One year after a New Zealand navy ship sank off the coast of Samoa, the New Zealand government has agreed to pay 10 million tala (approximately US$3.6 million) in compensation, a move that underscores the deep and enduring partnership between the two Pacific nations.
The payment marks the anniversary of the October 6, 2024 incident, in which the HMNZS Manawanui ran aground on a reef near the Samoan island of Upolu. An official inquiry later attributed the accident to failures by both the ship's crew and the vessel itself. The inquiry found that the crew was unaware the ship was operating on autopilot, highlighting gaps in training and qualifications. All 75 individuals on board were safely evacuated before the ship subsequently caught fire and sank.
New Zealand's foreign minister Winston Peters stated the compensation reflects his country's commitment to "doing the right thing," with the funds being sourced from the military budget. The wreck of the HMNZS Manawanui remains at the site pending a final decision on its removal. Joint efforts between the two governments have included ongoing cleanup operations and environmental studies. Following monitoring that confirmed no hydrocarbon contamination in the surrounding waters, a local fishing ban was lifted in February 2025.
While the incident tested diplomatic ties, the response has reaffirmed a relationship formally established by a Treaty of Friendship in 1962, the year Samoa gained its independence. This bond is continuously reinforced by strong cultural connections, including a significant Samoan population residing in New Zealand.
The handling of the naval accident is just one recent development in the multifaceted relationship. In February 2024, minister Peters and Samoan prime minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa signed a renewed Statement of Partnership in Apia. This agreement prioritizes cooperation over the next four years on critical issues such as climate change, human and economic development, and regional security.
Further strengthening these ties, New Zealand's parliament has been considering legislation to address historical grievances. The Citizenship (Western Samoa) (Restoration) Amendment Act 2024, which passed its first reading in April 2024, aims to restore New Zealand citizenship eligibility for Samoans born between 1924 and 1949, a right that was removed by a 1982 law.
The personal connections between the nations were also highlighted in the world of sports. In a surprising move, former New Zealand cricket captain Ross Taylor announced in September 2025 that he would come out of retirement to play for the Samoan national team. Taylor, who has a Samoan passport through his maternal heritage, expressed his pride in representing his cultural roots, viewing it as an opportunity to give back to the Polynesian community.
From a responsible resolution to a maritime accident to renewed partnerships in policy and culture, the recent events in New Zealand-Samoa relations demonstrate a partnership built on mutual respect, shared history, and a continued commitment to collaboration.