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
Deputy Prime Minister of Samoa Fiame Naomi Mata'afa resigns over three proposed constitutional amendments, which would alter the power of the land and titles court. She also leaves the Human Rights Protection Party. Other MPs have already left the party over the issue and formed a new opposition party. 2020-09-11
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
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
Samoa bans the film "Rocketman" for its depictions of gay sex. 2019-06-11
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
Samoa's Legislative Assembly appoints Tuimalealiifano Va'aletoa Sualauvi II as O le Ao o le Malo, or Head of State. He will succeed Tufuga Efi, the country's head of state since 2007, on July 25. 2017-07-5
Tropical Cyclone Evan makes landfall near the Samoan capital Apia causing at least two deaths and the declaration of a state of disaster. 2012-12-13
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
Samoa announces plans to shift west of the international dateline from the east, putting it a day ahead to make trading with Australia and New Zealand easier. 2011-05-9