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Samoa's Deputy Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata'afa
United Nations, NEW YORK CITY — Samoa's deputy prime minister has told the UN that a quarter of Pacific islanders live below the poverty line, many going without the most basic of needs. Speaking on behalf of the Pacific Islands Forum, Fiame Naomi Mata'afa said that despite sustained growth, many...
Kalo Funganitao during her speech surrounded by supporters
Nuku'alofa, TONGA — The one year reign of a Tongan beauty queen has been wiped from the record books in retaliation for her speech at last week's crowning ceremony. Kalo Funganitao accused organisers of the Miss Heilala beauty pageant of tormenting and bullying her before leaving the stage without...
Able Seaman Boatswains Mate, Natasha Mailei visits her grandfather, Asi Mailei, in the village of Tuana'i in Samoa.
Tuana’i, SAMOA — One sailor on board HMAS Sirius had the unique opportunity to visit her grandfather while in Samoa recently, returning to her home in the small village of Tuana’i for the first time in 12 years.  Able Seaman Boatswains Mate Natasha Mailei is one of the 77 crew members of Sirius who...
Emilene Taulu being proposed to by Tupuga Amo
Apia, SAMOA — A Pacific Games medal ceremony has been trumped by a marriage proposal near the golden shores of a Samoan beach.   Captain of the Cook Islands women's va'a team Emilene Taulu was taken by surprise when her partner remained kneeling after a group haka at the medal ceremony for women's...
Peter Tulaga wearing a white siglet
Apia, SAMOA — The man who shot his 34 year old girlfriend on the face at close range, disfiguring her for life, was jailed this week for 28 years for attempted murder. Peter Tulaga, 35 years old, left the court immediately, while his sister and family members waited to say goodbye. In court, the...
Vodafone sign
Porirua, NEW ZEALAND — The former deputy mayor of Porirua says she's complained to Vodafone after she was kicked out of their store for speaking Samoan. Litea Ah Hoi said she was leaving North City Mall in Porirua after a store staff member had refused to serve her when she stopped and spoke in...
Samoa Supreme Court building
Apia, SAMOA — A 47-year-old father of five in Samoa, David Crichton, has been sentenced to 4 years and 8 months jail for stabbing his wife seven times with a kitchen knife. The police said the crime happened in front of the couple's children. They had been separated for two years when the stabbing...
Peter Tulaga in while singlet
Apia, SAMOA — Samoa's Supreme Court has imposed a 28 year jail sentence on a man who tried to murder his partner. Peter Tulaga was found guilty of attempted murder by a panel of assessors during a trial in May. The presiding judge also found him guilty of other charges, including having an illegal...
 Kalo Funganitao during her speech
Nuku'alofa, TONGA — Alleged bullying and racism from the audience at Tonga's Heilala beauty pageant is deeply regrettable, pageant organisers say. The Nuku'alofa crowd reacted angrily last week to a speech from the former Miss Heilala, Kalo Funganitao, who condemned pageant officials for tormenting...
Alatise Vitale outside the courtroom
Apia, SAMOA — Samoa's probation committee has decided to recall Alatise Vitale, who was convicted of murdering the Minister of Works, Luagalau Levaula Kamu, 20 years ago. He is to continue serving his life sentence. The committee decided that Vitale had breached parole conditions after being...

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