Samoa PM worried at prospect of NZ recruiting police

Samoan Prime Minister Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi is concerned at the possibility of his police officers being enticed to move to New Zealand.

He expressed grave concern at what might happen to the Samoa Police Service if its members were to take up an offer from New Zealand Police to work there.

The prime minister fears that police could sign up in large numbers leaving a depleted force in Samoa.

During last week's visit by New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern it was mentioned that the New Zealand Police were looking to recruit from the Pacific, including Samoa.

Tuila'epa said if a large number Samoan police move away the country will face a major problem.