Government
Australia’s Governor General to attend Samoa’s 64th Independence celebrations
Apia, SAMOA – 29 May 2026: Australia’s Governor General, Her Excellency Hon. Sam Mostyn is one of the foreign dignitaries confirmed to attend the celebrations of Samoa’s 64th Independence anniversary next week.
The Governor General will officiate at the opening of the $27M Parliament offices funded by the Australian government after the Flag Raising ceremony and March Pass on Monday morning 1 June 2026.
The Governor General’s presence will be significant as it was another female Governor General of Australia, Her Excellency Quentin Bryce who spoke in Samoa’s parliament in 2012 and made Australia’s offer to build a new Parliament building and parliamentary offices to mark Samoa’s 50 years of independence.
Her Excellency Hon. Sam Mostyn will be accompanied by her husband, His Excellency Simeon Beckett SC and a party of ten officials and staff.
Fijis’ Parliament Speaker, the Hon. Filimone Jitoko and good lady Mrs. Elina Senirewa Naigulevu Jitoko will represent the Republic of Fiji.
Fijis’ Parliament Speaker, the Hon. Filimone Jitoko and good lady Mrs. Elina Senirewa Naigulevu Jitoko will represent the Republic of Fiji.
Tonga’s Prime Minister, the Hon. Lord Fakafanua and Lady Fane Fakafanua will represent the Kingdom, and the Tonga Royal Police Brass Band will feature in a special performance on Monday afternoon.
Other dignitaries from Samoa’s island neighbours include the Ulu o Tokelau, Afioga Kelihiano Kalolo and good lady Atene Kalolo and New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters.
Prime Minister, the Hon. Lord Fakafanua and Lady Fane Fakafanua will represent the Kingdom of Tonga.
From American Samoa, attending will be the Lieutenant Governor the Hon. Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr; President of the Senate – Tuaolo Manaia Fruean and good lady and the Speaker the Hon. Savali Talavou Ale and good lady.
The official program for Samoa’s 64th Independence celebrations, starts on Friday 29 with a parade of sports teams and the opening of the Independence 2026 Games.
The celebrations will spread over six days with a major focus on reviving the spirit of independence and honouring the forebearers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the struggle against the colonial powers until Samoa’s flag as an independent nation was raised 01 January 1962.
Reviving the community spirit as embodied in the longboats races.
The celebration activities and ceremonies include:
Saturday 30 May – Taalolo Traditional Presentations for the new parliamentary offices
Sunday 31 May – 64th Independence Anniversary Thanksgiving Church Service, Hymns Choral presentation by 6 Theological choirs.
Monday 01 June – Flag Raising Ceremony and March Pass, Opening of the new Parliament Office Complex, Traditional Entertainment, Longboats Race.
Tuesday 02 June – Opening of the Independence Mau Movement Office at Vaimoso, Wreathe Laying at memorials of Independence Leaders, Honours and Awards Presentation Ceremony, Traditional Entertainment, Brass Bands and Schools Marching Exhibition.
Wednesday 03 June – Longboats Race (Final), Floats and Finemats Exhibition, Traditional Presentation of Gifts, Lowering of the Flag, Close of the Celebrations, Independence Ball.