AGP Executive Report

Rugby League World Cup: Toa Samoa’s campaign opens against France on Friday, with Jarome Luai expected to lead the charge. Greg Marzhew is out injured and Eddie Ieremia-Toeava has joined the squad. The Government has committed $4 million to the Toa and Fetu Samoa campaigns; Fetu face Australia on Friday. Digital Services: Samoa has invited suppliers to take part in market engagement ahead of a national digital ID tender. Parliament: Aliimalemanu returns as the sixth woman MP after election petitions were concluded. Savai‘i Travel: Maota Airport has reopened, restoring flights linking the island with Fagali‘i and Faleolo after more than two decades.

Toa Samoa: Samoa opens its Rugby League World Cup campaign against France on Friday, with Jarome Luai expected to lead the side. Coach Ben Gardiner and co-captain Junior Paulo say his playmaking will be central to the team’s push to reach the final again. Digital ID: The Samoa Bureau of Statistics is inviting suppliers to a briefing on the planned national digital identification system on October 15. Firms must register by 5pm on October 14; the World Bank-backed tender is expected in November. Women in Parliament: Aliimalemanu Moti Alofa Tuuau has been appointed Samoa’s sixth woman MP, bringing the Assembly to 52 members after election proceedings concluded. Fire: A blaze destroyed a family home in Toamua Uta as firefighters responded to four fires on Monday. The cause remains under investigation. Savai‘i Flights: Maota Airport has reopened, restoring flights linking the island with Fagali‘i and Faleolo after services stopped in 2000.

Digital ID: Samoa’s Bureau of Statistics will brief potential suppliers on October 15 ahead of a World Bank-funded national digital ID tender expected in November. Fire Safety: Four fires broke out on Monday, including a blaze that destroyed a family home in Toamua Uta. The cause is under investigation as the Fire Commissioner warns of more frequent fires. Parliament: Aliimalemanu Moti Alofa Tuuau has returned to Parliament as its sixth woman MP, bringing the Assembly to 52 members after election cases concluded. Rugby League: Samoa is aiming to improve on its 2022 final after reaching the Rugby League World Cup. The tournament begins this week, with Samoa set to face Papua New Guinea on October 24. Fisheries: A strong El Niño could shift tuna grounds and disrupt Pacific fishing through 2027, with consequences for Samoa and other island economies. Politics: Opposition leader Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi says questions remain over Prime Minister La’auli Leuatea Schmidt’s position on Nazism, despite La’auli’s apology for a 2007 salute. Lalomanu: Two tourists visiting Samoa aboard a cruise ship died while snorkelling.

Political Debate: Opposition leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi says questions remain about Prime Minister La’auli Leuatea Schmidt’s views after a 2007 Nazi salute video resurfaced. La’auli has apologised and says he rejects extremism. Rugby League World Cup: Samoa begin their campaign this week, aiming to go one better than their 2022 final finish. Junior Paulo and Jarome Luai lead a squad that opens against France; the women face Australia on Friday. Climate and Fisheries: A strong El Niño could shift tuna grounds and fishing activity across the Pacific into 2027, while bringing drier conditions to Samoa, according to regional forecasts. Parliament: A court dismissed a petition against Safata No. 2 MP Tuia Fuatogi Letoa, while Aliimalemanu Alofa Tu‘uau was appointed to meet the constitutional requirement for women’s representation.

Manu Samoa Sevens: Marist winger Tomasi Te’o, 19, has earned a place in the extended squad and hopes to follow the example of his idol Mikaele Pesamino. World Cup build-up: Toa Samoa co-captain Junior Paulo is helping teammates move on from grand final heartbreak as the side prepares for the Rugby League World Cup. Parliament: Aliimalemanu Alofa Tu‘uau has been appointed to meet the constitutional minimum for women’s representation, while Safata No. 2 MP Tuia Fuatogi Letoa retained his seat after an election petition was dismissed. Medical transfers: A patient waited hours for an emergency flight from Savai‘i to Upolu after the expected aircraft failed to arrive; the transfer went ahead after Prime Minister Laauli intervened. Prime Minister: Laauli has apologised over a resurfaced 2007 video showing him making a Nazi salute and saying “Heil Hitler.”

Politics: Faleata No. 2 MP Leatinuu Wayne Sooialo says he regrets helping form FAST, citing past disputes with the Prime Minister over appointments and electricity promises. Parliament: Aliimalemanu Alofa Tu‘uau has returned as Samoa’s sixth woman MP, while the Electoral Court dismissed a bribery petition against Safata No. 2 MP Tuia Letoa. Rugby League World Cup: Toa Samoa are preparing for the tournament with $4 million in government support; captain Junior Paulo is urging teammates to turn grand final disappointment into motivation. Samoa-born Jacob Laban, meanwhile, has chosen to represent New Zealand. White Sunday: A mother in Afega will remember her nine-year-old son, Phoenix, who died before this year’s celebrations. Health services: A patient’s emergency transfer from Savai‘i was delayed when the expected aircraft failed to arrive, prompting Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt to intervene. Economy: Samoa recorded a $132.4 million merchandise trade deficit in August. Leadership: The Prime Minister apologised after a 2007 video resurfaced showing him making a Nazi salute and saying “Heil Hitler.”

World Cup Build-up: Toa Samoa captain Junior Paulo is urging teammates to turn grand-final heartbreak into fuel as Samoa targets another deep run at the Rugby League World Cup. The Government has committed $4 million to Toa and Fetu Samoa’s campaigns. Samoan-born Jacob Laban, meanwhile, has chosen New Zealand’s Kiwis, saying he wants to repay the country that gave him his opportunity. Parliament: Aliimalemanu Alofa Tu‘uau has been appointed Samoa’s sixth woman MP, bringing the Legislative Assembly to 52 members. The Electoral Court also dismissed a bribery petition against Safata No. 2 MP Tuia Fuatogi Letoa, who retains his seat. Health Services: A patient’s emergency transfer from Savai‘i was delayed after the expected Samoa Airways aircraft did not arrive; the Prime Minister intervened to help secure the transfer. Tourism: Samoa has received Miss Global’s Best Host Country award, recognising the hospitality shown during the titleholder’s visit.

Parliament: The Electoral Court dismissed bribery allegations against Safata No. 2 MP Tuia Fuatogi Letoa, who keeps his seat. Aliimalemanu Alofa Tu‘uau was appointed Samoa’s sixth woman MP, bringing Parliament to 52 members. Emergency Services: A patient’s transfer from Savai‘i to Upolu was delayed when no aircraft arrived as expected; the transfer went ahead after Prime Minister Laʻaulialemalietoa intervened. Rugby League: Samoa’s World Cup campaign is nearing, with the Government committing $4 million to Toa and Fetu Samoa. Co-captain Junior Paulo says he is helping teammates bounce back from grand-final heartbreak. Economy: Samoa recorded a $132.4 million merchandise trade deficit in August, while a separate report said the economy contracted 8.1% as investment plunged. Community: A new internet project connects four Savai‘i primary schools and three government services, benefiting more than 1,000 students and 30 teachers. National News: Samoa won Miss Global’s Best Host Country award, recognising its hospitality. Prime Minister Laʻaulialemalietoa also apologised after resurfaced 2007 footage showed him making a Nazi salute and saying “Heil Hitler.”

Emergency Services: A patient transfer from Savai‘i to Moto‘otua was delayed for hours after the expected Samoa Airways flight failed to arrive. Prime Minister La‘auli intervened, and the patient was later flown to Upolu. Election Rulings: The Electoral Court dismissed bribery allegations against Safata No. 2 MP Tuia Fuatogi Letoa and ordered the petitioner to pay $2,000. Aliimalemanu Alofa Tu‘uau was appointed Samoa’s sixth woman MP, meeting the constitutional minimum for women’s representation. Tourism: Samoa received the Best Host Country award at Miss Global, recognising the hospitality shown to the pageant’s titleholder during her visit. Connectivity: A new project has brought internet access to four Savai‘i primary schools and government services in Tuasivi, benefiting more than 1,000 students and 30 teachers. Economy: Samoa recorded a $132.4 million merchandise trade deficit in August, with imports far exceeding exports and re-exports. Rugby League: Government has approved $4 million for Toa and Fetu Samoa’s World Cup campaigns, as the teams prepare to represent Samoa at the tournament.

Savaii Connectivity: A new project is bringing internet access to four primary schools and government services in Tuasivi, reaching more than 1,000 students and 30 teachers. Road Safety: Samoa’s police are urging drivers to obey road rules and keep uninspected vehicles off the road after a series of crashes. World Cup Build-up: Toa Samoa and Fetu Samoa have received $4 million in government support for their Rugby League World Cup campaigns. Five players from Samoa’s NRL grand-final side are in the Toa squad, which opens against France on October 16. Banknote Watch: Samoa’s $100 Queen Elizabeth II commemorative note is being advertised online for about SAT$3,700, though public release and use remain on hold; the Central Bank says some notes reached collectors before Cabinet’s decision. Climate Call: Samoan climate advocate Brianna Fruean urged Pacific leaders to turn promises into action on climate finance, emissions and protecting the 1.5°C target. Political Fallout: Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt apologised after a 2007 video resurfaced showing him making a Nazi salute and remark.

World Cup Campaign: Samoa has committed $4 million to Toa and Fetu Samoa’s Rugby League World Cup preparations. Toa’s squad includes Jarome Luai, Stephen Crichton and Spencer Leniu, while the Prime Minister urged both teams to bring the trophy home. Savai‘i Connections: Maota Airport has reopened, restoring regular flights between Upolu and Savai‘i ahead of White Sunday and offering a boost for local travel and tourism. Climate Action: Samoan advocate Brianna Fruean challenged Pacific leaders to turn climate promises into accessible funding and protection for frontline communities. Political Accountability: Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt apologised for a resurfaced 2007 video showing him making a Nazi salute and using the words “Heil Hitler,” saying the behaviour was inappropriate. Economic Picture: Samoa’s Bureau of Statistics withdrew an experimental report that estimated an 8.1% contraction; its production estimates put the fall at 1.6% in the year to June 2026.

World Cup Build-up: Samoa’s government has pledged $4 million to prepare Toa Samoa and Fetu Samoa for the Rugby League World Cup, which opens Oct. 15. The teams were sent off with a call from Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt to bring the trophy home. Toa’s squad includes NRL stars Jarome Luai and Spencer Leniu, who has signed a four-year deal with Parramatta starting in 2027. Manu Samoa: Former All Blacks Akira Ioane, Josh Ioane and Shaun Stevenson have been named in a 30-player squad for November’s Nations Cup Tests, alongside seven other potential debutants. Economy: Samoa’s statistics bureau estimates GDP fell 1.6% in the year to June 2026, revising sharply from an 8.1% contraction in a withdrawn experimental report. Prime Minister: Schmidt has apologised over 2007 footage showing him making a Nazi salute and saying “Heil Hitler,” saying the gesture was inappropriate and did not reflect his beliefs. Connectivity: Digicel Samoa has opened a new mobile tower in Asau to improve coverage in western Savai‘i.

Toa Samoa: Samoa has named its 23-player squad for the Rugby League World Cup, with Stephen Crichton, Jarome Luai and Spencer Leniu among the selections. Coach Ben Gardiner urged fans to support both the men’s and women’s teams safely as Samoa seeks another strong campaign. Youth Rugby League: NRL Samoa says a shortage of junior competitions is holding back the sport’s growth. The organisation is running holiday clinics and hopes to move more young players into club competitions. Savai’i Coverage: Digicel Samoa has switched on a new mobile tower in Asau to improve coverage and reliability in western Savai’i. Prime Minister’s Apology: Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt has apologised after a 2007 video surfaced showing him making a Nazi salute and saying “Heil Hitler.” He called the words and gesture inappropriate and said he rejects extremism. Economic Figures: Samoa’s Bureau of Statistics has withdrawn a report estimating an 8.1% economic contraction for 2025/26, saying it needs further accuracy and quality checks. The bureau says its quarterly production reports remain the official GDP estimates.

Rugby League World Cup (Samoa focus): Samoa’s Toa Samoa has named its 23-man squad for the Oct 15 tournament, with Spencer Leniu, Jarome Luai and Junior Paulo among the key names, while Fetu Samoa also announced its squad as players arrive early for a farewell parade and service ceremony. World Cup squads and format: The tournament is cut to 10 teams and moves straight to semi-finals after the group stage, with Samoa set to face France, PNG and Tonga in pool play. Player call-ups and snubs: PNG’s Kumuls squad is confirmed with several absences due to injury, while Samoa’s Terrell May says he withdrew from World Cup selection to focus on Wests Tigers and protect his pre-season. Pacific access and work visas: Pacific Justice is pushing a petition urging changes to New Zealand’s Pacific Access Category and Samoan Quota, including a proposed six-month temporary working visa for successful applicants. Samoa governance and services: Samoa Airport Authority has re-advertised its general manager role, and Samoa’s GDP Expenditure Report was withdrawn for review after a reported 8.1% contraction estimate. Local public interest: Police are seeking help to identify an unidentified man found in Faleula being cared for at Afega police outpost. International spotlight: Samoa PM Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt apologized after a 2007 video surfaced showing a Nazi salute and “Heil Hitler.”

Rugby League World Cup build-up: Samoa’s Toa Samoa named a 23-man squad for the Oct 15–Nov 15 tournament, led by stars including Stephen Crichton, Spencer Leniu, Jarome Luai and co-captain Junior Paulo, with Payne Haas ruled out due to hand surgery; the team is set for a parade and service ceremony as players arrive early. More squads, big matchups: Papua New Guinea’s Kumuls confirmed their squad with heavy London Broncos influence, while New Zealand and Tonga also unveiled World Cup rosters featuring major NRL names. Local governance: Samoa Airport Authority re-advertised its General Manager role after the previous appointment, with applications due 20 Oct. Economy update: Samoa’s Bureau of Statistics withdrew an estimated GDP expenditure report showing an 8.1% contraction for 2025/26, saying it’s being reviewed for quality and compliance. Public safety: Police asked for help identifying an unidentified man found in Faleula, believed to be experiencing a mental health condition. Politics: Samoa PM La’auli Leuatea Schmidt apologized after a 2007 video resurfaced showing him saying “Heil Hitler” and making a Nazi salute.

Rugby League World Cup squads: Samoa has confirmed its 23-man Rugby League World Cup squad, with Jarome Luai and Junior Paulo set to co-captain and big names including Stephen Crichton, Brian To’o, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Spencer Leniu (with Payne Haas ruled out due to hand surgery). NRL pay gap: A report says Kangaroos players are set to be paid $40,000 while other nations get $850 per World Cup game, with change expected in the next bargaining deal. Prime Minister apology: Samoa’s PM Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt has apologised after a resurfaced 2007 video showed him saying “Heil Hitler” and making a Nazi salute at a private family gathering. Local policing: Police are seeking the family of an unidentified man found in Faleula, who is being cared for at Afega and appears to be experiencing a mental health condition. Sport beyond league: Samoa wrestlers won 11 medals at the New Zealand National Wrestling Championships, including five golds. Triathlon governance: SASNOC has endorsed Tri-Sports Samoa Association as the official triathlon body. Palolo harvest rules: The Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture has advised palolo harvesters to get prior approvals before accessing harvesting areas.