Samoa and New Zealand reaffirm bilateral ties and labour mobility

Samoan Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leiatea Polataʻivao Fosi Schmidt and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon met in Wellington to reaffirm bilateral ties. The discussions focused on economic cooperation, trade, and regional collaboration, with a significant emphasis on labour mobility. Both leaders committed to ensuring the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Scheme remains sustainable and beneficial to both nations, specifically addressing worker welfare and pastoral care.

Separately, concerns have been raised regarding the independence of the Central Bank of Samoa. Reports suggest the Samoan government may have prevented Maiava Atalina Ainuu-Enari, Governor of the Central Bank, from accepting a New Zealand Prime Minister’s Fellowship. This development has prompted discussions regarding the institutional independence of Samoa's central bank and the implications for economic governance.