Laauli pushes for better worker pathways as Luxon calls Sāmoa a trusted Pacific partner

New Zealand Prime Minister Tuisinavemaulumoto’otua Christopher Luxon says Sāmoa remains a trusted partner as the two countries look to strengthen their long-standing relationship.

Following bilateral talks with Sāmoa’s Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataʻivao Schmidt in Wellington, Luxon said the Pacific relationship remained central to both countries.

“The Pacific is our neighbourhood and Sāmoa is a trusted partner in it,” he said on his official Facebook page.

“It was a pleasure to welcome Prime Minister Laʻaulialemalietoa to Wellington.”

The two leaders met on Monday at the Beehive during Laaulialemalietoa’s official visit to New Zealand, with talks covering labour mobility, trade, migration, economic cooperation and regional issues.

According to the Sāmoan government, the leaders also discussed the future of the Treaty of Friendship between Sāmoa and New Zealand, which was signed 64 years ago.

The government said officials had started identifying areas for further discussion, which included how the treaty could continue to reflect the realities of the modern relationship.

Labour mobility was a major focus of the talks, with both leaders acknowledging the contribution Sāmoan workers continue to make to New Zealand’s economy.

The Sāmoan government said discussions on the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Scheme focused on worker welfare, pastoral care, employer-worker relationships and ensuring the programme continues to meet the needs of both countries.

Sāmoa Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa in Blenheim as he continued discussions on the experiences and challenges faced by workers taking part in New Zealand’s labour mobility programmes. Photo/Facebook/Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt

Labour mobility remains a key part of the Pacific relationship, providing income opportunities for families, supporting communities through remittances and helping address workforce needs in both Sāmoa and Aotearoa.

For many Pacific families, seasonal work programmes have become an important pathway for skills development, financial security and stronger connections between communities.

Laaulialemalietoa also shared feedback gathered during recent meetings with Sāmoan seasonal workers and New Zealand employers in Hawke’s Bay.

The leaders discussed the Sāmoa Quota Scheme and possible improvements to employment pathways. This includes making processes around job offers and work documentation more efficient for successful applicants.

Watch PM Laaulialemalietoa in Blenheim to meet the diaspora there particularly Sāmoan seasonal workers.

Trade was another key area, with the Sāmoan government saying Laaulialemalietoa highlighted the need to expand access for his country's exports across New Zealand.

He said reaching communities beyond the North Island, particularly where Sāmoan and wider Pacific populations live, would create more opportunities for exporters and local businesses.

The talks also included continued cooperation in supporting Tokelau.

Luxon thanked Laaulialemalietoa for his recent official visit to Tokelau, while the Samoan government said the Prime Minister reaffirmed Sāmoa's role as a key gateway for the territory.

Watch PM Laaulialemalietoa address Sāmoan seasonal workers and industry officials in Blenheim.

Sāmoa provides important links for Tokelau through transport, logistics, fuel, food, medical supplies, education services and other essential goods.

The Sāmoan government said further discussions on the Treaty of Friendship are expected after New Zealand’s upcoming general election.

Following his Wellington visit, Laaulialemalietoa travelled to Blenheim to meet with Sāmoan seasonal workers and hear directly about their experiences.

The Sāmoan leader and his delegation return home on Thursday.