Samoa High Commission in Wellington, New Zealand

14/04/2026

Strengthening Samoa–US Resilience Partnership
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Maj. Gen. D. Rodger Waters of the Nevada National Guard is in Samoa for high-level talks on disaster preparedness and emergency response. The visit supports Samoa’s 2027 Disaster Response Exercise and highlights the strong US-Samoa partnership for resilience and Pacific security.

13/04/2026

Historic milestone for women in leadership: Afamasaga Taimalietane Matatumua has been appointed as the first woman Chief Executive Officer of Samoa’s Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. With over 20 years of dedicated service, she strengthens inclusive leadership in the sector.

Warmest congratulations and best wishes to Afamasaga on this well-deserved appointment!

CABINET APPROVES APPOINTMENT OF NEW M.A.F. C.E.O.

[GOV’T. PRESS SECRETARIAT]: Cabinet today approved the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer to head the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries [M.A.F.] – Afamasaga Taimalietane Matatumua for a three-year term.

She brings a wealth of experience in Agriculture having served with the Ministry for over 20 years.

Afamagasa’s service with M.A.F. began in 2003 as a Senior Information Officer, before advancing to the management level as Assistant Chief Executive Officer for Policy, Planning, and Communication, a position she has held since 2018.

She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Agriculture, a Bachelor of Agriculture and a Diploma in Tropical Agriculture all from the University of the South Pacific [U.S.P.].

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13/04/2026

Ireland’s non-resident Ambassador to Samoa, based in Wellington, continues to demonstrate the value of genuine bilateral partnership in practice.

Last month, Ambassador Connolly and Consular Officer Catriona visited Apia for a special St Patrick’s Day reception marking the launch of the Samoa Irish Association. They also met project partners and past and present Ireland Fellows scholars.

Faafetai tele lava to all who made the visit such a success.🇼🇸🇮🇪.

02/04/2026

Spain’s Ambassador-Designate Pays Courtesy Visit to Samoa High Commission 🇪🇸🇼🇸

This morning, His Excellency Mr. Luis Sánchez-Vellisco, Ambassador-Designate of the Kingdom of Spain to Samoa (resident in Wellington), paid a courtesy call on His Excellency Afamasaga F. Toleafoa, High Commissioner of Samoa.

During the productive meeting, both sides discussed strengthening bilateral relations and Spain’s interest in further strengthening ties with the Blue Pacific as a Forum Dialogue Partner. They also explored opportunities for enhanced cooperation within the Pacific Islands Forum framework.

HE Mr. Sánchez-Vellisco presented his credentials issued by His Majesty the King of Spain. Arrangements are now underway for the formal presentation of his credentials to the Head of State of Samoa, during which he will be accompanied by Mr. Patrick Fepuleai, Spain’s Honorary Consul to Samoa.

The Ambassador-Designate expressed strong enthusiasm for his forthcoming visit to Samoa and for deepening the longstanding friendship between the two countries.

02/04/2026

Samoa High Commission Closure Notice

The Samoa High Commission in Wellington will be closed on Friday, 3 April 2026 (Good Friday) and Monday, 6 April 2026 (Easter Monday), and will reopen on Tuesday, 7 April 2026.

Urgent Consular Matters
For urgent consular assistance during this period, please contact:
📞 027 218 0223

Travel and Health Information
🌐 www.health.gov.ws

The Samoa High Commission extends its warmest Easter greetings. Manuia le fa’amanatuina o le maliu ma le toetu o lo tatou Ali’i Faaola o Iesu Keriso.

01/04/2026

The Samoa High Commission congratulates our colleagues Annie Mauga, Le Taua Iairo, and Elisara Elisara on completing the Pacific Diplomatic Training under the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Programme!

This bespoke professional development strengthens regional relationships, expands diplomatic skills, and connects Pacific foreign service officials across the region.

🇵🇬🇨🇰🇫🇯🇼🇸🇸🇧🇻🇺🇳🇺🇳🇷🇹🇴🇫🇲🇲🇭🇵🇼🇹🇻🇦🇺🇳🇿

01/04/2026

Registrations for the Samoan Quota and Pacific Access Category visa ballot draws are now open!
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These pathways to residence recognise the special relationship between New Zealand, Samoa, and the PAC countries. Find out more: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/pacific-access-category-and-samoan-quota-registrations-are-now-open-for-2026

Registrations for the Samoan Quota and Pacific Access Category visa annual ballot draws open today.

These pathways to residence in Aotearoa New Zealand recognise the relationship we have with Samoa and the Pacific Access Category countries in Tonga, Tuvalu, Kiribati and Fiji.

Find out more: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/pacific-access-category-and-samoan-quota-registrations-are-now-open-for-2026

01/04/2026

The Samoa High Commission Receives Briefing on the Oceania Rise Summit 2026.

On 23 March, the Samoa High Commission was briefed comprehensively on the forthcoming Oceania Rise Summit 2026, scheduled for Wellington from 15 to 17 May 2026, under the leadership of Pastor Ross Smith.

The Oceania Rise Summit seeks to bring together leaders and influential individuals across Oceania to concentrate on national and regional transformation in accordance with God's purpose for the region.

The Samoa High Commission reaffirms its commitment to supporting constructive regional initiatives that promote Pacific stability and shared values and extends appreciation to Pastor Ross Smith and Dr. Helen Smith.

01/04/2026

Samoa High Commission Hosts Hon. Va’aaoao Salumalo Alofipo, Minister of Health of Samoa

On 25 March, the Samoa High Commission had the honour of hosting the Hon. Va’aaoao Salumalo Alofipo, Minister of Health of Samoa, and his delegation during his official visit to Wellington.

The Minister was accompanied by Mrs. June Scanlan Lui, Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Health; Tagaloa Dr Robert Thomsen, Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Health; Afioga Lemalu Silao, Chief Executive of South Seas Healthcare in Auckland; and Dr Ralphen Viane, Programme Coordinator for the Long-Term Placements and Twinning Programme (LTP).

During the visit, the Minister held a bilateral meeting with the Hon. Simeon Brown, New Zealand’s Minister of Health. The discussions focused on strengthening health cooperation between Samoa and New Zealand, including workforce development, capacity building, and advancing shared priorities through initiatives such as the Long-Term Placements and Twinning Programme.

The Samoa High Commission remains committed to supporting strengthened partnerships between Samoa and New Zealand in advancing shared health priorities for the benefit of both nations.

01/04/2026

Samoa High Commission Hosts Samoan Students from Victoria University of Wellington (Te Herenga Waka)

On 13 March, as the mid-trimester break approached, the Samoa High Commission had the honour of hosting Samoan students from Victoria University of Wellington (Te Herenga Waka), along with faculty members and Assistant Vice-Chancellor Pasifika, Dr Emma Dunlop-Bennett.

The gathering included a special prayer meal and words of encouragement to inspire and support the students as they continue their academic journey. Dr Dunlop-Bennett shared three meaningful messages with the students:
• You are here by design, not by accident—each carrying seeds of greatness to be realised.
• You are not alone—supported by a strong Pacific family and community.
• Through life’s challenges, press forward with courage and confidence, continuing to learn and grow. As she reminded those present: “Our vaka can move forward when we all work together… we are here as one Pacific family, let us all paddle together.”

The Samoa High Commission wishes every student success in the year ahead. Aim high, strive for excellence in your chosen fields, and remember that you carry the pride, hopes, and aspirations of your families, villages, and nation.

The High Commission remains committed to supporting Samoan students whenever needed.

May God be your anchor and guide as you navigate your academic vaka throughout the year.

O outou mamā na. 🙏

19/03/2026

COURTESY VISIT BY THE AMBASSADOR OF THE ROYAL THAI EMBASSY IN WELLINGTON

On Wednesday, 18 March, High Commissioner Afamasaga Toleafoa, accompanied by First Secretary Lise Taualoa, had the honour of receiving His Excellency Mr Mongkol Visitstrump, newly appointed Ambassador of the Royal Thai Embassy, at the Chancery.

His Excellency was accompanied by the Embassy's Counsellors, Mr Vee Chansangavej and Mr Natthaphol Sonjaroon.

The meeting provided another valuable opportunity to strengthen the longstanding bilateral relations between Samoa and Thailand, which span over 50 years. Discussions covered areas of mutual interest and cooperation, including the forthcoming visit of Thai medical specialists to Samoa next month, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to continued collaboration.

12/03/2026

Samoa elevated the voices of Pacific women at the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women at United Nations Headquarters in New York.

Delivering Samoa’s national statement, the Honourable Mulipola Anarosa Molioo, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, reaffirmed Samoa’s commitment to justice, inclusive governance, and women’s leadership. She highlighted national initiatives advancing gender equality, preventing violence against women and girls, and investing in families and early childhood development.

Samoa shared a clear message from the Blue Pacific, when women rise, communities strengthen, and when communities strengthen, nations flourish.