Samoa

Real Tonga Airlines plans to use one of its 34-seater planes from the northern island of Vava'u - which is closer to Samoa than Tonga's main islands.

RNZ reports while in Samoa, Real Tonga's general manager commercial, Tele Faletau, met with representatives of Polynesian Airlines about a possible codeshare.

Mr Faletau said a link between Samoa and Tonga has been needed for a long time.

With US$800,000 ($1.2 million NZ) funding from the New Zealand government, Habitat for Humanity is building homes and teaching low-income families how to budget, according to RNZI.

Habitat for Humanity's Jamila Homayun said she was struck by one new homeowner who said she could finally feel safe in her own home because she could lock the door.

Ms Homayun said it also growing resilience by helping people to organise their finances.

Brown is the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Samoa.

In his welcoming address, the Head of State said the two countries and people well before formal diplomatic relations were established in 1971.

"The establishment of the Peace Corps Programme in Samoa since 1967 is one important example of this mutually beneficial partnership. I take this opportunity to acknowledge the invaluable service of Peace Corps Volunteers in Samoa and their crucial contribution to the development of our people and country for the past fifty years."

Catalin Razvan Veverita, who was arrested last month, was in court, but the matter was adjourned for a change of attorney for the defendant.

RNZI reports the Attorney General's office is also still finalising charges.

The Presiding District Judge Alalatoa Rosella Viane Papali'i said the matter would be adjourned on Tuesday.

Last month, the Police Commissioner Su'a Fuiavailili Egon Keil warned the public about the increase in these types of crimes in the region.

He advised people to check their bank accounts to make sure no money was taken out illegally.

The ban came after news of an unidentified disease affecting taro in some areas of the Samoan island of Upolu.

Tests have been ordered and samples sent to Germany.

RNZI reports the American Samoan Director of Agriculture Filifaatali Mike Fuiava said the ban will be in place until the test results are received.

Last month, Samoa's Agriculture Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leauatea Polataivao Fosi pointed out that taro from Samoa was still accepted in the United States, New Zealand, Australia and other parts of the world, proving that Samoa taro was good enough.

The Minister of Agriculture Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi recently returned from New Zealand where he launched frozen taro from Samoa.

“The container of mixed frozen produced shipped to New Zealand sold like hot cupcakes,” said the Minister.

“And they want more.”

To that effect, the Minister has tasked the Nu’u Crops Division in charge of the frozen export drive for all systems go.

Laaulialemalietoa says that with the new export outlet secured, regular shipments will be made to New Zealand.

Tuitama says recent studies have shown that between 60 to 80 % of deaths are attributed to NCDs.

“The top 10 countries with the highest rates of overweight and obesity as well as diabetes are mostly from the Pacific region,” he told a UN forum on Economic and Social Affairs in New York.

“A critical factor in health for Samoa and our Pacific neighbors is the double burden of diseases caused by NCDs and communicable diseases, including emerging and re-emerging diseases.”

Tuitama also highlighted concerns about the impact of climate change on health.

ELife Samoa Wild Turmeric will launch a new coconut water and turmeric hydration drink with added spice called E-Niu along with their new ELife Samoa Wild Turmeric Paste.

It’s an exciting step for ELife owners, Etu and Elena Tusitala.

Although they have exhibited at other shows, this is the first time they will be at PTI NZ’s Pacific Hub at the Auckland Food Show this week.  It’s a great opportunity that Mr Tusitala wants to make the most of.  He even plans to call on some good friends to come help him promote.

Chaired by retired Supreme Court Judge Lesatele Rapi Vaai, the commission has recommended for Assistant Police Commissioner Samoa Mulinu’u’s services in the force to be terminated.

The Commission also found Inspector Luatimu Samau guilty of misconduct and even though he has resigned, the Commission found sufficient evidence for Inspector Samau’s services to be terminated.

And the Commission’s recommendation is commendable.

Under the proposed partnership, Fiji Airways will provide initial support to Samoa Airways to help launch its international services to and from Apia to Auckland and Sydney through the use of its established infrastructure in sales, commercial, operations and maintenance.

“We are happy to play a support role to help reboot Samoa’s international airline following the Samoan Government’s decision to end its partnership with Virgin Australia”, said Fiji Airways’ Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Andre Viljoen.