Prime Ministers of Samoa and New Zealand Reaffirm Enduring Partnership

[Beehive Parliament, Wellington, New Zealand, 21 July 2026] – Prime Minister of the Independent State of Samoa, Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataʻivao Fosi Schmidt, today held bilateral talks with New Zealand Prime Minister Rt Hon. Christopher Luxon in Wellington as part of his official visit to New Zealand.

The meeting reaffirmed the close and enduring partnership between Samoa and New Zealand, with discussions focusing on labour mobility, economic cooperation, trade, regional collaboration, migration, and the strong people-to-people ties that have connected the two countries for generations. The leaders also exchanged views on rugby union and rugby league, recognising the role sport continues to play in strengthening the relationship between Samoa and New Zealand.

A major focus of the discussions was labour mobility between Samoa and New Zealand. Both Prime Ministers acknowledged the significant contribution Samoan workers continue to make to New Zealand’s economy and reaffirmed their shared commitment to ensuring labour mobility programmes remain sustainable, responsive, and beneficial to both countries.

The leaders discussed the future of the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Scheme, including opportunities to strengthen policy settings, enhance worker welfare and pastoral care, foster positive relationships between employers and employees, and ensure the programme continues to meet the evolving needs of workers, employers, and both Governments.

Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa shared feedback gathered during his recent consultations with Samoan seasonal workers and New Zealand employers in Hawke’s Bay, highlighting the importance of engaging directly with those participating in the programme to help inform future policy discussions and strengthen the long-term success of the RSE Scheme.

The Prime Ministers also discussed the importance of ensuring that Samoans who choose to make New Zealand their home are supported with opportunities for meaningful employment, education, skills development, and economic participation. Both leaders acknowledged that strengthening these pathways will help individuals and families build secure, independent futures while continuing to make valuable contributions to New Zealand’s economy and society.

Discussions also covered the Samoa Quota Scheme, recognising its longstanding contribution to providing opportunities for Samoans to live and work in New Zealand. The leaders explored opportunities to modernise and streamline aspects of the scheme, including making employment pathways more efficient for successful applicants through improved processing of employment offers and work documentation.

The Prime Ministers also discussed strengthening trade and commercial links between Samoa and New Zealand, with particular emphasis on improving the distribution of Samoan exports throughout New Zealand.

Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa highlighted the importance of expanding market access beyond the North Island to ensure Samoan products can reach communities across both the North and South Islands, particularly where Samoan and wider Pacific populations reside. Both leaders acknowledged that strengthening trade connectivity would create greater opportunities for Samoan exporters, support local businesses, and further deepen the economic partnership between the two countries.

The meeting also included discussions on continued cooperation in supporting the people of Tokelau. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon thanked Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa for his recent official visit to Tokelau and acknowledged Samoa’s longstanding friendship and practical support for the territory.

Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa reaffirmed Samoa’s commitment to serving as Tokelau’s gateway to the world, highlighting Samoa’s strategic role in facilitating transport, logistics, and access to essential services. He noted that Samoa is well placed to support Tokelau through the supply of petroleum, food, medical supplies, educational services, and other essential goods. The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of the dedicated wharf at the Port of Apia for Tokelau’s vessels, reinforcing Samoa’s role as a vital logistical hub connecting Tokelau with the wider region.

The two leaders also discussed the Treaty of Friendship between Samoa and New Zealand, recognising its enduring significance as the foundation of the bilateral relationship. Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa noted that officials have begun identifying key issues and areas for future discussion, acknowledging that it has now been 64 years since the Treaty was signed.

He observed that while the Treaty has served both countries well for more than six decades, Samoa and New Zealand have evolved considerably during that time.

Economic priorities, labour mobility, trade, regional cooperation, technology, and the broader international environment have all changed significantly since the Treaty came into force. Both Prime Ministers acknowledged the value of considering how the Treaty can continue to reflect the realities and aspirations of the modern relationship, with further discussions expected following New Zealand’s upcoming General Election.

The meeting concluded with both Prime Ministers reaffirming their shared commitment to strengthening the Samoa–New Zealand partnership and continuing to work together across areas of mutual interest.

Their discussions reflected a common vision of deepening cooperation, expanding economic opportunities, strengthening regional collaboration, and ensuring the longstanding friendship between Samoa and New Zealand continues to deliver meaningful benefits for future generations.