Samoa church

The apology was made by the editor, Manu Asafo Maugatai, and former journalist, Kristin Toimoana Ofisa, for a front page story in October 2016 in the now defunct Samoa Today newspaper.

The article implicated the former General Secretary of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa, Reverend Dr Afereti Uili, who denied the allegations.

As a result of the article he was removed from the his position and relieved of his pastoral duties and roles.

The Samoa Observer reports the debate by youth groups was on whether fa'afine should become members of parliament has angered the public and especially the LGBT community.

The General Secretary of the Congregational Christian Church in Samoa, Reverend Vavatau Taufao, made the apology the day after the debate was broadcast on it's television station EFKSTV2.

He said the organisers good intentions were to develop the debate knowledge and skill of the youth involved.

All cases have been linked to the Samoan Assembly of God church in Mt Roskill.

RNZ reports an Auckland Regional Public Health service spokesperson said there was no evidence the disease had spread any further.

Typhoid cannot be spread by casual contact, such as hugging and kissing, the service said, but people were encouraged to wash their hands regularly and be careful with food preparation.

Photo Auckland City Hospital