AGP Executive Report

Samoa Language Week 2026: Malamalama Moni Aoga Amata (MMAA) launched four new bilingual Samoan children’s music videos with The KaRs, building on last year’s hit “I’a Mase’ese’e” and using Creative Communities Scheme support to keep gagana Samoa fun and accessible for kids across Aotearoa. Music & Culture Spotlight: Samoan tenor Pene Pati’s documentary “Tenor: My Name is Pati” premieres at the Sydney film festival, following his rise from Upolu church life to major opera stages worldwide. Rugby (Manu Samoa): Manu Samoa named a 32-player Nations Cup squad for Chile and Uruguay, including three on-island players, with Samoa opening against Hong Kong China on July 5. Moana Pasifika Update: Moana Pasifika captain Miracle Faiilagi is in the Manu Samoa squad, while the franchise’s survival talk continues as New Zealand explores options after liquidation pressures. Sports & Community: Team Samoa took part in the Pacific Mini Games opening ceremony in Vanuatu, with cultural performances and the “Ignite the Spirit Within” theme song. Radio & Media: PMN Fiji won Best Pacific Language Programme at the New Zealand Radio and Podcast Awards for Pacific Mornings’ long-running Fijian-language storytelling.

Rugby & Community Spotlight: Manu Samoa has named a 32-player squad for the 2026 Nations Cup in Chile and Uruguay, including three on-island players (Taunuu Niulevaea, Elisapeta Alofipo, Warren Solomona) and Moana Pasifika captain Miracle Faiilagi among the experienced call-ups. Moana Pasifika Survival Talks: With the Super Rugby franchise in liquidation after its final win over the Brumbies, New Zealand’s Winston Peters says officials are now exploring all options for a financially sustainable future—an urgent push as the franchise faces creditor pressure. Arts & Culture on the World Stage: Samoan tenor Pene Pati’s documentary, Tenor: My Name is Pati, premieres at the Sydney film festival this weekend, following his rise from Upolu churches to major opera houses. Fashion Recognition: MENA founder Talaleomalie Filomena Loheni has been appointed MNZM in the King’s Birthday Honours for services to Pacific fashion. Sports for All: Paitea Teofilo, 68, keeps playing cricket competitively—proof that age is no barrier to sport in Samoa. Independence Celebrations: Samoa’s 64th Independence Day saw 33 honours awarded, plus cultural performances and a victory for the police and Fire & Emergency longboat, Malu-o-Samoa, in regatta finals.

Manu Samoa Nations Cup: Lemalu Tusiata Pisi has named a 32-player squad for July’s 2026 Nations Cup in Chile and Uruguay, including three on-island players (Taunuu Niulevaea, Elisapeta Alofipo, Warren Solomona) and Samoa skipper Theodore McFarland ruled out due to commitments. Moana Pasifika call-up: Captain Miracle Faiilagi is among the Moana Pasifika players selected for Manu Samoa duties, alongside four other Moana teammates. Pacific Mini Games spotlight: Team Samoa joined delegations at the opening ceremony in Vanuatu, with cultural performances and sports kicking off across 24 countries/territories. Moana Pasifika survival talks: New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters says officials have been told to explore all options with NZ Rugby to secure a financially sustainable future after the franchise’s liquidation and mounting creditor claims. Samoa Independence Day honours & culture: Samoa marked 64 years of independence with major celebrations and 33 recipients receiving national honours, while leaders reaffirmed regional ties. Samoan arts on the world stage: Upolu-born Samoan tenor Pene Pati is profiled in a new documentary, “Tenor: My Name is Pati,” premiering at the Sydney film festival, and his opera rise continues. Fashion recognition: MENA founder Talaleomalie Filomena Loheni was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Pacific fashion. Education update: M.E.S.C. says national exam results will be released on 18 January, with recounts set to run until 22 January.

Moana Pasifika Survival Talks: New Zealand’s Winston Peters says officials have begun talks with NZ Rugby to explore every option to keep Moana Pasifika financially sustainable after the franchise was placed into liquidation, with a looming “D-Day” window for decisions on players, coaches, and sponsors. Independence Celebrations & Honours: Samoa marked 64 years of independence with cultural events and national pride, while 33 recipients received Independence honours across sport, public service, culture, and environment. Pacific Fashion Spotlight: MENA founder Talaleomalie Filomena Loheni was honoured with an MNZM for building Pacific fashion from handmade doll-dress beginnings into a globally recognised label. Samoan Language Week (Aotearoa): Gagana Sāmoa is in focus as language week shifts to how the language is lived, taught, and protected, amid ongoing intergenerational loss concerns. Sports & Arts Momentum: Marist Sevens expands with a growing women’s tournament alongside the Tupua Fred Wetzell Cup for men, while UFC champion Carlos Ulberg visited Samoa to inspire young athletes during Independence Games.

Pacific Fashion & Honours: MENA founder Talaleomalie Filomena Loheni has been appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM), turning decades of sewing—from dolls’ dresses in Samoa to an internationally worn label—into formal recognition. Independence Celebrations: Samoa marked 64 years of independence with parades, cultural events, and national pride, while 33 recipients received Independence honours across sport, public service, culture, and the environment. Rugby & Community Sport: Marist International Sevens is set to grow with a women’s tournament alongside the men’s, aiming to spot talent and strengthen youth and social stability. Moana Pasifika Future: New Zealand’s Winston Peters says officials have been told to explore all options with NZ Rugby to secure a financially sustainable future after the franchise was placed into liquidation. Music & Identity: Mozie (Moana Leota) finds her voice through grief and identity in new single “Here We Go Again,” tying her storytelling back to Samoan roots. Language Revival: As Sāmoan Language Week begins in Aotearoa, efforts focus on keeping Gagana Sāmoa alive through teaching, family use, and new learning resources. Sports Spotlight: Samoa’s Vaimo’oi’a Ripley returns to Tahiti to claim top female honours at the Oceania Championships, adding momentum toward LA 2028.

Samoan Independence Celebrations: Samoa marked 64 years of independence with crowds in Apia, a full day of performances, sports and cultural events, and a march honouring leaders and the sacrifices behind freedom. Language & Culture: As Sāmoan Language Week continues across Aotearoa, education specialist Jason Tiatia launched “Sāmoan Made Simple,” a fun, user-friendly book aimed at helping learners use Gagana Sāmoa at home and in everyday life. Rugby Futures: New Zealand’s Winston Peters says officials have begun talks with NZ Rugby to explore every option to keep Moana Pasifika financially sustainable after the franchise was placed into liquidation. Pacific Media: PNG hosted the 16th Pacific Media Partnership Conference in Port Moresby, focusing on resilient storytelling and newsroom safety amid digital disruption. Sports Spotlight: Samoa’s Vaimo’oi’a Ripley earned top female honours at the Oceania Championships in Tahiti, while young martial artist Haifa Lynch won gold at an Abu Dhabi jiu-jitsu Oceania event. Music & Community: Mozie spoke about grief, identity and Sāmoa in her new single “Here We Go Again,” tying her storytelling to her Samoan roots.

Samoan Independence Celebrations: Hundreds gathered in Apia to mark Samoa’s 64 years of independence, with marches, traditional performances, sports and cultural events powered by pride and remembrance. Music & Language: Pōneke singer-songwriter Mozie (Moana Leota) says her grief and identity are shaping her new single “Here We Go Again,” while across Aotearoa Sāmoan Language Week spotlights keeping Gagana Sāmoa strong in everyday life. Rugby & Pacific Pride: New Zealand has stepped in to explore options to save Moana Pasifika after liquidation, with Winston Peters instructing talks with NZ Rugby as the franchise signed off with an emotional 21-19 win over the Brumbies. Sailing Spotlight: Samoa’s Vaimo’oi’a Ripley returned to Tahiti to claim top female honours at the Oceania Championships, building momentum toward LA 2028. Arts & Community Learning: A new book, “Sāmoan Made Simple,” aims to help people learn Gagana Sāmoa basics, and Tiapapata Art Centre is set to host a plant knowledge workshop linking traditional ecological knowledge with youth and artists.

Samoa Independence Celebrations: Hundreds gathered in Apia to mark 64 years of independence, with a full day of traditional performances, sports and cultural events, and pride in remembering the sacrifices behind freedom. Moana Pasifika Rugby: New Zealand stepped in at the eleventh hour to explore options to keep Moana Pasifika alive after liquidation, with Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters saying officials are talking with NZ Rugby and hinting “good news” while Samoa and Tonga leaders discuss the franchise’s future. King’s Birthday Honours (Pacific spotlight): Beatrice Faumuinā was named a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for sport and governance, while other Pacific recipients were recognised across community and public service. Gagana Sāmoa Revival: A new book, Sāmoan Made Simple, aims to help learners pick up the basics and keep the language strong for future generations. Sports Inspiration: UFC light heavyweight champion Carlos Ulberg visited Samoa, meeting young athletes and drawing inspiration from the independence spirit. Youth Martial Arts Win: Seven-year-old Haifa Lynch won gold at the Abu Dhabi jiu-jitsu Oceania pro, with hopes she can help open doors for Samoan jiu-jitsu. Cultural Arts & Heritage: Tiapapata Art Centre will host a plant knowledge workshop on moringa and traditional ecological knowledge, linking youth, knowledge holders and arts spaces across generations. Independence Games Sport Parade: The 2026 Independence Games kicked off with a lively parade of 19 sports bodies, from fautasi to global favourites, ending with major events through early June.

King’s Birthday Honours (Sport & Service): Beatrice Faumuinā (CNZM) is among major Pacific-recognised New Zealanders, with her post-athletics work in sport governance and diplomacy highlighted, alongside other Pacific recipients and Fire and Emergency awards. Samoan Language Week 2026: Gagana Sāmoa Week kicks off across Aotearoa with a focus on living, teaching and protecting the language daily, backed by new resources and community efforts. New Book for Language Learners: Jason Tiatia’s “Sāmoan Made Simple” aims to make learning Gagana Sāmoa easier for modern readers and future generations. Independence Celebrations Through Sport: The 64th Independence Games begin with a big sports parade and opening events, with more fixtures building toward Marist Sevens. UFC Champion Visits Samoa: Carlos Ulberg returns home for inspiration and training at a local gym, tying the visit to independence spirit. Fireknife Culture: Falaniko Solomona Penesa wins the 2026 World Fireknife Championship, spotlighting the tradition’s artistry and courage. Moana Pasifika Farewell Win: Moana Pasifika signs off with pride after an emotional Super Rugby farewell victory, even as financial uncertainty looms. Music Loss: Ronald LaPread, bass player and co-founder of The Commodores, dies at 75 in Auckland. Plant Knowledge & Art: Tiapapata Art Centre hosts an intergenerational plant knowledge workshop series starting 8–14 June, blending science and living cultural knowledge. Local Sports Spotlight: Haifa Lynch wins gold in jiu-jitsu, and Samoa’s Olympic sailor Vaimo’oi’a Astrid Ripley heads to the Oceania Championships in Tahiti.

Samoan Language Week 2026: Gagana Sāmoa is being pushed beyond celebration, with a focus on how the language is lived, taught, and protected day to day across Aotearoa. Music & Legacy: Ronald LaPread, bass player and co-founder of The Commodores, has died in Auckland at 75. Sport Spotlight: Seven-year-old Haifa Lynch wins her first gold medal at the Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Oceania pro, aiming to open doors for Samoan jiu-jitsu. Independence Games Buzz: Samoa’s 64th Independence celebrations kick off with a big Independence Games sports parade and the Vailima Marist 7s set as a key finale on 5–6 June. UFC Inspiration: Carlos Ulberg visits Samoa, welcomed in an ava ceremony, drawing inspiration for young athletes. Arts & Learning: “Sāmoan Made Simple” launches as a new, user-friendly book resource for learning Gagana Sāmoa. Fireknife Culture: Falaniko Solomona Penesa claims the 2026 World Fireknife Championship crown, keeping the tradition alive for the next generation.

Rugby Spotlight: Moana Pasifika bowed out of Super Rugby Pacific 2026 with pride, beating the ACT Brumbies 21-19 in an emotional farewell after financial uncertainty, with Patrick Pellegrini starring as the side used the occasion’s emotion to dig deep. Global Rapid Rugby: Manumā Samoa fly out to Perth for their first match on Saturday night against the South China Tigers, with coach Muliagatele Brian Lima promising faster, running rugby and a focus on fitness, discipline, and clean ball. Independence Games Buzz: Samoa’s 64th Independence celebrations kicked off with a lively parade of 19 sports bodies, from fautasi to cricket and global favourites like basketball and volleyball, ending with the Marist Sevens on 5–6 June. Samoan Language & Arts: Jason Tiatia’s new book, Sāmoan Made Simple, aims to make learning Gagana Samoa easier for modern readers, building on the “Made Easy” style. Cultural Craft: Ana Teofilo’s Pacific-inspired carpet is unveiled at Tūhura Otago Museum, drawing on motifs from across Samoa and the wider Pacific. Fireknife Glory: Falaniko Solomona Penesa wins the 2026 World Fireknife Championship, keeping the tradition alive and pushing it forward for new generations.

Language & Learning: Jason Tiatia’s new book, Sāmoan Made Simple, is designed to make Gagana Samoa easier for everyday learners, using a fun, user-friendly approach drawn from the Māori “Made Easy” model. Arts & Craft: Tiapapata Art Centre will host a plant-knowledge workshop (13 June) with St Andrews researchers, using living plant knowledge as living Pacific material culture. Cultural Spotlight: Samoan artist Ana Teofilo is installing a Pacific-inspired carpet at Tāngata Moana Gallery in Tūhura Otago Museum, bringing motifs from across the region into a new story of connection. Sporting Culture: Samoa’s 64th Independence celebrations kicked off with a lively Independence Games sports parade featuring traditional and global sports, ending with Marist Sevens (5–6 June). Performance & Heritage: Falaniko Solomona Penesa won the 2026 World Fireknife Championship, with the event rooted in preserving Samoan fireknife dance. Community Sport: Netball Australia’s pathway squad will tour Samoa in July for matches and culture immersion, including an Ava ceremony.

Independence Sports Parade: Samoa’s 64th Independence celebrations kicked off with a loud, lively parade of 19 local and overseas sports bodies along Beach Road, featuring traditional favourites like fautasi racing and Samoan cricket alongside global sports such as basketball and volleyball, ending with the Marist Sevens on 5–6 June. Sailing Spotlight: Olympic sailor Vaimo’oi’a Astrid Ripley heads to the 2026 Oceania Championships in Tahiti (26–30 May) in the ILCA 6 class, a key step toward the 2027 Pacific Games. Fireknife Culture & Sport: Falaniko Solomona Penesa claimed the 2026 World Fireknife Championship crown at Polynesian Cultural Center in Lāʻie, Oʻahu, with Samoa’s fireknife tradition celebrated as a living art. Moana Pasifika Funding Fallout: New Zealand’s government is seeking advice on recovering a $2.75m taxpayer-backed loan after Moana Pasifika’s liquidation, while questions linger over the original business case behind its model. Netball & Basketball Pathways: Netball Australia’s pathway squad will tour Samoa in July, and an Auckland Samoa basketball team is set for the Independence Basketball Tournament (1–4 June), mixing sport with culture and heritage. Crime & Confessions: Samoa police are investigating after two Samoan men confessed on Vietnamese TV to the Vietnam murder of Sydney gang leader Lorenzo Lemalu, linked to the “Coconut Cartel.”

Independence Sports Parade: Samoa’s 64th Independence celebrations kicked off with a lively parade of 19 local and overseas sports bodies, featuring traditional favourites like fautasi racing alongside cricket, basketball, volleyball and rugby, capped by the ceremonial raising of the Games Flag and an oath for athletes and officials. Fireknife Glory: Falaniko Solomona Penesa has claimed the 2026 World Fireknife Championship crown at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Lāʻie, Oʻahu, with the event celebrating the living art of Samoan fireknife dance. Moana Pasifika Pressure: Samoa is watching closely as New Zealand’s government seeks advice on recovering a $2.75m taxpayer-backed loan after Moana Pasifika’s liquidation, with broader “sports diplomacy” talk swirling around the franchise’s future. Arts & Heritage Spotlight: New Zealand-born Samoan artist Ana Teofilo is installing a Pacific-inspired carpet at Tūhura Otago Museum, drawing on tapa, carvings and motifs from across the region. Netball & Basketball Pathways: Netball Australia’s pathway squad will tour Samoa in July for matches and cultural immersion, while Auckland Samoa basketball returns for the Independence tournament—both framed as identity-building opportunities through sport. Independence Rugby Finale: The 37th Vailima Marist 7s will serve as a major finale for the Independence celebrations on 5–6 June at Apia Park. Culture in the Gallery: Te Reanga Toi Hou, a Māori-led exhibition for emerging artists, is set to debut at this weekend’s NZ Art Show in Wellington. Oceania Sevens Update: The Manusina 7s’ Olympic hopes took a hit after a 43-0 loss to Fiji, but they still have a playoff chance to reach Olympic repechage.

Fireknife & Performing Arts: Falaniko Solomona Penesa of Samoa has claimed the 2026 World Fireknife Championship crown at Polynesian Cultural Center in Lāʻie, Oʻahu, topping an elite field of 20 and beating Tahiti’s Hikitahi Piokoe (2nd) and Japan’s Kenshi Jordan (3rd). The event, now in its 33rd year, spotlights the Samoan fire knife tradition as a living art of skill, artistry, and courage. Sports Spotlight: Samoa’s Tolu Young shone at the Oceania Aquatics Championships in Suva, winning three gold medals for Fiji and helping set new Oceanian records in relays. Local Crime & Community Impact: Samoa Police have arrested a businessman at Faleolo Airport as part of an investigation tied to a Vietnam murder confession on TV, linked to the “Coconut Cartel” case. Independence Culture on the Move: The 37th Vailima Marist 7s will headline Samoa’s 64th Independence celebrations at Apia Park, with the Prime Minister praising rugby’s development and overseas participation. Media & Arts Community: JAWS marked 50 years of Samoa’s media freedom celebrations, honouring founding and long-serving members and highlighting women’s leadership in the industry. Comedy & Nightlife: Joe Daymond’s 2026 Comedy Mixtape continues to pack Q Theatre audiences in Auckland with a fast, high-energy lineup and crowd-first banter.

Sports & Community Events: Humboldt Bay Rowing Association is inviting Samoa Bridge-area neighbours to a free “Learn to Row” day on June 6, with pre-registration required for limited 2-hour sessions for adults and youth 12+ (Local training). Aquatics Spotlight: Fiji’s Tolu Young stole the show at the Oceania Aquatics Championships in Suva, winning three golds and helping Fiji set new Oceanian records (Regional swim success). Independence Sports Build-up: Samoa’s 64th Independence celebrations keep rolling with the 37th Vailima Marist 7s finale at Apia Park (May 5–6) and Tolotolo o Tamauli’s legendary skipper Pauli Ivan Williams returning for the regatta (Independence rugby & va‘a culture). Arts & Heritage: Samoa marked International Museum Day with a focus on living heritage, including a Tiapapata Art Centre presentation and gifts of contemporary heritage objects to the Museum of Samoa (Museum & living heritage). Media & Arts Industry: JAWS (National Samoa Media Association) wrapped 50 years of media freedom celebrations, honouring founding and long-serving members (Media freedom). Entertainment: Joe Daymond’s 2026 Comedy Mixtape is getting big laughs in Auckland, mixing Pacific talent with crowd-first banter (Comedy & live entertainment).