Samoas fifth Woman Judge sworn in

By Lagi Keresoma

Apia, SAMOA – 28 January 2026 – A new District Court Judge, Sili Elizabeth Chang Tung Peters was sworn in yesterday as the fifth woman judge to serve in Samoa’s judiciary.

She was sworn-in by the District Court Senior Judge Talasa Saaga Atoa in a ceremony presided by the Chief Justice Satiu Simativa Perese.

Judge Sili Elizabeth Chang Tung Peters has served as a lawyer both in Samoa and New Zealand for over 30 years.

The other Samoan women Judges include Tafaoimalo Leilani Tuala Warren now serving in the New Zealand judiciary, Niava Mata Tuatagaloa, Talasa Atoa Saaga, Papalii Rosela Papalii.

Acting Attorney General, Mauga Precious Chang noted the deserving honour bestowed on Judge Peters noting the span of her career in the Government and private sector.

New District Court Judge, Sili Elizabeth Chang Tung Peters (2nd from Left) joining the bench during her swearing on Tuesday this week.

Anne Matalasi, Vice President of the Samoa Law Society spoke on behalf of the society and acknowledged Judge Peters journey throughout 30 years of service.

She noted it will not be an easy calling but her journey throughout her career is a solid foundation of what lies ahead.

She wished the new judge well.

Judge Peters is a family-oriented person and hails from a family of pastors and she values her family connections and was one of the reasons she was approached by His Honour the Chief Justice Perese for the position and she humbly accepted.

Judge Peters was educated at Apia Primary, Leififi Intermediate School, Samoa College then to La Trobe University. Graduating in 1989, she returned to Samoa and served at the Public Trust Office.

She later served as a lecturer on Contract Law at what was then Samoa Polytech and later as a Deputy Registrar of the Samoa Offshore Companies Office now SIFA.

She also served as a board member for the Public Trust and Samoa Housing Corporation and Samoa Institute of Directors.

A testimony from a family friend, Sala Rexie Esera of Judge Peter’s journey noted her as a leader who leads with example.