Samoa’s Former Minister Supports NZ’s SAT$10 Million Compensation

A former government minister in Samoa has endorsed New Zealand’s compensation payment of SAT$10 million following the sinking of the HMNZS Manawanui last year. The New Zealand naval vessel crashed into the Tafitoala reef off Upolu Island on October 6, 2022, causing significant environmental damage as it caught fire and sank, spilling diesel fuel and debris into the surrounding waters. The wreck remains on the reef, prompting discussions on the appropriate compensation for the incident.

Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster, who served as Samoa’s Minister of Natural Resources and Environment at the time of the disaster, expressed his belief that the compensation amount was appropriate. In an interview with RNZ Pacific, he stated that the SAT$10 million payment was based on a comprehensive assessment conducted by the Marine and Pollution Advisory Committee (MPAC), which compiled a detailed report about the disaster and its repercussions.

The New Zealand government had already disbursed SAT$5 million to cover immediate response costs shortly after the incident, separate from the later compensation amount. Documents released by New Zealand authorities indicate that the SAT$10 million request was officially submitted by Samoa’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and approved by then-prime minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa in May 2023. New Zealand’s Foreign Minister, Winston Peters, confirmed the acceptance of this request, ensuring that Samoa would not seek additional compensation related to the resolved matters.

The MPAC report included a range of environmental assessments and social surveys, which were conducted with residents from affected villages. These evaluations aimed to gauge the impact of the shipwreck on local communities and fisheries. Toeolesulusulu highlighted that the report’s findings justified the compensation amount, which would be allocated across five categories, including funds for affected villages, scientific research, and marine conservation efforts.

Despite the compensation, communities in the districts of Safata and Si’umu reported ongoing dissatisfaction, as residents indicated they were still awaiting payments. Toeolesulusulu acknowledged that the compensation process coincided with the general election period in Samoa, limiting the government’s ability to communicate openly about the payments.

Current Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Polataivao Schmidt has assured the public that payments to affected individuals should be finalized by the end of December 2023 or early January 2024.

Initially, the MPAC report suggested a compensation figure of around NZD$7 million. However, Toeolesulusulu challenged this estimate, arguing that it did not accurately reflect the incident’s impact. After discussions with the committee, the total compensation figure was adjusted to SAT$10 million, which Toeolesulusulu believes accurately reflects the actual costs incurred.

The report classified the compensation into distinct categories, including SAT$2 million for affected communities, SAT$2 million for ongoing scientific assessments, and SAT$2 million for improving government marine pollution management capabilities.

Toeolesulusulu also discussed the potential costs associated with removing the wreck from the reef, estimating that such an operation could reach NZD$100 to $200 million. Instead, the decision was made to leave the wreck in place, allowing it to serve as a dive site, which could eventually benefit Samoa’s tourism industry.

Reflecting on New Zealand’s role in the aftermath of the disaster, Toeolesulusulu described the country as a “good neighbour” for its support and contributions. He emphasized that while higher compensation figures might have been possible, they could have affected New Zealand’s broader development assistance to Samoa.

According to data from New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the country contributed NZD$50 million to Samoa in the 2024/2025 financial year. As the situation evolves, the release of the MPAC report is anticipated, though the responsibility for its publication rests with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.