7th April 2026
Concerns Regarding Deployment of New Zealand Police Resources to Samoa
Hon Minister Mark Mitchell
Kia ora Sir
On behalf of thousands of Samoans in Samoa, New Zealand and throughout the diaspora, I write to you in my capacity as a media personality based in Auckland and listened to by thousands internationally.
On behalf of the masses, I express concern regarding the reported deployment of New Zealand Police officers to Samoa to investigate a historic hit-and-run, death of a young male named Tu’au Fa’asavalu that occurred approximately five years ago.
While I acknowledge the importance of international cooperation in law enforcement and the value of supporting Pacific partners, this particular deployment raises serious questions about prioritisation, cost, and the potential politicisation of policing decisions.
It is understood that this investigation falls within the operational remit of Samoa Police. However, recent public commentary and announcement made by the Samoan Prime Minister, La’auli Leuatea Schmidt risks creating the perception that what should be an independent policing matter is being turned into a political issue. Such a perception is extremely concerning, particularly given the longstanding principle that policing decisions should remain free from political influence for fear of corruption.
Such is the ever-increasing lack of trust and confidence of the Samoan citizens of their own Police arising from, amongst other things, being ministerially taken over by the current Prime Minster making himself the Minister of Police at a time he was facing serious criminal charges, makes these concerns and worries particularly poignant.
In that the PM has recently been exonerated by the courts, serious questions are still being asked by the masses including political commentators and criminal justice experts as to the process of how such a verdict could have been reached against the preponderance of evidence put forward by the prosecution under the watch of the former Police Commissioner, ‘Auapa’au Logo’itino Filipo.
Moreover, it is noted by the people of Samoa and abroad that since the Police has come under the political oversight of the PM, there have been some highly questionable prosecutions of his political rivals and enemies and banning several media outlets from government press releases. This is despite his public proclamations in front of Prime Minister Christopher Luxton in a recent joint press release in Samoa.
It is also noted that the appointment of a new Attorney-General, reportedly without adherence to established constitutional process, and the same lawyer who represented him in the criminal trial, has effectively foreclosed any realistic prospect of appeal.
Against this backdrop, the involvement of New Zealand Police in this matter may be perceived, as politically motivated or selective which may be harmful to its reputation.
Equally significant is the cost to New Zealand taxpayers. Deploying police personnel offshore for an extended investigation will inevitably involve substantial expenditure, including travel, accommodation, and operational costs. This comes at a time when many New Zealanders are facing acute financial pressure due to the rising cost of living and unprecedented increases in fuel prices. It is therefore reasonable for the public to expect that such expenditure is both necessary and proportionate. It is our respectful view that it is neither.
In light of the above, I respectfully request clarification and disclosure of the following:
- The legal and operational basis upon which New Zealand Police have agreed to this deployment.
- The estimated total cost of the deployment and how this will be funded.
- What assessment has been made to ensure that New Zealand policing priorities are not adversely affected.
- What safeguards are in place to ensure that New Zealand Police involvement remains strictly operational and free from any perception of political influence as we have now seen with how the Samoan Police Commissioner is being operationally directed by the PM.
Transparency on these matters is essential to maintaining public confidence in both the independence of policing and the prudent use of public funds.
This request is made pursuant to the OIA 1982 and other common law conventions already promulgated to support these types of correspondence.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response.
Yours sincerely,
Sala Pulotu Canada Alofa McCarthy
CTV Media (NZ and Australia)
