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
Tuimalealiʻifano Vaʻaletoʻa Sualauvi II is re-elected by the Parliament for a second term as O le Ao o le Malo, the Samoan head of state. 2022-08-23
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
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
Samoan authorities prepared for Severe Tropical Cyclone Amos which is forecast to make landfall later tonight. 2016-04-23
Cyclone Evan heads towards Fiji after causing at least three deaths and widespread damage in Samoa. 2012-12-14
Samoa announces the pardon of 35 prisoners to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its independence from New Zealand. 2012-06-1
The Pacific Island nations of Samoa and Tokelau move from east to west of the International Date Line in order to align their time zone better with their main trading partners, meaning that they will not mark December 30 this year. 2011-12-29