo harvesters are urged to check village and landowner rules and secure any required approval before accessing harvesting areas.

Rugby League World Cup Format: The men’s tournament is down to 10 teams and moves straight to semi-finals after the group stage, with an “inter-group” setup for the remaining sides. World Cup Squads & Samoa Selection Drama: Toa Samoa and Fetu Samoa squads were announced, with Payne Haas ruled out by hand surgery; meanwhile Jacob Laban chose the Kiwis after his father’s blessing, and Terrell May explained why he withdrew from Samoa selection. Local Sports Governance: SASNOC has endorsed the new Tri-Sports Samoa Association as the official triathlon body. Immigration & Work Rights Push: Pacific Justice is urging Samoans to back a petition to change New Zealand’s Pacific Access Category and Samoan Quota, including a proposed six-month temporary work visa for successful applicants. Samoa Politics: Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt apologized for a 2007 video showing him saying “Heil Hitler” and making a Nazi salute. Economy Update: Samoa’s GDP Expenditure Report estimating an 8.1% contraction was withdrawn for review by the Samoa Bureau of Statistics. Media Freedom: PINA backed calls for answers after Samoa Observer photos were reportedly deleted by the PM’s son at a police event. Climate & Accountability: UNODC and Pacific media groups are training journalists to track and expose leakage in climate and disaster funds.

Economy Check: Samoa’s GDP Expenditure Report—estimating a 2025/26 contraction of 8.1%—has been pulled from the Samoa Bureau of Statistics website for further review, with SBS saying its Quarterly GDP Production reports remain the official figures. Airport Leadership: The Samoa Airport Authority has re-advertised its General Manager role on a three-year contract, with applications due 20 Oct. Rugby League World Cup: Toa Samoa and Fetu Samoa squads were announced, with a send-off parade set for tomorrow; Tonga also unveiled its World Cup squad, while Samoa’s PM apology and sports coverage continue to dominate headlines. Prime Minister Apology: Samoa’s PM La’auli Leuatea Schmidt apologized after a 2007 video resurfaced showing him saying “Heil Hitler” and making a Nazi salute, saying the words and gesture were inappropriate and not intended for the public. Triathlon Governance: SASNOC endorsed the newly formed Tri-Sports Samoa Association as the official triathlon body. Climate Finance Watch: UNODC and Pacific media groups joined forces to investigate leakage and misuse of climate and disaster funds. Palolo Harvest Guidance: Fisheries and Agriculture advised palolo harvesters to seek prior approvals where required before the upcoming rising.

Rugby League World Cup pay gap: Samoa’s players are set to earn far less than Australia’s Kangaroos, with the Kangaroos reportedly receiving $40,000 while other nations get $850 per Test—an imbalance expected to be tackled in the next collective bargaining deal. Prime Minister apologises over Nazi salute: Samoa PM La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt has apologised after a resurfaced 2007 video showed him saying “Heil Hitler” and leading a Nazi salute at a private family gathering, saying the words and gesture were inappropriate and that he rejects Nazism and racism. Local policing appeal: Police are seeking the family of an unidentified man found in Faleula, believed to be experiencing a mental health condition, and are asking anyone who recognises him to contact Afega police or Samoa Police. Sport governance: SASNOC has endorsed the newly formed Tri-Sports Samoa Association as the official triathlon body. Culture & environment: Harvesters preparing for the palolo season have been advised to seek prior approval before accessing harvesting areas, with village rules and marine boundaries stressed. Media rights concern: PINA has backed calls for answers after a Samoa Observer reporter’s photos were reportedly deleted by the PM’s security at a public police event.

Apology and accountability: Samoa’s Prime Minister Laʻauli Leuatea Schmidt has apologised after a resurfaced 2007 video showed him leading a Nazi salute and saying “Heil Hitler” at a private family gathering in Savai‘i, saying the words and gesture were inappropriate and could cause offence, and adding he rejects Nazism, antisemitism, racism and political extremism. Media rights in focus: The Pacific Islands News Association backed calls for answers after a Samoa Observer reporter said a camera SD card was removed and photos deleted during Police Remembrance Day events, urging that journalists’ work at public events be respected. Economy update: Samoa’s GDP contracted 8.1% in the year to June, driven mainly by a sharp 33.9% drop in investment and a big swing in inventories, while household spending rose 2.6%. Climate pressure on the Pacific: Pacific leaders meeting ahead of COP31 urged the world to keep 1.5°C within reach as sea-level rise threatens low-lying islands, with Tuvalu’s coral atolls described as already devastated by climate impacts.

Apology & Politics: Samoa’s Prime Minister La’auli Leuatea Schmidt has apologised after a 2007 video surfaced showing him saying “Heil Hitler” and making a Nazi gesture at a private family gathering, saying the words and gesture were inappropriate and rejecting Nazism, antisemitism and racism. Media Freedom: The Journalists Association of Samoa and PINA are demanding answers after reports that the PM’s security removed a Samoa Observer journalist’s camera and deleted photos taken at a public event. Economy: Samoa’s economy contracted 8.1% in the year to June, driven mainly by a sharp 33.9% fall in investment and a big drop in inventories, though household spending rose 2.6%. Climate Push: Pacific leaders ahead of COP31 are calling for governments to keep 1.5°C within reach, warning there are no safe futures above that level for low-lying atoll nations. Sports & Rugby League: Samoa’s Toa Samoa co-captains Junior Paulo and Jarome Luai say the jersey carries family sacrifice and island pride as the Rugby League World Cup approaches; meanwhile, police in Auckland are preparing for potential disorder around Pacific team gatherings. Marine Advisory: Samoa’s marine warning remains in effect with waves up to 3 metres and rough seas expected to continue into Monday.

Press Freedom Clash: Samoa’s journalists are demanding answers after reports say PM La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt’s security removed a Samoa Observer reporter’s camera and deleted photos at a public police event in Apia, with JAWS calling for the law cited to be named and for an investigation into who ordered the deletions. Economy Watch: Samoa’s economy contracted 8.1% in the year to June, driven mainly by a 33.9% plunge in investment and a sharp drop in inventories, though household spending rose and exports edged up. Climate & Oceans: Tuvalu leaders are heading to a pre-COP climate frontline after scientists said a 2024 marine heatwave killed about 99.9% of Tuvalu’s coral, while Samoa’s own marine advisory remains in effect with waves up to 3 metres. Energy & Transport: SPREP says Samoa’s MNRE is developing a user-pay system for EV charging stations to recover costs and support expansion. Sports & Identity: Toa Samoa co-captains Junior Paulo and Jarome Luai spoke on what the jersey means ahead of the Rugby League World Cup. Environment & Research: A camera survey off Apolima Island captured footage of an endangered leopard (zebra) shark, marking the first verifiable record in Samoan waters.

Climate & Oceans: Pacific leaders are meeting in Fiji and Tuvalu ahead of COP31, with Tuvalu’s pre-COP tour highlighting coral death after a 2024 marine heatwave that wiped out about 99.9% of reef-building coral, while scientists warn sea-level rise could make parts of the archipelago unliveable this century. Economy: Samoa’s GDP contracted 8.1% in the year to June, driven mainly by a 33.9% plunge in investment and a sharp swing from inventory build-up to inventory reduction, even as household spending and exports rose. Media Freedom: The Journalists Association of Samoa is demanding answers after reports that a Samoa Observer camera was taken and photos deleted at a police event tied to the Prime Minister’s security, with the government still saying the Observer ban remains. Weather & Safety: A marine advisory stays in force as waves reach 2.5–3 metres (possibly higher), with strong currents, rough seas and gusty winds expected to continue into Monday. Environment & Research: Camera surveys off Apolima Island recorded an endangered leopard shark in Samoan waters for the first verifiable time, underscoring the value of underwater monitoring. Energy & Transport: SPREP reports Samoa’s MNRE is developing a user-pay system for EV charging stations to recover costs and support expansion. Sports: Samoa’s women’s golf team took third at the Pacific Cup in Tahiti, with Olive Tapu winning individual silver.

Media Freedom Clash: The Journalists Association of Samoa (JAWS) is demanding answers after reports that Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt’s security removed a Samoa Observer reporter’s camera and deleted photos taken at a police event at the Government Building in Apia. Marine Safety: Samoa’s marine advisory remains in force with waves up to 3 metres and rough seas expected to continue into Monday, with strong currents and gusty winds warning sea-goers to stay alert. EV Charging Costs: Samoa’s MNRE is developing a user-pay system for its solar EV charging station at Friendship Park, aiming to recover costs and support future expansion. Infrastructure Finance: Deputy Prime Minister Mulipola Anarosa ‘Ale Molio’o met AIIB President Zou Jiayi to push Samoa’s first bank-funded infrastructure projects, including ports, roads, water and interisland connectivity. Health & Cancer: The Minister of Health launched Pinktober, calling for a community-wide partnership to fight cancer, alongside long-running support from ANZ Bank and the Samoa Cancer Society. Wildlife Discovery: Researchers using underwater cameras off Apolima Island recorded an endangered leopard shark in Samoan waters for the first verifiable time.

EV Charging Costs: Samoa’s MNRE is developing a user-pay system for solar EV charging at Friendship Park in Apia, aiming for sustainable cost recovery and future expansion, with fees and dates still not set. Tourism: Heritage Expeditions announced a new 11-day “Tropical Islands of Fiji, Samoa & Tonga” cruise for March 2027, with stops including Fulaga and Samoa’s endemic wildlife highlights. Press Freedom Clash: JAWS is demanding answers after a Samoa Observer reporter’s camera was reportedly taken and photos deleted by the Prime Minister’s security at Police Remembrance Day, calling it an unlawful obstruction of journalism. Climate & Oceans: Pacific leaders are pushing COP31 priorities in Fiji and Tuvalu, urging the world to keep 1.5°C within reach and strengthen climate adaptation and ocean governance. Health & Community: Samoa’s measles situation is worsening, with 314 suspected cases and three deaths suspected to be measles-related, prompting preschool and daycare closures. Sports: Samoa’s women secured third place at the Pacific Cup in Tahiti, with Olive Tapu winning individual silver.