Prime Minister La‘aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt has questioned whether Samoa’s Treaty of Friendship with New Zealand is true, saying the agreement may need to be reviewed after 64 years of independence.
Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, La‘aulialemalietoa said Samoa must consider whether the treaty continues to protect its people, particularly Samoans living in New Zealand, Australia and the United States.
“How true is this friendship?” he said. The comments were made during debate on the 2026/2027 budget’s focus on strengthening governance, justice and public sector integrity.
The issue was raised after the Member of Parliament for Falealupo, Aeau Tima Leavaiseeta, questioned adoption-related matters, including why some children adopted overseas had not gained New Zealand citizenship. Aeau also raised the Treaty of Friendship between Samoa and New Zealand.
In response, the Prime Minister said the treaty was signed for the protection of Samoans and should now be looked at again.
