Samoa & NZ negotiate $14m support for impact of Manawanui sinking

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, Samoa – 14 October 2025: The Samoa and New Zealand Governments are negotiating further financial support to cover the environmental impact of the HMNZS Manawanui sinking off the Safata coast in October last year.

The vessel sank a few days before Samoa hosted the Commonwealth Heads of Governments meeting last October and the fuel spill did affect the livelihoods of families and businesses in the area.

The Minister of Finance, Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioo confirmed that both Governments are negotiating a further $14 million specifically for the restoration of the coral reef and marine life in the area.

“The impact of the incident has not only damaged the corals but has impacted the livelihoods of families in the affected area,” said Mulipola.

$10m for business & families affected
The $14m is above the $10m tala from the New Zealand Government now included in the 2025/2025 budget tabled in parliament last Monday.

The Minister said that the $10m tala is specifically for affected families and businesses and the Ministry of the Environment is working on the process in order to distribute and pay the money to those affected.

Already, members of the affected community have voiced their concerns that the money is not enough given the potential long-term impact on the environment that the villagers rely on for their economic sustenance and livelihoods.