New Zealand’s Police Commissioner Richard Chambers is in Samoa this week on a three-day official visit aimed at reinforcing bilateral police cooperation.
Commissioner Chambers, who was appointed in November 2024, was welcomed at Faleolo International Airport on Tuesday, 30 April 2025, by Deputy Commissioner Lafaietele Herbert Aati. He was also formally received by Samoa’s Minister of Police, Prisons and Corrections, Hon. Faualo Harry Jeffrey Schuster, on Wednesday morning.
The official visit began with a Guard of Honour at the newly established Samoa Police Academy in Tafaigata, followed by a traditional ‘ava ceremony. The Samoa Police, Prisons & Corrections Services (SPPCS) said the visit highlights the shared respect for cultural protocols and a commitment to deeper collaboration.
Speaking to Savali, Minister Faualo said the meeting focused on areas where New Zealand could continue to support Samoa, including efforts to establish the Police Academy as a regional training hub for the Pacific.
Discussions also covered the continued secondment of New Zealand officers to Samoa and opportunities for Samoan officers to train in New Zealand. Australia’s Federal Police is also contributing support in these areas.
Faualo confirmed the talks also touched on preparations for Samoa’s hosting of the Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police (PICP) Ministers Meeting in August, as well as the upcoming Pacific Commissioners’ Meeting scheduled for New Zealand later this year.
Commissioner Chambers is expected to visit other divisions within the ministry before concluding his visit and returning to New Zealand on Thursday.
