Samoa

Virgin Australia mulling over next step in Samoa

In a statement, Virgin Australia confirmed the Virgin Samoa joint venture will not continue after the 12th of November this year.

Samoa's Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi said in his radio address that an extension of the joint venture licence would give Virgin Blue enough time to prepare to leave.

RNZI reports there are a few reasons for ending it, including re-establishing the national carrier, Polynesian Airlines.

Tuilaepa told the media on his radio programme about complaints of increase in fares and the airline’s services.

ATM scammers await sentencing

Zhong Shuiming and Yang Quigreen were found guilty by the District Court.

The court heard from Judge Fepuleai Ameperosa Roma that the men were initially charged with 16 charges.

There were 13 counts of theft and three counts of accessing the A.T.M machines without authority.

However, prior to the trial Zhong and Yang pleaded guilty to four charges. 

During the trial, two more theft charges were dismissed, leaving 10 other counts which were the subject of the trial.

The thefts from the ATMs occurred in 2016.

     

Samoa to bid for 2019 Pacific Games

However, the Prime Minister, Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, said on his weekly radio interview Fiji would also like to make a bid.

Tuila'epa said his country always stood ready to host international sporting events because of the capabilities and the quality of sporting facilities constructed for the 2007 Pacific Games.

In recent years Samoa had hosted the Oceania Weightlifting Championships, the Commonwealth Youth Games and the All Blacks test against Manu Samoa.

Costly Samoa choice 'what the people wanted'

Reverend Vavatau Taufao said it was the decision of the General Assembly which included members of the church in Samoa and abroad.

RNZI reports the Fale Iupeli church building was officially opened on Thursday after more than two years of delays due to financial difficulties.

The general secretary said criticism of the church spending too much on constructing church buildings rather than the welfare of the people was an important matter to be considered.

Samoa's Jubilee Church finally opens

The opening of the Jubilee Church at Malua saw hundreds of Samoa Congregational Christian Church members and special guests attended celebrations on Upolu.

After several years of construction and delays, the church opening began with formalities including the presentation of traditional gifts like expensive fine mats and monetary gifts.

Among the envelopes was close to US$400,000, or one million Samoan Tala, given from the church's women's council to mark the church opening.

RNZI reports about 1000 people attended the church service and feast to mark the occasion.

Travellers from Samoa land in Auckland suffering from food poisoning

Ambulance crews and airport emergency services were called to Auckland International Airport just before 5pm on Tuesday.

1 NEWS understands the passengers had been staying at the same resort in Apia.

An ambulance spokesman told 1 NEWS seven passengers were assessed for food poisoning.

They couldn't confirm the nationalities involved.

One patient was transferred to Middlemore Hospital in a moderate condition, and the remaining passengers did not require further treatment.

Labour mobility assistance programme launched in Samoa

The requirement which is effective immediately has been made possible under the Labour Mobility Assistance Programme, (LMAP) funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to support the 10 Pacific Island countries including Samoa that participate in Australia’s Seasonal Worker Programme.

The implementing agency on the local front is the Seasonal Employment Unit, (SEU) under the umbrella of the Ministry of Prime Minister and Cabinet.

NZ surgeons travel to Samoa on voluntary mission

The National Health Services General Manager, Palanitina Tupuimatagi Toelupe said 55 medical professionals, including surgeons, anaesthetists, technical and support staff gave up their own time and expertise to assist.

She said given Samoa has very limited resources and medical expertise in this area, the patients and staff were very grateful.

"Thirteen patients have successfully undergone heart surgeries in Samoa and are now in post-operative care," she said.

Samoa’s Turmeric drink popular at Auckland’s French Market

‘Samoa Wild Turmeric’ drink had a big boost after it sold out of product at its stand at La Cigale, the French Style Farmers Market in Parnell, Auckland.

Samoa Wild Turmeric drink is BioGro certified organic made in Samoa by ELife Company.  It is a family-owned business by Etu and his wife Elena Tusitala. The company was started back in 2013 after Mr Tusitala came up with a product to help customers with wellness and to try and help relieve minor health complaints.

Samoa investors fail to purchase French Polynesia resort

Radio1 reports the Manava Beach Resort and Spa was said to be bought by Frederick Grey but that the deal was ultimately sealed with China's HNA group.

HNA already owns two big resorts on Moorea and Bora Bora.

Samoa's Grey Investment Group also owns several large upmarket resorts in French Polynesia.