CORRESPONDENCE REGARDING NZ PM FELLOWSHIP AWARD FOR SCB GOVERNOR - FROM SAMOAN COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN NZ.

Letter to the Editor

Lei’ataua Nielsen Petersen

Talofa lava Rt Hon Christopher Luxon,

Lau Afioga Tuisinavemaulumotootua.

I write as a Samoan citizen living in Manukau City, Auckland NZ and as someone who cares deeply about Samoa and the strong Treaty of Friendship between Samoa and New Zealand .

I have seen a letter dated 21st August 2026 circulating to your office claiming to speak “on behalf of thousands of Samoans in NZ and the diasporas” regarding the NZ PM Fellowship award for the Governor of the CBS, Maiava Atalina Ainuu-Enari.

I respectfully wish to share a different perspective from within our community.

The recognised and official channels for Samoans in NZ are the Samoa High Commission Wellington, the Samoa Consulate General in Auckland and the Samoa Community Council in Auckland.

There are also well-established community organisations across NZ, Australia, USA and other countries that support the current Government of Samoa. These are the bodies through which our diasporas are properly engaged.

Based on public reports from Samoa, the Government of Samoa did not cancel the Fellowship award for Maiava. The decision was to defer the travel date due to timing, with important SCB Act Amendments currently before Parliament.

The government has publicly stated it is working with the NZ High Commission in Samoa to confirm new dates. This is consistent with how the same NZ PM Fellowship awards was administered when awarded to other Samoan leaders, including Mrs Tofilau Fiti Leung Wai in 2015.

There is no evidence of an attempt to undermine the independence of the CBS.

The proposed amendments are aimed at strengthening transparency and accountability across all public services including CBS. The Governor remains in office with all statutory powers and responsibilities.

I kindly ask that the NZ Government continue to engage in this matter through the official Government to Government channels and through our recognised community leadership in NZ.

Samoa and NZ share a relationship built on mutual respect.

We support both the Fellowship programme and the professional development of our public servants.

Faafetai tele and best wishes for the forthcoming election in November.

Lei’ataua Nielsen Petersen

nielsenforever@gmail.com

0272622949