Samoa visit

A statement from the British High Commission in Samoa said instead Cleverly will travel to the UK via New Zealand at the earliest opportunity in order to stay on top of the situation.

Cleverly said, "I'm hugely disappointed not to make it to Samoa on this occasion and it is with massive regret this decision has been taken.

"Samoa, and the Pacific nations more widely, are important friends to the U.K. and it is frustrating to get so close but to not quite make it.

“New Zealand has been working closely with the Government of Samoa and offering our assistance from the early stages of the outbreak. New Zealand has deep sympathy for the situation in Samoa and we are committed to supporting their response to this crisis,” Mr Peters said.

Crown Prince Haakon will visit Samoa for two days as the final stop on his tour to the Pacific, after spending time in Tonga and Fiji.

The regional visit aims to strengthen Norway’s partnership with Pacific island states, with a view to promoting common interests in the United Nations and in areas of international cooperation, like the oceans and climate change as well as peace and security.

“The visit will be an opportunity to reaffirm the special relationship that exists between our countries and will include a celebration of 55 years of our Treaty of Friendship,” Mr English says.

“I am looking forward to meeting Prime Minister Tuilaepa and discussing a wide range of political and economic issues including the Pacific Islands Forum, which Samoa will host in September. Samoa is an important bilateral partner for New Zealand and we greatly value its leadership in the region.”

RNZ reports the New Zealand-born Samoan with two chiefly matai titles arrived in Samoa over the weekend for a four-day visit to thank the government and people for their support.

The Samoan government helped sponsor Parker's championship bout with Andy Ruiz this month.

People from the villages of Leauvaa and Faleula were the first to welcome Parker, lining the road with flags and banners to welcome him to the islands.

Parker said it is great to be in Samoa and he appreciates the backing he receives there.

RNZ reports Ms Kaye said the ever present risk of natural hazards is something that both New Zealand and Samoa understand very well and the risk is part and parcel of living in the Pacific.

She said New Zealand and Samoa have a long and close relationship, and sharing expertise and experience on managing hazards and responding to disasters plays a central part in the relationship.

The minister is scheduled to meet the Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi and other senior government ministers and officials.