Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Samoa Observer
Melbourne Storm connects with Samoa
Home / Sports / By Sulamanaia Manaui Faulalo • 17 March 2026, 7:00PM Melbourne Storm Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Justin Rodski says the visit to Samoa is about strengthening connections with the Pacific community that has become central to the team’s identity. Want to read more? Includes free trial to e-edition. You can cancel anytime. only per week Subscribe Or login if you are already a subscriber. Or, login
Boxer wins gold at youth world cup
Samoan boxer Kealey Perez claimed the gold medal in the women’s 80kg+ division at the 2026 World Boxing U19 Futures Cup on Sunday, marking Samoa’s first-ever gold at a world cup boxing event. Perez secured the top prize after defeating Tuvalu’s Francis Taafaki in an all-Oceania final, leading a strong showing by Team Samoa on the international stage. Samoa also claimed a bronze medal, with Anthony Pati taking third place in the men’s 90kg division.
Johnny Malua proud to represent Samoa after winning two gold medals
Samoan sprinter Johnny Malua says he is proud to represent his country after claiming two gold medals at the Polynesian Championship 2026 held in Auckland, New Zealand last week. The 22-year-old athlete, from the villages of Vaitoloa and Lepea, was among about 100 Pacific athletes competing at the Trusts Arena from 5 to 8 March, representing Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands, Tuvalu, Niue, American Samoa, and French Polynesia.
Opetaia becomes inaugural Zuffa cruiserweight champion
Although Jai Opetaia may not be the IBF cruiserweight champion come Monday morning, he is still the Ring Magazine champion and now the new Zuffa Boxing world champion. Opetaia (30-0, 23 KOs) secured a dominant unanimous decision victory over Brandon Glanton (21-4, 18 KOs) in the main event on Paramount+. All three judges scored the bout 119-106, with Opetaia demonstrating more variety in his arsenal.
Fitness pioneer marks 84th birthday, celebrates 44 years of Heems Fitness
Home / Sports / By Sulamanaia Manaui Faulalo • 09 March 2026, 4:00PM Fitness pioneer Toleafoa Tony Heem celebrated his 84th birthday on Monday, just as he has spent much of his life, inside the gym he built more than four decades ago. Want to read more? Includes free trial to e-edition. You can cancel anytime. only per week Subscribe Or login if you are already a subscriber. Or, login
Dave Rennie named new All Blacks coach
Dave Rennie has been named the new head coach of the New Zealand All Black. He will coach the team until the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. Rennie, 57, is the first All Blacks coach with Pasifika heritage. His mother comes from Titikaveka, Rarotonga. He has coached many teams, including the Australian Wallabies, the Super Rugby-winning Chiefs, and Japan’s Kobelco Kobe Steelers. “Coaching the All Blacks is a huge honour,” Rennie said.
Palalaua College powers through muddy conditions to win schools sevens
Rain and heavy conditions did not deter schools from showing good sevens rugby. Palalaua College beat Falealili College in the Zone A National Schools Sevens under-18 final 10-5 to claim victory. The skies opened up from the morning, and sometimes heavy rain continued for long spells. This did not shut down the momentum, and the teams showed good skills. The slippery surface made ball-handling difficult, but the competition remained intense from start to finish.
St Joseph’s returns to rugby after ban
Home / Sports / By Sulamanaia Manaui Faulalo • 23 February 2026, 7:00PM St Joseph’s College returns to competitive school rugby this Friday, ending a two-year-long ban as its teams debut in the official National School 7s competition across multiple venues, with excitement high and pressure mounting. Want to read more? Includes free trial to e-edition. You can cancel anytime. only per week Subscribe Or login if you are already a subscriber. Or, login
Marist International 7s Returns as Part of Samoa’s Independence Celebrations
The 37th Marist International 7s will be held on 5 and 6 June as part of this year’s Independence Day celebrations, and eight more teams have been added to feature a 24-team tournament. The event, officially named the 37th Vailima Marist International 7s 2026, will take place at Apia Park. President of the Marist Sports Club, Lemalu John Lemisio, said the tournament’s goal is to identify top talent for the Manu Samoa 7s training squad.
Vaivase Tai FC Victory at the Samoa football field
Home / Sports / By Maryana Amituanai • 06 February 2026, 3:20PM Vaivase Tai FC secured a 5-3 win over Nukuhetulu FC in the OFC Champions League qualifiers at Tuanaimato on Friday. Vaivase ran out to an early lead against the Tongan side in the first half, taking a 3-0 lead at the break. Nukuhetulu fought back the second spell in the high-scoring match but it was Vaivase with the last say.
Boxing training app launched to help local boxers
Home / Sports / By Gagau Faavesi Sitaiai • 31 January 2026, 3:00PM The Independent Boxing Samoan Inc. (IBS) launched its first boxing-specific high-performance training app, aimed at modernising athlete development and ensuring local talent is not left behind on the international stage. Want to read more? Includes free trial to e-edition. You can cancel anytime. only per week Subscribe Or login if you are already a subscriber. Or, login
Australia Day Remarks 2026 By Australia High Commissioner Will Robinson
Tālofa lava. E iate a’u le ava ma le mīgao, ou te fa’atālofa, ma fa’afeiloa’i atu ai, i le pa’ia ma le mamalu, ua aofia mai. Faafetai lava mo le fa’a-ava-noaina, o lō outou taimi, auā le fa’amanatuina o le Aso’ o’ Ausetalia. O lēnei fa’amoemoe tāua, e lē gata ona tatou patipatia ai … le atunu’u, ma tagatānu’u o Ausetalia, Ae o se avanoa tāua fo’i, e fa’amanatuina ai le faigā-pa’aga, i le vā o tatou malo. Welcome My warmest welcome to you all.
Beach and Moataa cleaned up as part of baton relay
Scores of people, including children who were part of the King’s Baton Relay of the Commonwealth Games, held a clean-up from the Sheraton Apia to Moata’a mangroves on Wednesday. The relay, which involves 72 batons sent to all Commonwealth countries, gives each country one week to carry out its run. The main theme for this year’s baton is cleaning up plastic to prevent it from entering the sea and protecting marine life.
Vaivase-Tai ready for OFC champions league qualifiers
Vaivase-Tai football club will represent Samoa at the 2026 OFC Men’s Champions League qualifiers, carrying national pride and home-soil expectations as the tournament is hosted locally. Head coach Horst Petana said the opportunity is humbling and motivating as his side prepares to compete once again for a place in Oceania’s premier club competition. “I am thankful to the Lord for this opportunity.
King’s baton relay focuses on plastic clean up
Home / Sports / By Sulamanaia Manaui Faulalo • 23 January 2026, 5:30PM Samoa will host the King’s Baton Relay on Upolu Island next week, with a five-day program from Monday, 26 January, to Friday, 30 January, blending sport, culture and environmental action ahead of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026. Want to read more? Includes free trial to e-edition. You can cancel anytime. only per week Subscribe Or login if you are already a subscriber. Or, login
Fetu Samoa coach resigns new coach to be announced
Jamie Soward has resigned as coach of the Fetu Samoa ahead of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. Soward has coached Fetu Samoa since 2023 and led the team to historic qualification for RLWC26. “This decision has not been an easy one. Coaching the country of Samoa has been one of the greatest honours of my professional career, and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together over the past three years,” he said in a statement released by Rugby League Samoa.
Destanee slams online abuse after Australian Open loss
Samoan-Australian tennis star Destanee Aiava has called out “disgusting” and “disrespectful” online abuse after being targeted by trolls following a heartbreaking loss in Australian Open qualifying. The 25-year-old was left visibly emotional after going down to England’s Harriet Dart in three sets — 3–6, 6–2, 3–6 — in the opening round of qualifying at the 2026 Australian Open. As she left the arena, Aiava struggled to contain her disappointment following the tightly contested match.
Manu Samoa 7s fall in semis, Manusina play for seventh
Manu Samoa 7s were denied a place in the final at the HSBC SVNS 3 tournament after falling 26-14 to Belgium in the men’s semi-finals on Sunday. They made the semifinals of the men’s HSBC SVNS 3 tournament in Dubai as the only unbeaten side in the men’s HSBC SVNS 3 tournament.
Miracle Faiilagi to Captain Moana Pasifika in 2026
Miracle Faiilagi will captain Moana Pasifika in the 2026 DHL Super Rugby Pacific season. He became the first player to sign a Super Rugby contract directly from a Samoan club rugby. Faiilagi first caught the attention of Moana Pasifika coaches at the 2022 World Rugby Pacific Combine in Suva and made his Super Rugby debut in 2023. Since then, he has grown into a key player for Moana Pasifika and Manu Samoa. “I’m truly grateful for this opportunity, and I just give praise to God,” Faiilagi said.
Belford siblings shine at NZ Special Olympics
Home / Sports / By Andrina Elvira Burkhart • 08 January 2026, 6:30PM Samoan siblings Daniella Belford, 15, and Harlyn Belford, 20, have made a remarkable mark at the New Zealand Special Olympics National Summer Games in Christchurch. The two golfers were diagnosed with autism when they were four years old. Want to read more? Includes free trial to e-edition. You can cancel anytime. only per week Subscribe Or login if you are already a subscriber. Or, login
Samoan scholar-athlete Shandy balances volleyball and academics
Home / Sports / By Maryana Amituanai • 23 December 2025, 9:00AM Balancing elite athletics with academic excellence is never easy, but for a Samoan volleyball standout, Shandy Faalii, it has become a defining part of her journey, one shaped by faith, family and an unwavering support system. Want to read more? Includes free trial to e-edition. You can cancel anytime. only per week Subscribe Or login if you are already a subscriber. Or, login
Street Talk: What are your plans for Christmas?
Christmas is just around the corner. Samoa Observer journalist Tautua Vaa and photojournalist Junior S Ami spoke to people about how they planned to spend their Christmas. Tavita Mikaele, 41, Luatuanuu, “It will be business as usual for me. I will be spending my time working on my plantation. As a farmer, there is always work to be done, even as Christmas approaches. While it may not be anything out of the ordinary, it is part of my daily routine.
Manu Tuilagi yet to approach Lakapi Samoa
Home / Sports / By Andrina Elvira Burkhart • 07 December 2025, 7:50PM Lakapi Samoa says they have not been approached by Manu Tuilagi or his agents about him representing Manu Samoa at the Rugby World Cup 2027. Want to read more? Includes free trial to e-edition. You can cancel anytime. only per week Subscribe Or login if you are already a subscriber. Or, login
Champions train at Tuanaimato
Home / Sports / By Sulamanaia Manaui Faulalo • 19 November 2025, 7:30PM Regional champions and Olympic medalists are here for the Oceania Weightlifting Federation Elite Training Camp held at the Oceania Weightlifting Institute and Academy at Tuanaimato Sports Complex. Want to read more? Includes free trial to e-edition. You can cancel anytime. only per week Subscribe Or login if you are already a subscriber. Or, login
Hard work, discipline and support: Ben's secret to bodybuilding success
Ben Wong Kee, the reigning Mr Samoa, describes his journey to bodybuilding success as a testament to hard work, discipline, and unwavering support from his family and village. The 26-year-old is from Lepea. Wong Kee’s journey into bodybuilding began with a clear focus on more than just physical strength. “It’s a different level,” he says.
Weightlifters deliver record breaking lifts in Melbourne
Samoa’s elite weightlifters delivered a spectacular showcase of dominance and precision at the Australian Championships 2025, setting a flurry of Oceania, Commonwealth and World Youth records. According to Weightlifting Samoa, this has become one of the nation’s most successful international outings to date. Leading the charge was John Tafi, who stunned the crowd in the Men’s 71kg division with a 137kg snatch, establishing a new Oceania senior record.
Vaimo’oi’a builds momentum for LA 2028
Samoa’s first female Olympic sailor Vaimo’oi’a Ripley has kicked off her 2025–2026 season with two strong podium finishes, signalling a confident return to competition as she ramps up her campaign for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Samoa turns first Pickleball World Cup into a golden debut
Samoa marked a milestone in its sporting history with its debut appearance at the 2025 Pickleball World Cup, earning its first international medals and drawing new attention to the fast-growing sport across the Pacific Islands. Goretti Su’a led Team Samoa’s breakout performance, winning gold in the 50+ 4.5 women’s singles division and securing silver in the 50+ 4.5 women’s doubles alongside an Australian partner.
Manu Samoa 7s train in NZ, Manusina prepares at home
Home / Sports / By Sulamanaia Manaui Faulalo • 15 November 2025, 6:10PM The Manu Samoa Sevens are continuing preparations for the HSBC SVNS 3 competition scheduled for January 2026, with most of the men’s training squad currently based in New Zealand for warm-up fixtures, training sessions and exposure matches. Want to read more? Includes free trial to e-edition. You can cancel anytime. only per week Subscribe Or login if you are already a subscriber.
Samoa Election in August
Samoa will head to the polls to elect new leaders on August 29. This after a decision by the Supreme Court yesterday upholding the three months mandated in the Constitution to conduct a general election following the dissolution of parliament. Chief Justice Satiu Simativa Perese, sitting alongside Senior Judge Justice Vui Clarence Nelson and Justice Leutele Mata Tuatagaloa delivered the ruling a day after a brief hearing.
Samoa caretaker PM not surprised with illegal move to nominate a new government
Samoa caretaker Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa says an attempt by the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly to nominate a new government was legally flawed and did not surprise her. The Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, Satama Leatisa Tala wrote a “report” to the Head of State to inform him about the composition of political parties in the Legislative Assembly.
Head of State accepts Samoa PM's advice, cabinet is caretaker government
The Samoan cabinet has assumed the role of the caretaker government until a new government is elected and convenes its first parliamentary sitting, after the Head of State accepted the advice from Samoa Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa. Mata’afa met with the Head of State, Tuimalealiifano Sualauvi Vaaletoa II, on Tuesday to dissolve Parliament, allowing the country to head back to the polls after the national budget was defeated.
Savour the moments - (Endless Circles)
As we live a little longer countless years pass by We learn to stop and wonder at the colours in the sky Our hearts accept more willingly things meant to be Value shades of beauty we never thought we’d see Appreciate life’s special moments Savour them while they last Good times not yet ended Don’t let them go too fast The present is ours to treasure, shape it in its stead When this day is over we know not what lies ahead Be thankful for today – worry not about the ‘morrow Trust that joy and...
Outgoing Miss America: We're more alike than different
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — Asked about Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton during her onstage interview at last year's Miss America pageant, Savvy Shields turned heads on the judge's panel and across the country by offering some advice to both political parties: Stop arguing and start compromising. It was that response that may have put her over the top to become Miss America 2017.
Samoa state of emergency expires, no extension; NEOC
A proclamation on a state of emergency declared on 31 March in response to the Samoa energy crisis will not be extended and effectively expired on Tuesday, 29 April. This was confirmed by the Controller of the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC), Lealaisalanoa Frances Brown-Reupena. The end of the brief state of emergency that the island of Upolu followed the cancellation of power rationing on the island just before the Easter long weekend.
PM's Cup: Ref stops game short, Itu O Tane unstoppable
The referee had to prematurely stop Itu o Tane College U14 Girls' last match at the Laumua o Punaoa field on Tuesday as the Itu o Tane girls kept piling points after points over Falealili College in the Prime Minister's Cup. The tournament is a sevens rugby tournament for primary school-aged children, boys and girls. It was more than a statement by the Savaii girls as they led Falealili College 56-0. The Upolu team barely got to touch the ball as every play by Itu o Tane resulted in a try.
Tuilaepa and Lauofo retains leadership
Former Samoa ruling Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) caucus has re-elected its leader and deputy leader to spearhead the party’s campaign for the next general elections. Leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi and Deputy Leader Lauofo Fonotoe Pierre’s re-election was announced on Monday following a caucus meeting held at the Petesa headquarters. Tuilaepa said the caucus has unanimously agreed to retain the leadership roles in the political party.
Samoa weightlifting smashes 20 records
The Samoa Weightlifting team rewrote the history books as the curtain closed on the Oceania International Cup in Melbourne Australia on Sunday. Samoa concluded with a total of 13 gold medals, three silver medals, and three bronze medals. They have also created 18 new Oceania records and two Commonwealth records.
Samoa named ‘Emerging Island Holiday Destination’ by China magazine
APIA (Samoa Observer/Pacnews) — Samoa was declared the winner of the “Emerging Island Holiday Destination” award by the National Tourism Magazine in China, held earlier this month. According to the Samoa Tourism Authority or STA, this accolade was a testament to the dedication and hard work invested by the STA and the tourism sector in promoting Samoa as a premier travel destination within the Asia and Chinese markets.
Automotive Pressure Sensors Market Analysis Highlights the Impact of COVID-19 (2020-2024) | Demand For Automobiles to boost the Market Growth | Technavio
LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug 21, 2020-- Technavio has been monitoring the automotive pressure sensors market and it is poised to grow by USD 614.21 mn during 2020-2024, progressing at a CAGR of over 4% during the forecast period. The report offers an up-to-date analysis regarding the current market scenario, latest trends and drivers, and the overall market environment. This press release features multimedia.
With Global Alliance, an International Network of Tech Public Relations Agencies, Launches
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan 8, 2020-- Affect, a public relations agency specializing in technology, healthcare and professional services, and European tech PR and marketing agency With, announced today the creation of a global network of technology public relations agencies, the With Global Alliance.
Samoa gets to compete in Dallas Cup
Samoa's history makers, the national U-16 women's football team who have qualified for the FIFA World Cup are now preparing for the Dallas Cup in Texas, USA next month. Coach Juan Chang Urrea confirmed their participation in the upcoming Dallas Cup. "After the camp in California, which was a success. The team is now preparing to compete in the Dallas Cup. The Dallas Cup is the biggest youth football tournament in the world and it's from 13 to 20 April.
Moataa hold onto shield
Taumeasina Island Resort Moataa clinched a nail-biting 27-25 win over SCOPA at the HPU field, Tuanaimato on Saturday evening to hold onto the challenge shield. SCOPA was the first to put their name on the scoreboard with a try to lead 5-0 within the first 10 minutes of the first half. Moataa responded with a try and a successful conversion, taking the lead from SCOPA, 7 - 5. This lead was extended through a penalty just before half time. The teams went into the breather with Moataa leading 10-5.
Justine ready to lead Netball Samoa
Justine Samu's journey with Netball Samoa began as a volunteer coach and now she has been given the responsibility of leading the association as the new Chief Executive Officer. It all started with Marist Netball for her daughters' Under-8 team. She hails from Falealupo, Vavau and Moata'a. "Anyone involved in sports knows how hard it is to engage volunteer coaches purely due to people's availability so I took on the responsibility so my daughter would have a team to play for.
Trump Cabinet Kennedy
Skip to main contentSkip to main content You have permission to edit this image. Some of our services are temporarily unavailable due to maintenance. Subscription sign-ups and account access are currently offline. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by system delays, which may temporarily affect paper delivery or E-edition access. We are working to fix the issues You don't have any notifications.
Trump Cabinet Kennedy
Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, right, shakes hands with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on June 1, 2019, in Mulinu'u, Samoa. At left is Kennedy's wife, actress Cheryl Hines. Kennedy said the trip was arranged by Edwin Tamasese, a local anti-vaccine influencer.
Trump Cabinet Kennedy
Skip to main contentSkip to main content You have permission to edit this image. Some of our services are temporarily unavailable due to maintenance. Subscription sign-ups and account access are currently offline. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by system delays, which may temporarily affect paper delivery or E-edition access. We are working to fix the issues You don't have any notifications.
Trump Cabinet Kennedy
Skip to main contentSkip to main content Register for more free articles. Special Introductory Offer *offer available for new customers only Already subscribed? Log in | Return to homepage E-edition PLUS unlimited articles & videos Personalized news alerts with our mobile app *FREE access to newspapers.com archives Hundreds of games, puzzles & comics online You have permission to edit this image.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Samoa
Contact Samoa, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack