Samoa

Samoa is pulling out all the stops as Commonwealth heads of government arrive, but it's the New Zealand shipwreck that's disrupting daily life.

The Detail: The wreck of the Manawanui is leaving an oily sheen on the water, and taking the shine off the job of hosting world leaders, including the King.

The 27th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) is about putting vulnerable groups at the front, Samoan Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa said. Audio

Otago University's Dr Robert Patman said that, as hosts, Samoa want to discuss the role that small states have in international diplomacy. Audio

Samoa is days away from hosting 56 country representatives for CHOGM. But why is the summit "significant" and what do leaders aim to achieve?

Safata district villagers in Samoa, where the Navy vessel HMNZ Manawanui sank, will meet with Samoan officials on Friday to push for compensation.

Samoa "is calling" the former heavyweight, who wants to spend the next chapter of his life cracking coconuts instead of jaws.

The Samoan PM says there are no talks of the NZ Navy vessel being salvaged this week, as leaders from 56 nations are set to gather in Apia for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting next Monday. Audio

A bill that aims to restore citizenship to a group of Samoans born between 1924 and 1949 has unanimous support from the select committee to procced but will not include the decedents of the cohort. Audio

Locals in the coastal village are demanding compensation from New Zealand, saying they have lost their livelihood as result of the sinking of HMNZS Manawanui. Audio