Sāmoa treaty dispute with Luxon 'blown up' by media, says community leader

A diplomatic dispute between New Zealand and Sāmoa over plans to review their 64-year-old Treaty of Friendship may have been blown out of proportion.

Sāmoan Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt reportedly said he rejected an approach from New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to discuss the treaty before the 7 November election, insisting talks should wait until a new government is elected.

Luxon, however, told RNZ Pacific he did not seek treaty talks ahead of the election, saying a review is not currently a priority for New Zealand.

PMN News reported in July that the two leaders had discussed the treaty during their meeting in Wellington, with further talks expected after the election, according to the Sāmoan government.

Sāmoan community leader and visa-on-arrival campaigner Anae Arthur Anae, who was present when La’auli made his comments at an event in Sāmoa last week, believes inaccurate media reporting may have fuelled the disagreement.

Speaking to William Terite on Pacific Mornings, Anae says La’auli has consistently supported reviewing the treaty but wants to wait until after the election.

Listen to Anae Arthur Anae's full interview below

“I think it's a situation that's been blown up by media comments, which may not be absolutely accurate.”

Anae acknowledges he does not know the full details of discussions between the two leaders or what prompted Luxon's reported approach.

Asked whose account he believes, Anae stops short of taking sides but speculates that the approaching election may have been a factor.

“Look, I'm not too sure the details of why Luxon would have called. But as I said, my assumption is, hey, we're getting close to election day. And every vote counts.”

Anae is nevertheless critical of National's record on Pacific issues, particularly its position on visa-on-arrival access for Pacific visitors.

During PMN News' recent Pacific Vote 2026 candidates debate, representatives from six parties were asked whether they supported the proposal, with National the only party not open to the proposal.

Anae says support is growing across the political spectrum, including from Labour, the Greens and New Zealand First, while some National MPs are also sympathetic.

“We have been treated the wrong way for far too long,” he says.

National Party Henderson candidate Angee Nicholas said during PMN News’ Pacific Vote 2026 debate that her party wasn't open to the Sāmoa visa-on-arrival proposal. Photo/Supplied

Anae says La’auli fully supports the visa campaign and sees reviewing the Treaty of Friendship as an opportunity to address longstanding grievances.

He rejects suggestions that linking immigration reform to treaty discussions could complicate negotiations.

Anae is also campaigning to reform the Pacific immigration quota, proposing successful ballot applicants receive six-month work permits to secure employment in New Zealand.

He wants the next government to address both issues as part of a wider effort to improve New Zealand's relationship with Pacific communities.