$6M Tala in Compensation Already Distributed to Safata Families

By Jeannie Penehuro/

Apia, SAMOA – 2 July 2026 – The Disaster Advisory Committee confirmed today that more than $6 million tala has been distributed to families in the Safata district, as part of the $10-million tala compensation from the New Zealand Government for the HMNZS Manawanui that sunk off the coast of the district in October 2024.

According to Lealaisalanoa Frances Reupena of the Disaster Advisory Committee, 5,524 residents of Safata received their money transferred directly into their bank accounts.

The distribution so far per village of the district:

• Tafitoala: 246
• Mulivai: 138
• Fausaga: 364
• Fusi: 508
• Vaie’e: 567
• Nu’usuatia: 408
• Lotofaga: 847
• Sataoa: 1,058
• Sa’anapu: 1,109
• Salamumu: 189

The Disaster Advisory Committee is in Phase 2 of consultations with Safata future plans and the rehabilitation of the HMNZS Manawanui.

The committee’s main focus at the moment is to complete the distribution of the $10 million tala compensation to Safata families.

CEO of the Ministry of Works, Fui Tupai Mau Simanu emphasized that the Committee’s role is to facilitate and help and will not interfere with politics while Safata No.2 is preparing for a by- election next week.

He emphasized that the distribution now has nothing to do with politics as the district has been waiting for a long time for the compensation as the Committee established a process and system for a fair and transparent distribution to the villagers.

The Committee expects the distribution of the $10 million tala compensation to all families in Safata by the end of July.