The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Ale Vena Ale, has travelled to New Zealand for medical treatment.
The information was confirmed to the Samoa Observer by officials from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment after the newspaper requested an interview with the minister.
Ministry officials said Ale Vena Ale was unavailable because he had travelled overseas to receive medical treatment. They did not provide further details about his condition or the nature of the treatment.
The Samoa Observer also confirmed the information with members of the minister's family, who said he had travelled to New Zealand for medical care.
Ale Vena Ale serves as Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, overseeing the government's work in areas including land administration, environmental management, water resources and climate-related issues.
