Sources: RNZI
New Zealand announces that it has paid a NZ$6 million compensation to Samoa over the sinking of the HMNZS "Manawanui" off the coast of Upolu in October 2024. 2025-10-6
The Samoan head of state, Tuimalealiifano Va'aletoa Sualauvi II, issues a proclamation preventing the Legislative Assembly of Samoa from meeting on May 24 without explanation, triggering a constitutional crisis. Opposition leader Naomi Mataʻafa of FAST was expected to be elected prime minister at the upcoming session following a Supreme Court ruling upholding the results of the general election. 2021-05-22
The Supreme Court of Samoa clears the way for Naomi Mata'afa to form a new government and thereby become the first female Prime Minister of Samoa, ending a political deadlock. This would end a long tenure by current Prime Minister Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi, who has held power since November 1998. 2021-05-17
The Supreme Court of Samoa denies a bid by two of the three defendants in the case to be able to return to Australia, where they have permanent residencies. The Court argued that, aside of the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, "no amount of surety bond would overcome the risk of the men not returning for their trial", which is set for November. 2020-07-23
Six travelers from China are denied entry and turned away from Samoa following the island country's introduction of a ban on all travelers from China. They later arrive in Fiji, where they are quarantined with no symptoms. These strict regulations come after a measles outbreak ravaged Samoa last month. 2020-01-27
Fifteen children are confirmed (and three more suspected) dead from measles in Samoa as the illness epidemic continues within the country. 2019-11-19
Three suspects appear in court in Apia, Samoa, where two of them enter not-guilty pleas and the other a guilty plea on charges of conspiracy to assassinate the Prime Minister of Samoa. The defendant who pleaded guilty is due to be sentenced on September 30. 2019-09-9
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security discontinues the eligibility of citizens of Belize, Haiti, and Samoa to obtain H-2A and H-2B visas for temporary work. 2018-01-17
Cyclone Evan heads towards Fiji after causing at least three deaths and widespread damage in Samoa. 2012-12-14
One New Zealand tourist is dead and another missing after a family of six is swept away in a flash flood of the Vaisigano River in the Samoan capital Apia. 2012-03-15