Sources: RNZI
Royal New Zealand Navy vessel HMNZS "Manawanui" runs aground off the coast of Samoa before catching fire and later capsizing. All 75 crew members are evacuated onto lifeboats and rescued. It is the first loss of a New Zealand naval ship at sea since World War II. 2024-10-5
Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa ends Samoa's state of emergency after two years. 2022-07-27
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
Samoa extends the state of emergency until September 27. Prime Minister Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi says he fears the practice of congregating in large numbers would likely see the virus entering the (at this time) COVID-19-free country. 2020-08-29
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
Samoa begins a national lockdown announced by the Prime Minister. Those who do not comply with the lockdown's requirements will be fined. 2020-03-26
The death toll from the measles outbreak in Samoa has reached 32 with over 2,400 cases recorded. 2019-11-26
Tonga and Fiji declare a state of emergency as part of an ongoing measles outbreak. Conditions worsen in Samoa where the death toll continues to rise and schools remain closed. There are 1,797 confirmed cases as of Saturday, with 153 detected on Friday alone. 2019-11-23
Samoan authorities prepared for Severe Tropical Cyclone Amos which is forecast to make landfall later tonight. 2016-04-23
The Polynesian Leaders Group, an eight-member governmental cooperative regional grouping, is formally launched in Apia, Samoa. 2011-11-17