$1,100 compensation per-person for Safata district

By Esther Yvonne Atonio/

Apia, SAMOA – 14 April 2026: The people of Safata district will receive $1,100 per person from the $10 million compensation for the HMNZS Manawanui vessel that sank and sits at the bottom of the ocean off the Safata coast.

Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt said it was initially announced that each family would receive $1,000.

However, after discussions with the Committee responsible and the Government, they realised a sizable sum of money remained.

As a result they decided to increase the payment to $1,100 per person.

Laauli said that when his Government took over, only $2 million was allocated for the Safata District and after discussions, the Government decided to give Safata all the money allocated from New Zealand which is $10 million.

Meeting with the community at Tafitoala village, one of the villages of the Safata district.

Meanwhile, various groups in the Safata District have approached the Government to express their concerns saying that they have been left out.

The Prime Minister however encouraged them to resolve their issues through consultations with the district leaders the appointed committee dealt and negotiated with in the distribution of the funds.

He emphasized that the district should have a unified opinion instead of having different and separate views which can lead to confusion and misunderstanding.

“We met with Safata district, and they shared concerns that their voices haven’t been heard. I told them that having clear and good communications can solve the issues, instead of going separate ways and causing confusion,” La’auli said.

There is $100,000 remaining and will be used to support businesses affected.

Discussions are still ongoing about whether the vessel should be removed or remain at the Safata ocean floor.