AGP Executive Report

Pacific Sport & Community: North Marianas officials praised Samoa’s triathlon crowd discipline, saying people lined sea walls and roads to support athletes and that the event was well organised. Boxing (Pacific Games 2027): Tavu’i Lemisio has been appointed Competition Manager for Boxing at Tahiti 2027, with Oceania Boxing highlighting his leadership and 20+ years in sport administration. Samoan Pride in the Ring: A father-daughter boxing duo is chasing glory together, with the daughter crediting her dad’s gym and coaching for building confidence, discipline, and determination. Moana Pasifika Update: New Zealand Rugby says a decision on Moana Pasifika’s future licence is likely by June 30, with proposals still under review as the club faces liquidation fallout. Samoa in Global Screen Culture: Catherine Laga’aia speaks on how representation shaped her path, as Disney’s live-action Moana final trailer and July 10 release date draw closer. Va’a & Independence Spirit: Pualele Va’a Cup 2026 celebrated va’a culture, teamwork, and ocean connection ahead of Samoa’s 64th Independence celebrations. Language & Independence in the Diaspora: Invercargill’s Samoan community marked Independence Day and Samoan Language Week with marches, flag-raising, workshops, and sports.

Moana Pasifika Survival Talks: New Zealand’s Winston Peters says the Super Rugby Pacific franchise still has a pathway, with potential backers emerging and no direct government bailout planned as a decision on the licence is expected by June 30. Samoan Sports & Culture: Pualele Va’a Cup 2026 at Moata’a base celebrated va’a as more than racing—bringing juniors, masters, families and volunteers together for Independence spirit. Pacific Arts & Representation: Catherine Laga’aia and Dwayne Johnson spotlight the live-action Moana remake, with the final trailer out and the star-compass story tied to real Polynesian navigation. Samoan Music Giving Back: Faanana Jerome Grey and sons donated ukuleles to the Campus of Hope Mini Band, supporting kids’ music skills through the Pasifika Music Academy. Independence Day in the Community: Invercargill’s Samoan community marked Independence Day and Samoan Language Week with marches, flag-raising, workshops and sports. Netball Spotlight: Namibia’s Anna Kaspar shares her journey from school netball to award-winning shooting—now balancing motherhood and elite play.

Moana Pasifika Rescue Plan: New Zealand Rugby says a decision on who will take over Moana Pasifika’s licence is likely by June 30, with Foreign Minister Winston Peters backing a sustainable pathway and ruling out a direct government bailout as new backers show interest. Super Rugby & Samoa/Tonga Pride: The franchise’s uncertainty follows liquidation moves after owners said it couldn’t return next season, keeping Pacific communities across NZ watching closely. Samoan Sports Spotlight: Samoa international Luciano Leilua is reportedly seeking an immediate release from the Dragons as he looks for more game time before the June 30 deadline. Va’a Culture: Pualele Va’a Cup 2026 at Moata’a base celebrated va’a as sport, culture, and community—juniors to masters paddled for pride and connection. Music & Youth Support: Samoan musician Faanana Jerome Grey and sons donated ukuleles to the Campus of Hope Mini Band, backing kids to build confidence and talent through music. Independence Celebrations: Independent Boxing Samoa’s “FIGHT FOR INDEPENDENCE 64” delivered a packed pro-am night with Samoan professional debutants shining in the main event.

Pacific Arts & Culture: Catherine Laga’aia and Dwayne Johnson spotlight how Moana’s Polynesian representation is opening doors, as Disney drops the final live-action Moana trailer ahead of the July 10 cinema release. Samoan Music & Youth: Faanana Jerome Grey and sons donate four ukuleles to Campus of Hope, backing a mini band that helps children build confidence through music. Independence Celebrations: Independence Day festivities and Samoan Language Week workshops continue to bring families together in Invercargill, with flag-raising and youth culture learning at the heart. Sport & Community: Pualele Va’a Cup 2026 at Moata’a base celebrates va’a as culture and teamwork across generations. Samoan Excellence in Sport: Olympian Vaimo’oi’a Ripley returns to Tahiti to claim top female honours at the Oceania Championships. Local Sports Business: Le Malae Sports Bar opens at the old Phat Burger site, marking a new chapter for Taula Beverages’ Mulitalo Amosa Tupai. Community Safety: Residents warn that violent content circulating online is normalising harmful behaviour and affecting young people.

Independence Day & Samoan Language Week: Invercargill’s Samoan community marked June 1 with a march, flag-raising at the civic building, church service, sports, and workshops for young people to keep culture strong while living away from Samoa. Polynesian Screen Representation: Catherine Laga’aia and Dwayne Johnson spotlight how Moana’s Polynesian storytelling is opening doors, ahead of the live-action remake’s July 10 release. Sailing Spotlight: Samoan Olympian Vaimo’oi’a Ripley returned to Tahiti and claimed top female honours at the 2026 Oceania Championships, a full-circle moment as she targets LA 2028. Sports Bar Opening: Taula Beverages congratulates Tofā Mulitalo Amosa Tupai on opening Le Malae Sports Bar, celebrating his long service and new business venture. Boxing Night: Independent Boxing Samoa’s “FIGHT FOR INDEPENDENCE 64” drew big crowds and featured Samoan professional debutants Jolando Ta’ala and Saliuafi Tuautu. Music Giving Back: Faanana Jerome Grey and sons donated ukuleles to Campus of Hope to grow a mini band and nurture young talent through music. Powerlifting Records: Samoa Nationals Powerlifting Championships saw national and Oceania record lifts, with selections set for Oceania in Suva. Marist Sevens Champions: Tepatasi won back-to-back Marist International 7s titles at Apia Park, beating Yaro Chiefs 10-5 in the final. Samoan Language Week in NZ: Oamaru Pacific Island Trust ran cultural stations—legends, screen printing, traditional food, songs, and music—to celebrate Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa.

Samoan Sports Spotlight: Samoa international Totoa Auvaa (Saracens) has been named as the rugby player at the centre of a late-night clash involving England captain Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson, with reports of a security guard injured and the ECB probing curfew breaches. Pacific Rugby Update: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters says Moana Pasifika still has a pathway to survive, ruling out a direct government bailout as new backers are reportedly showing interest after the club’s financial crisis. Independence & Community Sport: Triathlon Samoa marked Samoa’s 64th Independence Day with a 21km relay that drew 12 teams, from age 9 to 71, with cash prizes supported by government funding. Local Ring Action: Independent Boxing Samoa’s “FIGHT FOR INDEPENDENCE 64” at N.U.S. Gym delivered a packed pro-am night, headlined by Samoan professional debutants Jolando Ta’ala and Saliuafi Tuautu. Arts & Culture: World-renowned Samoan musician Faanana Jerome Grey and sons donated four ukuleles to the Campus of Hope, backing a mini band for kids’ music skills during Independence celebrations. Music & Language: Samoa Language Week activities continued with OPIT cultural sessions featuring legends, screen printing patterns, coconut scraping, and traditional food—plus Samoan songs and music.

Moana Pasifika Survival Talk: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters says the Super Rugby club still has a pathway to a sustainable future, ruling out a direct government bailout as the franchise faces liquidation fears. Samoan Music & Tautua: World-renowned Samoan musician Faanana Jerome Grey and sons donate ukuleles to Campus of Hope, backing mini-band learning and youth confidence through music. Independence Night Boxing: “FIGHT FOR INDEPENDENCE 64” at N.U.S. Gym delivered a packed pro-am card, with Samoan professional debutants Jolando Ta’ala and Saliuafi Tuautu starring. Local Sport Spotlight: Triathlon Samoa’s 21km Independence Day Relay drew 12 teams, from age 9 to 71, with community prizes and a fast, well-run course. Pacific Tech for Football: LiveU reports the first remote VAR deployment across the Pacific for the OFC Pro League, bringing match decision support to islands like Samoa. Community Powerlifting: Samoa Nationals Powerlifting Championships saw record lifts and confirmed selections for Oceania in Suva, including Atoa Tavita Lipine and Leotina Sive Petelo. Samoan Language Week Culture: OPIT’s Samoan Language Week programme mixed legends, screen printing, coconut scraping, and traditional food with music and songs for families and kids. Moana Pasifika & Rugby News: Reds women’s camp highlights growing Pasifika influence as Samoan Language Week traditions show up in training playlists and team culture. Sports Drama Overseas: Saracens academy player Totoa Auvaa is named in reports tied to Ben Stokes’ nightclub incident, adding fresh scrutiny to off-field behaviour.

Samoan Sports Spotlight: Saracens Samoa international Totoa Auvaa has been named in reports tied to a late-night nightclub clash involving Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson, with details still emerging about what sparked the melee. Pacific Football Tech: LiveU says it has delivered the first remote VAR deployment across the Pacific for the OFC Pro League, aiming to bring decision support to island nations including Samoa. Rugby Sevens at the Commonwealth Games: Organisers say Rugby Sevens may be dropped from Glasgow, but Pacific nations remain central to the Games’ spirit and pathways for young players. Samoan Independence in the Ring: Independent Boxing Samoa’s “FIGHT FOR INDEPENDENCE 64” drew big local energy at N.U.S. Gym, with Samoan professional debutants Jolando Ta’ala and Saliuafi Tuautu starring. Music & Community: Faanana Jerome Grey and sons donated four ukuleles to Campus of Hope to boost the Mini Band, while Rex Atirai brought a “musical treat” to Samoa during Independence celebrations. Samoan Language Week Arts: New bilingual children’s music videos launched during Samoa Language Week 2026, adding to a growing library of gagana Samoa content for kids.

Moana Pasifika Survival Talk: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters says the Super Rugby club still has a pathway, after liquidation fears—plus fresh interest from potential backers—keeping the Pacific franchise representing Samoan, Tongan and wider communities in the spotlight. Samoan Music & Tautua: World-renowned Samoan musician Faanana Jerome Grey and sons donated four ukuleles to the Campus of Hope to grow a mini band and build kids’ confidence through music. Independence Night Boxing: “FIGHT FOR INDEPENDENCE 64” at the N.U.S. Gym delivered a packed pro-am card, with Samoan debutants Jolando Ta’ala and Saliuafi Tuautu shining in the main events. Samoan Language Week in Motion: New bilingual children’s music videos launched during Samoa Language Week 2026, while new Samoan language music videos rolled out to keep gagana Samoa vibrant for families. Sporting Pride at Home: Triathlon Samoa’s 21km Independence Day Relay drew 12 teams, from age 9 to 71, with a community-first vibe. Powerlifting Records: Samoa Nationals Powerlifting Championships saw national and Oceania records, with athletes selected for Oceania in Suva.

Music & Youth Support: World-renowned Samoan musician Faanana Jerome Grey and sons Taumata Grey and Vaea Aitonu Grey gifted four ukuleles to the Campus of Hope, backing the Mini Band to build kids’ confidence and creativity through music. Boxing & Performance: Independent Boxing Samoa and David Tua’s “FIGHT FOR INDEPENDENCE 64” at N.U.S. Gym lit up with pro debutants Jolando Ta’ala and Saliuafi Tuautu delivering main-event masterclasses, while Fiji amateurs took undercard wins. Samoan Language Week in the spotlight: New bilingual children’s music videos launched during Samoa Language Week 2026, with Malamalama Moni Aoga Amata and The KaRs building on earlier hits to keep gagana Samoa thriving. Independence Sport & Community: Triathlon Samoa’s 21km Independence Day Relay drew 12 teams, from age 9 to 71, with the event backed by government support and prizes. Cultural Arts Beyond Samoa: Cook Islands artist Rex Atirai brought a “musical treat” to Samoa, performing songs and introducing a new Samoan track during Independence celebrations.

Music & Tautua: Two Sāmoan women in Aotearoa are turning “tautua” into everyday practice—Saylene Tanielu-Ulberg teaches Pacific songwriting and mentoring at SAE, while Rebecca Rice coaches vocals and helps shape the next generation of Pacific artists. Sports Comeback: Cronulla winger Ronaldo Mulitalo is back after an ACL recovery tied to the Pacific Championships, scoring early and eyeing bigger goals. Samoa Language Week in full swing: New bilingual children’s music videos launch during Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa, and new Samoan language music videos roll out—keeping gagana Samoa alive through fun, family-friendly creativity. Rugby Spotlight: Tepatasi retain the Marist International 7s title with a tight final win, showing local leadership can beat star-studded squads. Independence Relay: Triathlon Samoa’s 21km Independence Day Relay draws 12 teams, from age 9 to 71, with community prizes and a well-run course. Powerlifting: Samoa Nationals Powerlifting Championships see national and Oceania record lifts as selections for the Oceania meet in Suva are confirmed.

Samoan Language Week in full swing: Oamaru Pacific Island Trust (OPIT) ran a family-focused cultural night with Samoan legends, screen-printing patterns, coconut “valu le popo,” songs and traditional food like pani popo, koko Samoa and sapasui. Kids’ culture on screen: Malamalama Moni Aoga Amata launched four new bilingual Samoan children’s music videos during Language Week, building on earlier hits and aiming to keep gagana Samoa lively for the next generation. New music videos drop: Malamalama Moni Aoga Amata and The KaRs also unveiled fresh Samoan language music videos as part of the week’s celebrations. Independence relay brings community sport: Triathlon Samoa’s 21km Independence Day Relay drew 12 teams, from age 9 to 71, with cash prizes supported by government funding. Powerlifting records & Oceania selection: Samoa Nationals Powerlifting Championships saw national and Oceania record lifts, with a team named for November’s Oceania meet in Suva. Manu Samoa Nations Cup squad set: 32 players were selected for July’s Nations Cup in Chile and Uruguay, including three on-island players, with Samoa opening against Hong Kong China on July 5. Fashion honour: MENA founder Talaleomalie Filomena Loheni was appointed an MNZM in the King’s Birthday Honours for services to Pacific fashion. Sports spotlight: Veteran cricketer Paitea Teofilo keeps playing into his 60s, saying age is just a number as he bowls for Tama Alapae. Independence honours & culture: Samoa marked its 64th Independence with 33 recipients across sport, public service and culture/environment.

Samoa Language Week in the spotlight: Malamalama Moni Aoga Amata launched four fresh bilingual Samoan children’s music videos with The KaRs, building on last year’s hit “I’a Mase’ese’e” and keeping gagana Samoa front and centre for families across Aotearoa. Live music & culture night: Cook Islands artist Rex Atirai wowed a packed crowd at Le Manumea Hotel, performing two sets, teasing an unreleased Samoan song, and debuting a new Samoan track with Tahitian dancers. Sport as community celebration: Triathlon Samoa’s 21km Independence Day Relay drew 12 teams, from age 9 to 71, with the Government backing prizes through a $14,000 support package. Manu Samoa Nations Cup squad: Manu Samoa named 32 players for July’s Nations Cup in Chile and Uruguay, including three on-island players, with Samoa opening against Hong Kong China on July 5. Pacific arts achievement: MENA founder Talaleomalie Filomena Loheni was appointed an MNZM for services to Pacific fashion, marking decades of growth from sewing in Samoa to international runways. Coaching & rugby momentum: Samoa head coach Ben Gardiner is linked with Hull KR interest but reports say he’s staying with Perth Bears as the NRL project ramps up.

Samoa Language Week in full swing: Oamaru Pacific Island Trust (OPIT) brought Samoan legends, screen-printing patterns, coconut scraping, and traditional food to families during Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa, while Malamalama Moni Aoga Amata (MMAA) launched four new bilingual Samoan children’s music videos with The KaRs, building on last year’s viral “I’a Mase’ese’e.” Independence Day sport spotlight: Triathlon Samoa’s 21km Independence Day Relay drew 12 teams, with organisers backing cash prizes and community awards as runners looped from the Samoa Tourism Authority fale. Manu Samoa Nations Cup squad: Lemalu Tusi Pisi named 32 players for July’s Nations Cup in Chile and Uruguay, including three on-island players (Taunuu Niulevaea, Elisapeta Alofipo, Warren Solomona) and a full Pool A schedule starting July 5 vs Hong Kong China. Moana Pasifika link-up: Miracle Faiilagi was selected for the Manu Samoa squad alongside other Moana Pasifika players, keeping the Pasifika pathway front and centre. Coaching news with Samoan ties: Samoa head coach Ben Gardiner reportedly turned down Hull KR’s interest, choosing to stay with the Perth Bears ahead of their inaugural NRL campaign. Arts & culture beyond rugby: A Samoan tenor, Pene Pati, is featured in a new documentary “Tenor: My Name is Pati” premiering at the Sydney film festival, highlighting his rise from Upolu to major opera stages.

Independence Sports: Triathlon Samoa marked Samoa’s 64th Independence Day with a 21km Independence Day Relay that drew 12 teams, from age 9 to 71, with Government support of $14,000 helping prizes and awards. Samoan Language Music: Malamalama Moni Aoga Amata launched four new bilingual Samoan children’s music videos during Samoa Language Week 2026, building on last year’s hit “I’a Mase’ese’e” and supported through the Creative Communities Scheme. Manu Samoa Rugby: Manu Samoa 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 matches starting July 5 vs Hong Kong China. Arts & Culture Spotlight: Samoan tenor Pene Pati’s documentary “Tenor: My Name is Pati” premieres at the Sydney film festival, following his rise from Upolu to major opera stages worldwide. Community & Service: Samoa presented Independence honours to 33 recipients across sports, public service, culture, and environment. Local Sport Feature: A veteran cricketer, Paitea Teofilo, continues playing into his 60s, saying age brings experience and urging others to stay active.

Samoan Language Week 2026: Malamalama Moni Aoga Amata launched four new bilingual Samoan children’s music videos with The KaRs, building on last year’s hit “I’a Mase’ese’e” and keeping gagana Samoa front and centre for kids and families. Manu Samoa Nations Cup: Lemalu Tusiata Pisi named a 32-player squad for July in Chile and Uruguay, including three on-island players (Taunuu Niulevaea, Elisapeta Alofipo, Warren Solomona) and Moana Pasifika captain Miracle Faiilagi plus other Pasifika-based stars. Moana Pasifika future: With the Super Rugby franchise in liquidation, the Rugby Players Association says saving the team is possible but “D-Day” is near—plans for players, coaches, and sponsors must be locked in within weeks. Arts spotlight: Samoan tenor Pene Pati’s documentary “Tenor: My Name is Pati” premieres at the Sydney film festival, following his rise from Upolu to major opera stages worldwide. Sports culture: Marist International Sevens Tournament returns to Samoa with a growing women’s event, aiming to develop talent and boost youth and women’s participation. Independence celebrations: Samoa marked 64 years of independence with Independence honours for 33 recipients, plus a police and Fire & Emergency Services longboat win at the regatta finals tied to anti-illegal-drugs efforts.