AGP Executive Report

Climate & Resilience: COP31 youth climate champion Sally Higgins wrapped a two-day visit to Samoa, meeting young climate leaders and community groups and pushing for locally led solutions to be heard in global talks. Aviation & Connectivity: Samoa Airways welcomed back its oldest Twin Otter, 5W-FAY, after a full overhaul by Unity Aviation Canada, with the refurbishment expected to extend service life by 30 years and funded from airline revenue. Cyber Safety: Police ran a long perimeter relay to spotlight cyberbullying and harassment, with teams including Cyber Safety Pasifika and police units urging safer online behaviour. Labour Mobility: Samoa and New Zealand leaders reaffirmed the enduring partnership, with a major focus on the future of the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme and worker welfare. Food & Agriculture: Vegetable prices in Samoa are rising as wet weather cuts harvests and higher costs squeeze farmers, with shoppers buying smaller quantities. Security & Governance: A police officer injured at the Lepea four-way intersection remains hospitalised as investigations continue. Industry & Trade: Samoa’s push for stronger regional cooperation also surfaced in OACPS Council discussions, calling for streamlined, practical delivery for Pacific SIDS. Public Health & Culture: Samoa’s ‘ava tradition remains central to ceremonies, while concerns are raised about threats to ava plants from a destructive virus.

AI Scams: A former PNG TV host, Jennifer Baing, says fake AI images of her are being used on Facebook to promote “giveaways,” with nearly 100 fake accounts identified—prompting calls for stronger community awareness alongside new PNG laws. Aviation & Engineering: Samoa Airways welcomed back its oldest Twin Otter, 5W-FAY, after a full overhaul by Unity Aviation Canada, a SAT$22m investment expected to extend service life by 30 years and support safer connectivity. Labour Mobility: Samoa’s PM Laaulialemalietoa Schmidt met New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon in Wellington, reaffirming the RSE scheme’s future with a focus on worker welfare, pastoral care, and sustainable economic cooperation. Public Safety Online: Samoa’s Police and partners held a perimeter relay to spotlight cyberbullying and harassment, with teams from Cyber Safety Pasifika, Prisons and Corrections, and Police units. Food & Prices: Vegetable prices in Samoa are rising as wet weather cuts harvests and higher fuel, labour, and input costs squeeze farmers’ supply. Sports: Samoa coach Ben Gardiner dismissed claims that Jarome Luai is secretly recruiting players for PNG, calling the rumours “rot.”

Plastic Pollution Cleanup: The Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign hit its goal, stopping more than one million pieces of plastic from entering waterways, with the milestone collected on Scotland’s River Clyde and backed by 15,000+ volunteers across the Commonwealth. Aviation & Connectivity: Samoa Airways welcomed back its oldest Twin Otter (5W-FAY) after a full overhaul by Unity Aviation Canada, a SAT $22m investment funded from airline revenue to extend service life and support tourism and trade. Labour Mobility Talks: Samoa and New Zealand leaders reaffirmed their partnership, focusing on the future of the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme, worker welfare, and sustainable policy settings. Cyber Safety Push: Samoa’s Police and partners held a perimeter relay to raise awareness of online bullying and harassment, spotlighting cyber safety for new recruits and the wider public. Food & Agriculture Costs: Vegetable prices in Samoa are rising due to wet weather reducing harvests, plus higher seed, fertilizer, labour and fuel costs. Maritime Security (Regional): The Solomon Islands signalled a more balanced approach by moving toward a US Coast Guard ship-rider deal to patrol its waters alongside local enforcement. Digital Scams (Regional Warning): AI-manipulated fake photos are being used in Facebook scams, with calls for stronger community awareness alongside new laws.

Aviation & Connectivity: Samoa Airways welcomed back its oldest Twin Otter (5W-FAY) after a full overhaul by Unity Aviation Canada, with the refurbishment expected to extend the aircraft’s life by 30 years; the airline says both 5W-FAY and 5W-FAW upgrades cost about SAT $22 million, funded from its own revenue. Labour Mobility: Samoa’s Prime Minister met New Zealand leaders and RSE workers, focusing on keeping the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme sustainable, improving worker welfare and pastoral care, and strengthening economic cooperation. Cyber Safety: Samoa’s Police and partners held a long perimeter relay to spotlight cyberbullying and harassment, with Cyber Safety Pasifika and new recruits taking part. Digital Scams: A PNG case shows how AI-manipulated photos are being used for Facebook impersonation and fake giveaways—an urgent reminder for Pacific communities to watch for deepfakes. Food & Agriculture Costs: Vegetable prices in Samoa are rising as wet weather cuts harvests and higher seed, fertilizer, and transport costs squeeze farmers. Sports & Community: Samoa coach Ben Gardiner dismissed rumours of Jarome Luai “recruiting” players for PNG, calling the claims “rot.” Culture & Heritage: Samoa marked 122 years since the start of the first Maota Fono construction in 1916, a milestone tied to Samoan self-determination.

AI & Scams: A PNG TV host’s photos were AI-manipulated and used in Facebook giveaway scams, prompting calls for stronger community awareness as PNG moves to criminalise deepfakes and digital impersonation. RSE & Jobs: Samoa’s Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Schmidt has begun an official New Zealand visit meeting Samoan Recognised Seasonal Employer workers, including those employed by Mr Apple, to strengthen the RSE partnership and worker welfare. Health & Governance: A Samoa Observer op-ed argues governance is failing basic health delivery, pointing to unreliable medicine access at the national hospital while big infrastructure promises continue. Sports & Talent: Samoa coach Ben Gardiner dismissed rumours that Jarome Luai is secretly recruiting players for PNG’s Chiefs, calling the claims “rot.” Agriculture & Prices: Vegetable prices in Samoa are rising as wet weather cuts harvests and higher fuel and input costs squeeze farmers. Environment & Waste: Communities are pushing back after Coca-Cola replaced Samoa’s refillable glass bottles with single-use plastic, saying it worsened pollution where recycling options are limited. Regional Diplomacy: Samoa’s Rick Houenipwela backed calls to modernise the OACPS and focus on practical delivery for climate resilience, the blue economy and connectivity. Culture & Learning: A University of Newcastle-supported project is helping Samoa’s young people share mangrove and waterway stories through community-led digital storytelling.

RSE & PM Engagement: Samoa’s Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polata’ivao Fosi Schmidt has kicked off his official New Zealand visit by meeting Samoan Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) workers at Mr Apple in Hawke’s Bay, with further talks planned in Wellington. Health & Governance: An op-ed argues Samoa’s infrastructure promises can’t replace reliable access to basic medicines at the national hospital, calling out governance gaps in public health delivery. Food Prices: Vegetable prices in Samoa are rising as wet weather cuts harvests, while higher seed, fertilizer, labour and fuel costs squeeze farmers and push costs to markets. Ava Biosecurity: Samoa’s ‘ava industry faces concern after reports of a destructive cucumber mosaic virus targeting ‘ava plants, with SROS working alongside the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries on samples. Environment & Industry: Communities are pushing back against Coca-Cola’s shift from refillable glass to single-use plastic bottles, saying it worsens pollution where recycling options are limited. Sports & Talent: Samoa coach Ben Gardiner dismissed claims Jarome Luai is secretly recruiting players for PNG’s Chiefs, calling the rumours “rot.”

RSE & Jobs: Samoa’s Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polāta’ivao Fosi Schmidt has started an official New Zealand visit to meet Samoan Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) workers and Mr Apple representatives, reaffirming the long-running partnership and discussing wellbeing and implementation for the 6,000+ Samoans in the scheme. Power & Infrastructure: EPC has announced planned power outages across western Upolu villages on Saturday (11am–5pm) for maintenance tied to the Afega bridge realignment, plus an emergency switching operation in Fagaloa today. Agriculture Prices: Vegetable prices are rising in Samoa as wet weather cuts harvests and farmers face higher costs for seeds, fertiliser and transport, with shoppers buying smaller quantities. Ava Industry Risk: Samoa’s ‘ava sector is on alert after SROS reported ‘ava plants being targeted by a destructive cucumber mosaic virus, with samples collected across Upolu and Savai’i for study with MAF. Local Business Pressure: Some Samoan shop owners say growing foreign-owned competition is squeezing local retailers as buying power and supplier access let overseas businesses undercut prices. Media & Democracy: A call for responsible journalism highlights concerns about Samoa’s constitutional crisis and press freedom amid ongoing political tensions. Regional Diplomacy: Foreign Affairs Minister Rick Houenipwela urged OACPS modernisation and practical delivery for Pacific SIDS at the OACPS Council of Ministers meeting in Brussels. Transport Watch: The Government will decide Aurora V’s future after repairs in Australia, following earlier safety concerns about using it on the Upolu–Savaiʻi route. Culture & Exports: Communities continue pushing back against Coca-Cola’s shift from refillable glass to single-use plastic bottles, arguing it worsens pollution where recycling options are limited. Public Safety: Police visited an injured colleague after a Lepea traffic crash left a constable hospitalised with back and head injuries. Entertainment & Samoa’s Profile: Australian Survivor will move its filming base from Samoa to Malaysia for the 2027 season, ending a five-season run on Upolu.

Ava industry risk: Samoa’s ‘ava sector is on alert after SROS reported Samoan ‘ava plants are being targeted by a destructive cucumber mosaic virus, with samples collected across Upolu and Savai’i for study with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. Seasonal jobs: Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt is in New Zealand meeting Samoan workers under the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme, alongside employers, to strengthen welfare and implementation for more than 6,000 workers. Food and farming costs: Vegetable prices are rising across Samoa as wet weather cuts harvests and higher seed, fertilizer, and transport costs squeeze farmers, with shoppers buying smaller quantities. Local business pressure: Samoa’s small retailers say foreign-owned competition is growing, driving down customer numbers as larger buyers secure lower prices and suppliers. Energy and transport: EPC has scheduled planned power outages in western Upolu for maintenance tied to bridge realignment, while Samoa’s inflation is being pushed up by transport costs, with fuel and diesel among the biggest drivers. Regional diplomacy for trade: Foreign Minister Rick Houenipwela urged OACPS modernisation in Brussels, pushing streamlined execution on climate resilience, the blue economy, and moving from the Samoa Agreement framework to active operations. Packaging backlash: Communities are pushing back after Coca-Cola shifted Samoa from refillable glass to single-use plastic bottles, arguing it worsens pollution where recycling options are limited.

‘Ava Biosecurity: Samoa’s ‘ava industry is on alert after SROS reported ‘ava plants being targeted by a destructive cucumber mosaic virus, with samples collected across Upolu and Savai’i and work underway with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. Public Health & Culture: The virus threat lands in the middle of ‘ava’s deep role in fa’asamoa ceremonies, including government and private milestones—raising stakes for both tradition and potential export. Seasonal Work Links: Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt is in New Zealand meeting Samoan seasonal workers under the RSE scheme, plus employers and agricultural operators, to strengthen protections and clarify recent Cabinet decisions. Food Prices: Vegetable prices are rising across Samoa as wet weather cuts harvests and farmers face higher seeds, fertilizer and transport costs, with shoppers buying smaller amounts. Power & Transport Costs: EPC has scheduled planned outages in western Upolu for maintenance tied to bridge realignment, while Samoa’s inflation picture is being pushed up by higher transport and fuel costs. Packaging Pushback: Communities are again calling out Coca-Cola after it replaced refillable glass with single-use plastic bottles in 2021, arguing the change worsens pollution where recycling options are limited. Diplomacy & Trade: Foreign Affairs Minister Rick Houenipwela told OACPS ministers in Brussels the Pacific wants a modernised, streamlined organisation focused on practical delivery—climate resilience, the blue economy and connectivity. Local Business Pressure: Local shop owners say foreign-owned competition is squeezing them as bigger buyers secure lower prices and customers shift away. Regional Water Warnings: Samoa Water Authority is urging the public to save water ahead of El Niño-linked dry conditions.

Seasonal Workforce: Samoa’s Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt is in New Zealand meeting Samoan workers under the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme, with talks across Napier, Wellington and Blenheim plus discussions with employers on wellbeing and recent Cabinet decisions for the programme. Diplomacy & Trade: Foreign Minister Rick Houenipwela backed Pacific priorities at the OACPS Council of Ministers in Brussels, calling for a modernised, streamlined OACPS and pushing practical delivery on climate resilience, the blue economy and the Samoa Agreement. Food Prices & Supply: Vegetable prices in Samoa are rising as wet weather cuts harvests, while higher seeds, fertiliser, labour and fuel/transport costs squeeze farmers and lift market prices. Energy & Transport Costs: EPC has scheduled power outages in western Upolu for maintenance tied to the Afega bridge works, and Samoa’s inflation is being driven heavily by transport costs, with fuel price jumps feeding into higher consumer prices. Environment & Waste: Communities are pushing back after Coca-Cola replaced Samoa’s refillable glass bottles with single-use plastic in 2021, arguing the change worsens pollution where recycling options are limited. Local Business Pressure: Some Samoan shop owners say foreign-owned competitors are undercutting prices and draining customers, making it harder for locally owned businesses to survive. Regional Marine Protection: Melanesian nations move toward a large transboundary marine protected area corridor (MOCOR), with Solomon Islands joining plans announced by PNG, Vanuatu and Fiji.

Road Safety: Police say Constable Ietita Panipasa was struck from behind while directing traffic at the Lepea four-way intersection near the roadworks, and remains in hospital with back and head injuries as officers continue their investigation. Food Prices: Samoa’s vegetable prices are rising, with farmers blaming wet weather that damaged crops, plus higher seeds, fertilizer, labour shortages and fuel costs. Cost of Living/Transport: Samoa’s inflation lift is being driven hardest by transport, with transport prices up 20.3% over the year to June 2026 as fuel and imported costs climb. Energy/Infrastructure: EPC has scheduled power outages in western Upolu villages on Saturday for maintenance tied to the Afega bridge realignment, and an emergency switching operation in Fagaloa today. Shipping/Transport Assets: Government will decide the future of the Aurora V after repairs in Australia, following earlier safety concerns about using it on the Upolu–Savaiʻi route. Agriculture Resilience: A climate-resilient taro project is working with Samoan farmers on soil health, weed control and fallow management using alley cropping and other methods. Regional Environment: Melanesian nations move toward a large transboundary ocean reserve corridor, but planners warn management must be strong to avoid “paper parks.” Diplomacy/Trade: New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters meets Pacific counterparts in Auckland, including Samoa’s commerce minister, ahead of regional investment and trade discussions.

Food Prices & Supply: Vegetable prices in Samoa are rising as wet weather cuts harvests and farmers face higher seeds, fertilizer and transport costs, with labour shortages and fuel also squeezing supply. Cost of Living: Samoa’s inflation ticked up as transport prices jumped 20.3% over the year to June, driven by big increases in diesel, petrol and imported goods. Energy & Infrastructure: EPC has scheduled power outages in western Upolu (Afega area) and emergency switching in Fagaloa to support bridge-related realignment and high-voltage pole maintenance. Water Security: Samoa is urging households and businesses to start conserving water early after forecasts point to a 60–70% chance of below-normal rainfall, raising drought and service-pressure risks. Agriculture Resilience: A climate-resilient taro project is working with Samoan farmers on soil health, weed control and fallow management using alley cropping, mulch and cover crops. Local Business Pressure: Some Samoan shop owners say foreign-owned competition is growing fast, pushing down customer numbers as larger buyers secure lower prices. Regional Trade & Diplomacy: Samoa’s Commerce minister is in Auckland for investment and trade talks, while Pacific leaders also push for stronger, better-funded OACPS support for small island states. Prime Minister Travel: PM Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt departs for Auckland today, with the purpose of the trip not yet officially stated.

Climate & Culture: A University of Newcastle-backed project is helping Samoa’s youth preserve wetlands and waterways through a dual-language digital story, “Togātogo: O Leoleo o le Tuā’oi,” led by Moata’a Public School and community voices. Local Business Pressure: Samoa’s shop owners say foreign-owned competitors are squeezing them with lower prices and stronger supplier access, while rising costs and living pressures hit customers. Energy & Infrastructure: EPC has scheduled planned power outages in western Upolu (July 18) for maintenance tied to the Afega bridge realignment, plus emergency switching in Fagaloa today. Transport Costs & Inflation: Samoa’s transport prices jumped 20.3% over the year to June, driving the biggest lift in CPI inflation, with diesel and petrol among the sharpest increases. Ferry Decision Watch: Government will decide Aurora V’s future after repairs in Australia, following safety concerns about using it on the Upolu–Savaiʻi route. Water Security: Samoa is urged to start conserving water now as forecasts point to below-average rainfall and higher drought risk. Agriculture Resilience: Researchers are working with Samoan farmers on climate-resilient taro practices, including alley cropping, improved weed control, and fallow management.

Pacific Diplomacy: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters meets Niue, Fiji and Samoa counterparts in Auckland, including Samoa’s Commerce, Industry and Labour Minister Afioga Fata Ryan Schuster, as regional investment and trade ties stay on the agenda. Power & Transport Costs: EPC announces planned outages in western Upolu (July 18) and emergency switching in Fagaloa (today), while Samoa’s Bureau of Statistics links June inflation to a 20.3% jump in transport prices—fuel and diesel costs driving the rise. Ferry Decision Watch: Government will decide the future of the Aurora V after repairs in Australia, with officials weighing leasing or selling to recover costs. Agriculture Under Climate Pressure: Samoan farmers are testing climate-resilient taro methods—alley cropping, improved weed control, and fallow cover crops—as below-average rainfall warnings raise drought risk. Water Shortage Alert: Samoa is urged to start conserving water now as forecasts point to a 60–70% chance of below-normal rainfall over the next six months. Local Industry & Exports: Cabinet has reallocated 10,000 acres from STEC land—moving management to the Ministry of Lands and Survey and 3,000 acres to the Samoa Export Authority to support agricultural business development. Regional Security & Work: Across the Pacific, drug trafficking concerns keep surfacing, including a sharp rise in cocaine positives in NZ workplaces and Fiji’s push to expand counter-narcotics capacity.

Trade & Investment Links: New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters is meeting Niue, Fiji and Samoa counterparts in Auckland, including Samoa’s Commerce, Industry and Labour Minister Afioga Fata Ryan Schuster, alongside talks tied to the Future of Investment and Trade Partnership. Power & Infrastructure: EPC has scheduled planned outages in western Upolu on Sat July 18 (11am–5pm) for maintenance around the Afega bridge realignment, plus an emergency switching operation in Fagaloa today (11am–5pm). Shipping & Transport Services: The Government will decide the future of the ferry Aurora V after repairs in Australia, with officials weighing leasing or selling to recover about SAT$20m spent via the Samoa Ports Authority. Inflation Watch: Samoa’s CPI rose 5.8% in June, driven mainly by fuel and transport costs, with diesel up 77.4% and transport adding 2.8 percentage points to the annual increase. Water Security: Samoa is urging early water conservation as forecasters warn of below-average rainfall risk over the next six months, raising drought and service pressure. Climate-Resilient Farming: A project with Samoan farmers is testing practices to protect taro production, including alley cropping, improved weed control, and fallow management. Governance & Rights: The Ombudsman and Samoa’s National Human Rights Institution are raising alarms about systemic discrimination and abuse of power. Industry & Exports (Regional): Bangladesh’s BEPZA reported FY26 export growth to US$8.41bn and record investment proposals, including a Samoa-linked company group.

Investment & Finance: CEO Insight spotlights how jurisdictions, including Samoa, are competing for global capital through governance and long-term economic strategy. Agriculture & Climate Resilience: Samoan farmers are trialling climate-resilient taro methods—alley cropping with nitrogen-fixing trees, improved weed control, and fallow legume cover—to protect soil and yields as extreme weather ramps up. Water Security: Samoa is urged to start conserving now after forecasts point to below-average rainfall and warmer conditions, raising risks for drinking water, farming, and hydropower. Land & Exports: About 10,000 acres tied to STEC land are being reallocated—supporting commercial farming and agricultural business development via the Ministry of Lands and Samoa Export Authority. Policy & Child Protection: Samoa’s Overseas Adoptions Legislation Bill moves to first reading, with the Justice Committee set to consider safeguards after concerns about past overseas adoption abuses. Environment & Industry Debate: A Pacific forum in Suva highlights deep seabed mining risks, warning that governance and environmental practices from land mining could carry into the ocean. Hospitality & Tourism: Radisson Hotel Group outlines growth plans across Southeast Asia and the Pacific, signaling continued regional demand for hotels and long-stay stays. Culture & Entertainment: Treasure Island Las Vegas and a Samoan-owned team present MANA: A Polynesian Revue & Luau in July.