AGP Executive Report

District Development Programme: Government says recent reports claiming the District Development Programme (DDP) has run out of funds are wrong, insisting funding is available and disbursed under approved processes, while also stressing district councils are separate legal entities handling their own overdraft requests. Health & supplies: Samoa’s main hospital is rationing critical medicines due to low stock, with an urgent Fiji air-freight shipment covering only about half of needs; key drugs including metformin, amlodipine and children’s paracetamol remain scarce. Vietnam shooting case: Three locals accused over alleged links to last month’s Vietnam shooting have been granted an adjournment for police to finalize charges; bail was granted to Nakitah Charles, with the matter set for 23 June. Community & culture: Samoa’s Pathway for the Development of Samoa (PDS) FY2026/27–FY2030/31 was launched, calling for shared delivery across government, communities and the private sector. Sports & Pacific ties: Pacific nations are pushing back on Commonwealth Games Rugby Sevens removal, saying it remains vital for player pathways and exposure.

District Councils Finance Clash: Samoa’s government says it’s separating itself from district councils’ banking overdrafts, insisting councils are separate legal entities even though funding comes from Treasury, after reports of requests for $300,000 overdraft facilities. Hospital Medicine Shortage: Samoa’s main hospital is rationing critical drugs, including metformin, amlodipine and children’s paracetamol, after a Fiji air-freight shipment covered only about half of needs; a SAT$12 million unpaid supplier bills backlog is blamed. Cybercrime Law Push: Pacific legal experts meeting in Fiji are finalising a regional handbook to strengthen cybercrime laws and defenses, with Samoa among participating countries. National Development Plan Launched: PM launched the Pathway for the Development of Samoa (FY2026/27–FY2030/31), a five-year roadmap focused on community empowerment, resilient growth, good governance and social justice, with public roadshows planned in Upolu and Savai‘i. Mental Health Milestone: A new private mental health clinic, Ahmadhina Health Centre, has opened in Samoa, described as a first in the Pacific for Positive and Transcultural Psychotherapy. Boxing & Community: Independent Boxing Samoa’s “Fight for Independence 64” drew big crowds and featured Samoan pro debuts, while musicians Faanana Jerome Grey and family donated ukuleles to Campus of Hope children.

National Development Plan: Samoa has launched its new five-year Pathway for the Development of Samoa (FY2026/27–FY2030/31), with a public roadshow planned for Upolu and Savai‘i this week, aiming for a “Highly Resilient, Inclusive, Safe and Prosperous Samoa” and stronger governance, social outcomes and resilience. Public Service Boost: 109 Government officials graduated from the USP Samoa Campus, supported by Australia’s Tautai Governance for Economic Growth Program to strengthen public sector capability and service delivery. Mental Health Access: A new Ahmadhina Health Centre has opened in Samoa as a first-of-its-kind psychotherapy clinic, offering Positive and Transcultural Psychotherapy and focusing on culturally grounded care for families and young people. District Funding Pressure: The government has asked Samoa’s four commercial banks for overdraft facilities to help District Councils cover the remaining 30% of $1.8m District Development funds, drawing questions about spending. Sports—Marist Sevens: Tepatasi won back-to-back Marist International 7s titles, beating Yaro Chiefs 10-5 in a hard-fought grand final at Apia Park. Independence Celebrations: Independent Boxing Samoa’s “Fight for Independence 64” delivered standout pro debuts, while Triathlon Samoa held a 21km Independence Day Relay with 12 teams. Agribusiness Innovation: Samoa’s Agri-Innovate Competition 2026 finale highlighted EU/FAO-backed support for agrifood entrepreneurs, with winners celebrated in Apia.

Public Service Boost: 109 Government of Samoa officials graduated at USP Samoa, backed by Australia’s Tautai Governance for Economic Growth Program to strengthen public sector skills and service delivery. Fuel Calm Down: Samoa’s Ministry of Finance says there is NO fuel shortage, with reserves covering 50 days diesel, 56 days petrol and 82 days kerosene/Jet Fuel, after global supply worries sparked an amber-alert scare. Mental Health Milestone: A new Ahmadhina Health Centre opened in Samoa as a first-of-its-kind psychotherapy clinic using Positive and Transcultural Psychotherapy, aiming to improve access for families and young people. Agribusiness Innovation: Samoa’s Agri-Innovate Competition 2026 finale in Apia celebrated agrifood entrepreneurs under the EU/FAO STODAS project, supporting MSMEs and innovation across the region. Sports—Marist Sevens: Tepatasi won back-to-back Marist International 7s titles, beating Yaro Chiefs 10-5 in the final at Apia Park. Independence in Motion: Triathlon Samoa held a 21km Independence Day Relay with 12 teams, as Samoa marked 64 years of independence celebrations. Health—Heart Surgery Return: A woman in Fiji successfully recovered after urgent mechanical mitral valve replacement for rheumatic heart disease.

OFC U19 Football: Papua New Guinea moved one win from the OFC U19 Men’s Championship spot after David Tita’s hat-trick powered a 4-0 opening win over Tonga in Rarotonga. Mental Health in Samoa: A new Ahmadhina Health Centre has opened, described as the first Pacific clinic focused on Positive and Transcultural Psychotherapy, aiming to tackle suicide and limited access to care. Sports & Community: Triathlon Samoa marked Independence Day with a 21km relay drawing 12 teams, while Marist Sevens finals are set at Apia Park with Tepatasi vs Yaro Chiefs (and a women’s Fiji vs Samoa final). Fuel Update: Samoa’s Ministry of Finance says there is no fuel shortage and reserves remain comfortable, urging calm amid amber-alert talk. Independence & Culture: Samoan Language Week wrapped with community events in Auckland, including Manurewa Library celebrations. Health Story: A woman returned home after successful heart surgery in Fiji, following urgent treatment for rheumatic heart disease. Business/Finance: Government asked Samoa’s four commercial banks to help fund overdraft facilities for district councils.

Fuel Update: Samoa’s Ministry of Finance says there is NO fuel shortage, with reserves covering 50 days diesel, 56 days petrol and 82 days kerosene/jet fuel after a tanker arrival on 1 June, while more shipments are due in July to September. Local Politics: Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson marked the end of Samoan Language Week at Manurewa Library, backing Pacific languages through community spaces. Culture & Language: Oamaru Pacific Island Trust ran family activities for Samoan Language Week, from legends and proverbs to screen-printing patterns, coconut scraping and traditional food. Sports (Sevens): At Apia Park, Tepatasi set up the Vailima International Marist Sevens final against Yaro Chiefs after wins in the men’s semis; a women’s final also follows. Independence Sport: Triathlon Samoa’s 21km Independence Day Relay drew 12 teams, with prizes supported by a $14,000 government grant. Health & Science: The “Samoan Scientist” is launching a podcast to bring diabetes research into Pacific homes in plain, practical language. Business/Community: Australia’s Governor-General Sam Mostyn thanked Samoa for hospitality during Independence celebrations and the opening of the new Legislative Assembly building.

Fuel Watch: Samoa has been put on amber alert over possible fuel disruption, but the Ministry of Finance says there is no fuel shortage and reserves remain comfortable (about 50 days diesel, 56 petrol, 82 kerosene/jet fuel), with more tanker arrivals scheduled. Local Politics: Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson marked the end of Sāmoan Language Week at Manurewa Library, stressing libraries as spaces that help others understand Samoan language and culture. Sport (Sevens): Tepatasi will face Yaro Chiefs in the Vailima International Marist Sevens final at Apia Park after wins in the semis; women’s final also set for later tonight. Culture & Community: Triathlon Samoa held a 21km Independence Day Relay with 12 teams, celebrating the 64th Independence Day with prizes and a community-first vibe. Justice (NZ): Former funeral director Nicholas Bakulich was sentenced in Auckland over misconduct involving the remains of a Samoan matai, with the court calling his conduct dishonest. Aviation & Arts: Air New Zealand crew member and Samoan singer Puni performed for passengers at Auckland Airport, sharing music in gagana Samoa and planning new releases.

Fuel Watch: Samoa’s Ministry of Finance says there is NO fuel shortage, with reserves covering 50 days diesel, 56 days petrol, 82 days kerosene/jet fuel after a tanker arrived 1 June, while more shipments are planned for July to September. Local Politics: MP Leatinuu questions the amber alert move, urging action on fuel costs instead of conservation steps like power shedding and remote learning. Sports—Boxing: Fiji’s Boxing Commission warns heavyweight Sainivalati Ratu after he fought in Samoa without clearance, with penalties possible under the Boxing Act. Olympics—Boxing Qualifier: Samoa’s Poutoa and Ioapo both lose opening bouts in Amman and are out of Olympic contention, while Ah Tong and Plodzicki-Faoagali remain in their divisions. Rugby—Manu & Pasifika: Former All Black Sa’u says he won’t block Manu opportunities “for now,” and Manu Samoa management addresses squad concerns amid the Lakapi Samoa controversy. Business & Tourism: Marriott appoints John Douglas as Area General Manager for the Pacific Islands, with oversight across Fiji, Samoa and beyond.

Fuel Crisis Watch: Samoa has been moved to an amber alert over fuel supplies, meaning power shedding and schools shifting to remote learning could begin, even as officials say reserves are still stable. Fuel Costs Debate: MP Leatinuu Wayne Sooialo questioned the amber alert and urged the government to cut the fuel levy and subsidise bus fares to ease pressure on households. Health & Culture: A Samoan scientist, Amy Maslen-Miller (“the Sāmoan Scientist”), is launching a podcast to bring diabetes research into Pacific homes using a traditional food and culture lens. Sports—Olympic Boxing: Samoa’s Poutoa and Ioapo were knocked out of the Olympic boxing qualifier in Amman, with two other Samoans still in contention. Rugby—Moana Pasifika: A decision on Moana Pasifika’s future is expected within weeks as Samoa and Tonga-led talks shape a rescue plan after liquidation and reported debts. Language Week—Kids Media: Malamalama Moni Aoga Amata launched four new bilingual Samoan children’s music videos during Samoa Language Week 2026. Business & Travel: Marriott appointed John Douglas as Area General Manager for the Pacific Islands, with oversight across Fiji, Samoa and beyond.

Fuel Crisis Watch: Samoa has been placed on an amber alert over the global fuel situation, with the Disaster Advisory Committee saying the move is precautionary even though reserves are currently stable; amber means less than 30 days of fuel and triggers power shedding and shorter school weeks with remote learning. Regional Energy Pressure: UNCTAD warns oil-price spikes tied to Strait of Hormuz tensions could cost vulnerable economies an extra US$20.4b a year, with Pacific island states among those most exposed. Manu Samoa Nations Cup: Manu Samoa has named a 32-player squad for the 2026 Nations Cup in Chile and Uruguay, including three on-island players, with Samoa opening against Hong Kong China on July 5. Moana Pasifika Future: A decision on Moana Pasifika’s next chapter could come within weeks as Samoa and Tonga-led discussions aim to save the franchise. Court Update: The Supreme Court has dismissed Associate Minister Peseta Vaifou Tevaga’s civil claim over a nonu company dispute, ordering the company’s management back to named parties. Sports Development: Tag rugby preparations got a boost with two experienced Oztag mentors running clinics in Samoa ahead of the Tag World Cup.

Power crisis watch: Samoa has been placed on an amber alert, with Samoa Electric Power Corporation set to begin power shedding and schools moving to remote learning as fuel reserves drop below 30 days. Pacific energy costs: UNCTAD warns oil-price spikes tied to Strait of Hormuz tensions could add about US$20.4b a year to vulnerable countries’ fuel import bills, hitting least developed and small island states hardest. Moana Pasifika future: A Samoa-and-Tonga-led rescue plan for Moana Pasifika is expected to reach a decision within weeks as liquidation pressures mount and the licence could shift to Pacific hands. Manu Samoa Nations Cup squad: Manu Samoa named a 32-player squad for July’s Nations Cup in Chile and Uruguay, including three on-island players and several overseas-based campaigners; skipper Theodore McFarland is unavailable. Tag rugby boost: Two experienced Oztag mentors arrived in Samoa to run clinics ahead of the Tag World Cup in October. Sports leadership note: Samoa head coach Ben Gardiner has reportedly turned down Hull KR’s coaching interest, choosing to stay with Perth Bears. Local governance & culture: FAO-backed forestry training in Fiji has helped Samoa Forestry officers build climate-resilient teak and pine production skills. Scam alert: ANZ Samoa warns customers about fake bank advertisements and urges people not to share passwords or one-time passcodes.

Manu Samoa Nations Cup: Samoa have named their first 2026 squad for the July tournament, with Taunu’u Niulevaea and Warren Solomona earning call-ups after strong sevens form, plus Japan-based Peter Umaga-Jensen and Hurricanes halfback Ereatara Enari among the experienced campaigners. Moana Pasifika boost: Captain Miracle Fai’ilagi is also selected for Manu Samoa, alongside four other Moana Pasifika players, as Samoa build toward the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Pacific Mini Games: Team Samoa took part in the opening ceremony in Vanuatu as athletes from 24 countries and territories compete across 14 sports over the next 12 days. Manusina’s momentum: Samoa’s women’s Manusina side thrashed PNG’s Cassowaries 83-0 and now lead the Oceania Rugby Women’s Championship, setting up a big title push. Samoa finance probe: Samoa’s Central Bank has ordered more account freezes tied to a gang-related murder investigation in Vietnam, with police and the Transnational Crime Unit requesting the action. Fuel and scams: ANZ Samoa warns customers about fake bank ads and urges vigilance as households face renewed pressure from fuel prices.

Moana Pasifika future on the line: New Zealand’s Winston Peters says officials have been told to urgently explore options to keep the franchise alive after it was placed into liquidation, with a “D-Day” timeline for decisions and a need for players, coaches and sponsors locked in fast. Pacific rugby voices push back: Tonga and Cook Islands rugby leaders back the Kanaloa bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing Pacific rugby’s next chapter must be shaped by Pacific unions. Samoa Independence celebrations: Police and Fire’s Malu o Samoa won the final Independence fautasi race, while 33 recipients received honours for service across sport, government and community. Education update: Samoa’s Ministry of Education says national exam results will be released on 18 January, with recounts due by 22 January. Money laundering freeze: Samoa’s central bank ordered banks to freeze accounts of three more individuals linked to an ongoing transnational investigation. Scam warning: ANZ Samoa urges customers to watch for fake bank ads and says it will never ask for passwords or one-time passcodes via social media. Sports spotlight: Manusina crushed PNG Cassowaries 83-0 and named a 27-player squad for an upcoming Tri-Series in Fiji.

Regional diplomacy: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters met Samoa’s PM La’aulialemalietoa and Tonga’s PM Lord Fakafanua in Apia, pushing shared Polynesian priorities on climate, security, migration, and language and culture. Independence honours: Samoa marked its 64th Independence Anniversary by awarding 33 people with national honours, recognising service across government, churches, sports, community development, education and national duty. Sports—Sevens and basketball: Marist’s International Sevens is expanding with a women’s tournament alongside the men’s, while Samoa’s basketball teams returned from the FIBA Oceania U15 Championships with dual bronze medals and praise for a growing pathway. Community sport—fautasi: The Ministry of Police and Fire & Emergency Services crew, Malu o Samoa, won the Foe Sipuni race to cap Independence Day celebrations. Public safety—scams: ANZ Samoa warned customers about fake ANZ advertisements and urged people not to share passwords, card details or one-time passcodes via social media or unsolicited messages. Fuel pressure: Samoa’s fuel costs remain among the highest relative to minimum wage, with new increases linked to global refined product prices. Moana Pasifika future: Peters says officials have been told to urgently talk with NZ Rugby to explore options for a financially sustainable future for Moana Pasifika.

Moana Pasifika Rescue Talks: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters says officials have been told to urgently explore options to keep the Super Rugby franchise alive after it was placed into liquidation, with talks starting with New Zealand Rugby and other stakeholders. Rugby Futures Backed by Pacific Unions: Tonga and Cook Islands leaders backed the Kanaloa consortium bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing Pacific rugby’s future should be shaped by Pacific voices. Digital Health Boost: Australia delivered $450,000 (AU$260,000) in ICT equipment to support Samoa’s e-Health project, adding to about $7.5m invested since 2021. Plastic Pressure on Coca-Cola: Samoan community leaders and environmentalists protested at CCEP’s London AGM, urging a return to reusable bottles after concerns about rising single-use plastic waste. Samoa Independence Milestones: Samoa marked 64 years of independence, including the opening of the new Samoan Parliamentary Precinct funded by Australia. Fuel Costs Bite: Samoa’s kerosene, petrol and diesel prices are rising again, linked to ongoing impacts from the Middle East conflict.

Moana Pasifika Rescue Talks: New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters says he has instructed officials to begin talks with New Zealand Rugby and other stakeholders to secure the Super Rugby franchise’s future after liquidation steps, with the club ending its season on a 21-19 win over the Brumbies. Independence Day Diplomacy: Peters met Samoa PM La’aulialemalietoa Schmidt and Tonga PM Lord Fakafanua during Independence Day commemorations, while leaders from India and the UAE also sent greetings to Samoa’s Head of State. Youth, Drugs and “Good Name” Concerns: Samoa’s PM Laaulialemalietoa Schmidt says youth are being “used” by international drug rings after two alleged Apia hitmen confessed to a Vietnam killing, warning police graduates against corruption. Drug Raids Update: Samoa’s acting police commissioner says 20 drug raids were carried out in the first five months, with 55 charged. Fuel Pressure in the Region: Diesel and petrol prices are rising in Samoa, and the Cook Islands’ Penrhyn Island has rationed power and borrowed diesel after its supply ran out. Fisheries Careers Close to Home: A Salesatele-born fisheries officer is representing Samoa in Operation Tui Moana 2026, linking village life and ocean protection. Regional Media Focus: PNG hosts the Pacific Media Partnership Conference on building resilient Pacific journalism amid misinformation and digital disruption. Sports—Samoa in the Spotlight: Storm fullback Sua Faalogo eyes a Samoa return for the Rugby League World Cup after a breakout NRL run; Samoan sailor Vaimo’oi’a Ripley wins top female honours at the Oceania Championships in Tahiti.