Letter to the Editor
Request for information under the Official Information Act 1982
14 May 2026
To the Official Information Act teams of:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
New Zealand Defence Force
Cc: The Treasury
Kia ora rangatira,
Pursuant to the Official Information Act 1982, I request copies of all documents, correspondence, briefings, aide-memoires, Cabinet papers, legal advice summaries, diplomatic communications, emails, memoranda, payment approvals, and agreements relating to the SAT$10 million compensation payment made by the New Zealand Government to the Government of Samoa following the sinking of HMNZS Manawanui off the Safata coast.
In particular, I am seeking any records showing whether promises, undertakings, conditions, or assurances were made by the Government of Samoa about how the money would be spent or distributed once received from the New Zealand Government.
This request includes, but is not limited to:
- Communications between MFAT, NZDF, Ministers, Cabinet, Treasury, and the Government of Samoa;
- Any formal request made by Samoa for compensation;
- Any agreements, undertakings, releases, or acknowledgements relating to liability or future claims;
- Documents concerning the administration, transfer, monitoring, or intended use of the funds;
- Environmental, reef, or community impact assessments connected to the payment;
- Any records concerning consultation with affected Safata villages or communities;
- Any legal advice or legal summaries concerning New Zealand’s liability exposure arising from the sinking.
I request that the information be provided in electronic form where possible, within the timeframes required under the Official Information Act 1982.
Sala Pulotu Canda Tanoa’i Alofa-McCarthy
CTV Media
NZ/Australia
