Recent reports from the Government of Samoa’s official website and the Samoa Observer have shared news about the appointment of three new diplomatic posts in New Zealand. Hon. Fiame Naomi Mataafa, Prime Minister of the Independent State of Samoa, in conjunction with the Cabinet, announced these appointments on the 10th of February, 2023.
Afioga Afamasaga Fa’amatala Toleafoa has been assigned as Samoa High Commissioner in Wellington. He is no stranger to diplomacy, having served previously in Auckland (1984) and Belgium (1989-1997) as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Samoa. The new Consul General in Auckland is Hon. Afemata Palusalue Fa’apo II, a seasoned Samoan politician and former cabinet minister. Va’atuitui Apete Meredith has been chosen as the Trade Commissioner in Auckland.
A recent article from the Samoa Observer reports on Afemata Palusalue Faʻapo II’s official welcoming ceremony in New Zealand, where he took the opportunity to appeal to the Samoan community to put their political differences aside. This ceremony, known as an ava ceremony, was held by the New Zealand-based Samoan community at the Fale o Samoa in Mangere.
Faʻapo II spoke about the importance of unity in his new role and the role of his office, “This service is that of the government of Samoa’s for its people based here in New Zealand to serve them through usual services that are needed to make things easier… Everyone is equal and there is no biasness but we do call that we work together as I can’t achieve anything on my own as well as this office and the Trading Commissioner without your support.”
According to the Samoa Observer, Fa’apo II’s political career has been varied and eventful. He was first elected to Parliament in 1996, serving in several cabinet posts, including Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, and Minister of Communication and Information Technology. In 2008, he left the Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P.) to join the opposition as an independent MP and later became a founding member of the Tautua Samoa Party. Despite various challenges, including anti-party-hopping laws, he managed to retain his seat in Parliament.
Fa’apo II’s unsuccessful run in the 2021 election did not mark the end of his political career. He now takes on the role of Consul General in Auckland, representing the government of Samoa in New Zealand, following his appointment by the cabinet in February 2023.
These appointments aim to enhance the Samoa-New Zealand relationship and serve the needs of the Samoan people residing in New Zealand. They are also reflective of the Samoan government’s commitment to ensuring that their representation abroad is composed of experienced and capable individuals.
