Over 6,000 Safata residents sign to receive Manawanui compensation 

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, SAMOA – 16 June 2026 – The National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) has confirmed that more than 6,000 residents of Safata district will soon receive compensation from the $10 million allocated by the New Zealand Government over the sinking of the HMNZS Manawanui off the coast of the district in October 2025.

Fui Tupai Simanu, Deputy Chairman of the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) said out of 10,457 residents, 957 have signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and have been submitted to the Ministry of Finance (MOF) for payment.

The MOU according to NEOC, is a process they activated to streamline payment of the compensation incentive to everyone in the Safata district especially where young children and those without bank accounts are involved.

The system in place is for NEOC to submit a list to MOF who then releases payments to the people’s bank accounts after verification.

NEOC Chair, Lealaisalanoa Francis Pogi and Deputy Chairman Fui Tupai Simanu.

NEOC has developed a system where one person will sign the account for at least 20 people of their family after all confirmation and verification.

“Those with bank accounts can sign for themselves,” said Fui.

At the start of the Safata compensation process, 8989 were recorded, however, after a review, the number increased to 10,457.

To date, 957 MOUs have been signed, and 746 MOUs have so far been submitted to MOF and will receive their compensation soon.

Some residents have complained about the delay and slow speed of the payment process.

In parliament today, Siumu MP, Faalogo Asuao Kapeliele II Faalogo raised compensation for his district.

Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt explained that negotiations with New Zealand are continuing over compensation, but the priority has been given the Safata district.

He also explained that when his government took office, only $2m was allocated for Safata compensation and his government decided to have all the $10m compensation paid to Safata.

NEOC says it is crucial that a transparent and accountable payment system is in place as negotiations with New Zealand continue regarding the future of the wreck and over more compensation for the re-development of the coastal environment at Safata and nearby districts.

Part of the major mangrove reserve at Saanapu in the Safata district.