Samoa

RNZ reports the Manu finished in ninth place last season, their first under new coach Damian McGrath.

The squad reached the quarter finals or better at four of ten tournaments, highlighted by victory in the penultimate round in Paris.

Captain Falemiga Selesele was named in the Series Dream Team while Phoenix Hunapo-Nofoa was nominated for Rookie of the Year.

But Damian McGrath said both players are unlikely to return.

Tualima appeared before Justice Lesatele Rapi Vaai for sentencing in the Supreme Court today.

“You are now 23 years old and already you have 20 charges already proven by court and the sentences will conclude in 2027,” said Justice Lesatele.

“And the sentence to be given by the court today will add more years to your already long term punishment and seclusion in prison,” he added.

For the crime of rape itself, Tualima has been sentenced to 18 years.

Cabinet confirmed the suspension saying it follows a Police investigation and review by an independent prosecutor of charges filed against her.

Mauga’s suspension is for an initial period of three months while her case undergoes standard judicial process.

In her absence, Muriel Lui will assume the responsibilities and duties of the Director of the National Prosecution Office.

The suspension of the Director of NPO is in line with standard procedures to ensure fair and independent review and resolution of her case.

The suspension with pay is for an initial period of three months, whilst charges filed against Fuiavailiili undergo standard judicial process, and is effective immediately. 

A Cabinet statement said the suspension is in line with standard procedures to ensure fair and independent review and resolution of his case.

The duties and responsibilities of the Commissioner of Police will be rotated every month amongst Assistant Commissioners - Afamasaga Michael Soonalole, Fauono Talalelei Tapu and Samoa Mulinuu Mulinuu, beginning with Afamasaga.

Dodson finished at 20.51s and was ranked 34 overall.

His best time for the 200m race is 20.07 which he clocked in 2011.

Dodson, 28, was born and bred in the United States said he is overwhelmed by the support he has received from the Samoan community.  

RNZ reports Samoa's Police Commissioner, Fuiavailili Egon Keil, has been served with four criminal charges over an unlawful arrest by the police of a man at the Fugalei market last year.

The Commissioner is facing one charge of unlawful detention, one of perjury, as well as one of providing false statements and disorderly conduct.

A senior lawyer and prosecutor of the National Prosecution office said the Police Commissioner is charged under the Ombudsman Act, Crimes Ordinance Act and the Police offences Act.

Police Commissioner Egon Keil has confirmed that police in the past two months have investigated a report of the alleged accident that involved three vehicles.

“Police can confirm that they have charged the Director of the National Prosecution Office. The decision to charge her is a result of a police investigation where the file was then reviewed by an independent prosecutor,” he stated.

Commissioner Keil said it was confirmed a few weeks back that charges are now likely and the matter was referred to a prosecutor for an independent review of the evidence.

RNZ reports the 28 year old was born and bred in the United States but said he had been overwhelmed by the support he's received from the Samoan community, and is hoping to repay that faith on the track.

"It's the biggest stage and there's no better way to make a big statement than at the biggest stage. Hopefully when I get down there some great expectations will come to fruition and it can come out of it a great experience in the end," he said.

The competition celebrates New Zealand and Samoan foods and it challenges the participating restaurants to make a new mix of New Zealand ordinary foods and spice them up with their own touch of Samoan style.

One of the competing restaurants ‘Palusami’ located at Vaitele described the experience as eye opening.

“I have never seen the challenge taken to a level like this. Everyone is just thinking outside the box here and I’ve seen the other entries and man you cannot believe the creativity given in to them,” said head chef Jesse Lee.

Hannah Simpson, 18, and Sophie Squires, 17, travelled to Samoa on July 2 as part of a New Zealand church programme, Word of Life. 

As part of the programme the pair took part in life courses and performed to audiences in schools, churches and a prison.

It was the first time the pair had ever travelled outside New Zealand. 

Hannah said although they were joined by 44 other people it was still a nerve-racking experience. 

"I am not an upfront person. It was difficult to perform in front of people."

She wasn't in it for the performances, she said.