27 October 2026.
The Right Honourable Christopher Luxon
Prime Minister of New Zealand
Parliament Buildings
Wellington 6011
Kia ora Prime Minister
Re: Serious concerns about governance, media freedom and New Zealand’s relationship with Samoa
On behalf of thousands of Samoans in Aotearoa/New Zealand and the international diaspora, I write to express our deep concern about the conduct of Samoa’s Prime Minister, La’auli Leuatea Schmidt, and the implications of his leadership for democracy, freedom of expression and the relationship between Samoa and New Zealand.
The friendship between our two countries is long-standing and deeply personal to many of us. Samoan people in New Zealand maintain close ties with their families, villages and communities in Samoa. We therefore cannot remain silent when we see conduct that, in our view, threatens the democratic principles and freedoms that our people are entitled to expect.
During your previous visit to Samoa, Prime Minister La’auli Schmidt bestowed a matai title upon you. We understand that members of the family who assert customary authority over the title dispute his authority to confer it and have taken the matter to the courts. That in itself is culturally offensive and raises a serious question about the respect shown to those with customary interests in the title and to the integrity of fa’a Samoa or Samoan culture.
We do not suggest that you knowingly became involved in that dispute. We do, however, ask that your government treat the concerns of the families involved with the seriousness and respect they deserve. A matai title carries cultural responsibilities and significance; it should not be used for political or diplomatic purposes without proper regard to those entitled to speak for it. The court process must be allowed to take its course.
We are equally troubled by the treatment of Samoa’s independent media. The exclusion of the Samoa Observer from government press conferences and events because its reporting has displeased the Prime Minister is deeply disturbing. A government does not strengthen democracy by shutting out journalists who ask difficult questions. It weakens public accountability and sends a message that access depends on favourable coverage.
Prime Minister La’auli appears willing to present one image of his leadership to international visitors while showing little tolerance for independent scrutiny at home. There is a growing perception that media outlets sympathetic to his FAST party are favoured, while critical voices are marginalised. Whether or not his government agrees with the Samoa Observer, the public has a right to expect its leaders to answer questions from a free and independent press.
In our view, these restrictions raise serious concerns about freedom of expression, equal treatment and the constitutional principles that underpin Samoa’s democracy. They are biased and prejudicial in their effect, and they have no place in a healthy democracy. We are concerned, too, that some people in Samoa now feel fearful about speaking openly or challenging those in power. Such concerns should never be dismissed as merely a domestic inconvenience or a matter of political disagreement.
As a close friend and partner of Samoa, New Zealand should not remain silent when these concerns are brought to its attention. Friendship does not mean overlooking conduct that undermines the rights and confidence of the Samoan people. It means being prepared to speak honestly and respectfully when fundamental democratic values are at stake.
We are also concerned by the recent public disagreement over discussions concerning the Treaty of Friendship between New Zealand and Samoa. Prime Minister La’auli has reportedly suggested that you wished to proceed with discussions and that he declined, while you have publicly denied seeking such discussions. We recognise that there may be differing accounts of what was said. Nevertheless, the manner in which the matter has been presented publicly has caused concern, and many of us found the reported tone disrespectful to you and to the office of Prime Minister of New Zealand.
This follows the earlier claim that you or your representatives had requested a matai title—a claim Prime Minister La’auli subsequently withdrew. Taken together, these incidents raise questions about the reliability and respect with which important matters between our two countries are being presented to the public.
Prime Minister, New Zealand and Australia have important roles as partners in the security and stability of the Pacific. With those roles comes a responsibility to take seriously signs of declining media freedom and public confidence in democratic institutions. We ask your government to engage with Samoa’s leaders candidly, while respecting Samoa’s sovereignty and the independence of its courts.
We are now investigating a formal proposal asking the New Zealand Government to suspend funding to the Samoan Government and intend to raise similar concerns with the Australian Government. New Zealand taxpayers should not be expected to support arrangements that may enable or shield a government from accountability.
Before any decision is made, we ask that your government review where New Zealand funding goes, what safeguards are in place, and whether assistance could be redirected or made subject to stronger conditions that promote transparency, independent oversight and respect for democratic freedoms. Any action should be carefully designed to protect ordinary Samoan people, including those who depend on essential services and community programmes.
We therefore ask you to:
- Raise the restrictions on the Samoa Observer and the broader issue of media freedom directly with Prime Minister La’auli and call for independent journalists to have fair access to government press conferences and events.
- Confirm what steps New Zealand is taking to assess and respond to concerns about freedom of expression, public accountability and democratic governance in Samoa.
- Ensure that New Zealand officials respect the court process concerning the matai title and engage appropriately with the families who have raised concerns.
- Review New Zealand funding to Samoa, including its safeguards and the options for suspension, conditions or redirection where concerns about accountability warrant it.
- Provide a clear public account of your government’s position on the Treaty of Friendship discussions and how New Zealand intends to address the conflicting public statements.
- Meet with representatives of the Samoan community in New Zealand who wish to express their concerns and contribute to a constructive response.
We raise these matters out of respect and concern for Samoa and its people. We do not wish to see the friendship between our countries damaged. But neither should that friendship be used as a reason to avoid difficult conversations or ignore conduct that causes Samoans to fear speaking freely.
We ask for a substantive written response addressing each of the matters above. The Samoan people deserve leaders who welcome accountability, and New Zealanders deserve confidence that their government is prepared to stand for the democratic values it says it supports.
Ma lo’u ava ma le fa’aalolao lava
Mo tenei wa
Sincerely
Sala Pulotu Canada Alofa McCarthy
CTV Media New Zealand and Australia Inc
