Samoa–New Zealand Policing Partnership Gains Momentum

28 October 2026 – The Samoa–New Zealand Policing Programme is continuing to progress, following a successful meeting to consider the next steps of implementation.

The inaugural meeting of the Programme’s annual Executive Steering Committee was held last week to assess progress, review key priorities and consider next steps.

Discussions focused on priorities identified by Samoa Police, including strategic leadership and capability, core policing service delivery, organisational resilience, and strengthening the systems that underpin effective policing.

As part of the ongoing cooperation, two additional New Zealand Police advisers are expected to arrive in Samoa next month, bringing the in-country team to five advisers.

An update was also delivered on the Pacific Detector Dog Programme and the New Zealand Transnational Crime Unit, whose work supports Police and Customs counterparts to disrupt criminal activity both at the border and within Samoa.

The meeting brought together New Zealand High Commissioner HE Si’alei van Toor, a New Zealand Police delegation led by Assistant Commissioner Mike Johnson, and a Samoa Police delegation led by Acting Commissioner Leiataua Samuelu Afamasaga. The Samoa–New Zealand Policing Programme team was represented by Team Leader Inspector Semisi James “Jimmy” Patea.

“The positive start to the Programme reflects the strong relationships we are building, and we are deeply grateful for the warm welcome and support our team has received from Samoa Police, Prisons and Corrections Service, the Office of the Attorney General, the Australian Federal Police and other partner agencies, helping to lay a strong foundation for a lasting Samoa-New Zealand policing partnership. We look forward to taking the next steps to deliver against the approved work plans,” Assistant Commissioner Johnson said.

Acting Commissioner Afamasaga Leiataua Samuelu welcomed the strengthening partnership, saying “We will continue to strengthen and enhance our partnership with New Zealand Police across all areas of mutual cooperation.

“I fully support this partnership as it provides valuable opportunities for both our organisations to learn from one another, improve policing standards, and strengthen the delivery of services to our communities. With the growing threat of transnational organised crime across the Pacific, it is essential that we stand together and work collaboratively with our Pacific partners to address these shared challenges and maintain the safety and security of our region.”

The partnership between the Samoa Police Service, New Zealand Police and New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade aims to strengthen Samoa’s policing capabilities and support trusted, effective and community-centred services.

With the growing threat of transnational, serious and organised crime, the Programme provides an important platform for Samoa and New Zealand to strengthen crime prevention, improve public safety and build community confidence in policing.