China has made a donation of $50,000 (Tala) from its Chinese Embassy to assist people in Safata affected by the sinking of the HMNZS Manawanui amidst public scrutiny over the distribution of the funds relating to the incident.
China's role in the Pacific including Samoa is in the forefront with this donation, it comes after the Royal New Zealand dive and hydrographic survey vessel ran aground and sank off the southern coast of Samoa on October 6th 2024.
Safata District Council Treasurer, Toleafoa Losalia Sagalala Niumata said the donation was separate from the existing Safata District Fono Faavae and was specifically intended to provide relief to the nine villages affected by the sinking of the HMNZS Manawanui.
The funds were given to a committee comprising Chairman Tuia Pua Fuatogi Letoa, Vice Chairman Leaana Ronnie Posini, Tuua Te’o Asofou Soo and Treasurer Niumata.
Toleafoa said the committee was formed in 2025, the same year the money was given, following the sinking of the HMNZS Manawanui to receive and distribute the $50,000 donation to the nine Safata villages.
