Samoa

New Zealand and Samoa share a close and multi-faceted relationship, built on a foundation of shared history, culture, and whanaungatanga.

Samoa is a valued regional partner and plays a significant leadership role in the Pacific. It hosts several key regional institutions, including the PACER Plus Implementation Unit, the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), the Pacific Transnational Crime Unit, and multiple United Nations sub-regional offices.

Diplomatic relations between New Zealand and Samoa were established shortly after Samoa’s independence in 1962, marked by the signing of the Treaty of Friendship. This treaty reflects the depth of our relationship and commits both countries to consult on matters of mutual interest and cooperate to promote the wellbeing of the Samoan people.

The relationship is further strengthened by the 2024 Statement of Partnership, which outlines five shared priority areas for cooperation through to 2028: partnership, security, empowering communities, building climate resilience, and inspiring growth

Development cooperation and sustainability

Samoa faces significant climate challenges due to its location within the cyclone belt and its vulnerability to severe storms. New Zealand works closely with Samoa to address regional challenges, including climate change adaptation and mitigation, environmental protection, ocean resource management, and regional security.

Our development cooperation focuses on priority sectors identified by the Government of Samoa, including health, education and scholarships, policy reform, and economic and institutional resilience. This includes annual budget support to strengthen public service delivery and governance.

New Zealand’s International Development Cooperation (IDC) Programme is aligned with Samoa’s national development strategy, the Pathway for the Development of Samoa.

Samoan scholars are eligible for the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Programme(external link) which offers undergraduate and postgraduate tertiary scholarships, thematic short-term training, and vocational/professional short-term training. More information, including availability and application processes, are available here(external link).

For detailed information on New Zealand’s development cooperation activities in Samoa—including project descriptions, timeframes, sectoral focus, and expenditure—visit DevData(external link).

Trade and investment

International tourism and remittances are key contributors to Samoa’s economy, supporting livelihoods and driving economic activity across the country.

Both New Zealand and Samoa are signatories to the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations(external link) (PACER Plus), which came into force on 13 December 2020. Samoa also hosts the PACER Plus Implementation Unit, reinforcing its leadership role in regional trade and economic integration.

The Samoa Trade and Investment Council(external link) (STIC) plays an important role in promoting and facilitating trade and investment between New Zealand and Samoa, helping to strengthen commercial ties and support sustainable economic growth.

People and culture

New Zealand and Samoa share deep family and cultural ties that are a defining feature of our relationship. Many New Zealanders have Samoan heritage, and Gagana Samoa is one of the most widely spoken languages in New Zealand.

Each year, up to 1,100 Samoan citizens, along with their partners and dependent children, are granted residence in New Zealand through the Samoan Quota Resident Visa – Immigration New Zealand(external link).

Samoan citizens are also eligible to participate in the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Limited Visa – Immigration New Zealand(external link), which provides valuable employment opportunities in New Zealand’s horticulture and viticulture sectors. The scheme supports New Zealand’s seasonal labour needs while delivering economic and social benefits to workers, their families, and communities in Samoa

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