Samoa

RNZ reports the Nobesity programme is into its second year and is among privately-run initiatives linking up to fight an epidemic of flab and lifestyle diseases in the country.

At an open air gym on the outskirts of the Samoan capital Apia, a "Super Hero" has a bunch of children in the palm of his hand.

That's what they call the volunteers with Nobesity, a programme that turns exercise into a game and teaches fun facts about food as an antidote to some worrying statistics.

Jeremiah Esera was killed when he chased a ball into the street in the 2800 block of 35th Avenue at Penniman Avenue and was hit by an AC Transit bus, police were quoted by local media as saying.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

A person very close to the family of the deceased who wished not to be named said the boy’s mother is from Kolomotu’a in Tonga but his father is Samoan.

Oakland’s East Bay Times reported that a relative said Jeremiah, his mother and his siblings were visiting another relative at a residence on 35th Avenue when the tragedy occurred.

“The first case is the alleged theft of multiple items from a popular hotel in the town area. The management of Sheraton Aggie Greys in Vaisigano reported to police of one of their employees stealing food items and four small fridges from the hotel by one of their staff members,” said Police spokesperson Su’a Muliaga Tiumalu.

Su’a says the total cost of items stolen have not been determined, the mini-fridges however cost AUD$189 each.

Police have remanded the suspect in custody until an appearance in court.

Police spokesperson Sua Le Mamea Tiumalu says the Police have released the body for burial but some matters remain unresolved.

“Right now we don’t have anyone locally who can determine which gun fired the bullets that took the life of the victim and to bring in an expert from overseas costs a lot of money,” said Su’a.

“We have students who are studying this area of police investigations in ballistics, but they are not in a position to stand in court as a witness so we are short on the proper staff we need,” he added.

It's the third group of experts to visit this year under the Japanese International Corporation Agency (JICA).

Experts will conduct surveys and create pipeline network maps.

Photo file: JICA project in Samoa 

RNZ reports the practice sees people contribute money to large occasions such as funerals, weddings and significant birthdays.

University of Auckland Pacific studies student Robyn Lesatale surveyed more than 400 Auckland Samoan students about the practice.

Ms Lesatale says most took a lot of pride in fa'alavelave.

“It’s part of our culture, part of our identity the love and respect we get from our parents, it’s an obligation that encourages a sense of community and reciprocity.”

 Tietjens stepped down as All Blacks Sevens coach after the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

The Kenya Rugby chairman Richard Omwela is reported to have contacted Tietjens, but is yet to discuss with him the possibility of taking over as head coach.

Omwela told Kenya's Daily Nation newspaper, "We have had initial contacts with him (Tietjens) and he said he is available, but he has said before that he doesn't want a full time job after retirement…he only wants to do consultancy."

RNZ reports the three year jail sentence for Nicolas Gianno and 15 months for Rosita Stanfield has been upheld with the court dismissing an appeal against conviction by the defendants.

Both had been jointly charged with obtaining money by deception.

The pair arrived in Samoa in May last year and started an investment scheme.

Six people, including some prominent business operators, had given them money on a promise of a 1000 percent gain on their investments.

RNZ reports residents of Palauli and other villages in the western part of Savai'i experienced the hail on Friday night.

Callers to local radio reported that the storm preceded lightning flashes, which went on for more than 15 to 20 minutes.

Photo file

RNZ reports applications closed on Friday to replace Damian McGrath, who was sacked following Samoa's failure to qualify for the Rio Olympics.

Tomokino coached the Samoa Under 20s team to victory at the Junior World Trophy this year.

He's also in charge of the Manusina sevens and fifteens teams, and was recently appointed Manu Samoa team manager.

"I came close last year when Damian got that appointment so I just thought it would be an opportune time to have a go at it again and see what happens."