On Monday 28th June 2021, the Samoa High Commissioner (H.E. Leasi Papali’i Scanlan) received courtesy calls from a number of Ambassadors and High Commissioners residing in Australia. The Heads of Diplomatic Missions in Australia arrived in New Zealand the previous week from Canberra to present their credentials to the Governor General of New Zealand, H.E. Rt. Hon. Dame Patsy Reddy. The Credentials Presentation Ceremony is scheduled for 29th June 2021 at the Government House. The Heads of Missions met with the Samoa High Commissioner, in his capacity as the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps. The Dean welcomed the Heads of Mission and shared an insight into the Diplomatic Corps life in New Zealand, including the importance of the close relations amongst the 50 Diplomatic Missions in Wellington as well as with the NZ Government and Officials. Among the issues discussed included; the COVID-19 Pandemic & Vaccines, Climate Change, the Blue Pacific, Diasporas & Remittances, Economic Development, Seasonal Workers and Rules-based Systems. The Dean also advised his Guests of upcoming activities for the NZ Diplomatic Corps which they could participate in, if they are available. The visiting Heads of Mission expressed their gratitude to the Dean for hosting them.

The Heads of Missions that paid courtesy calls to the Samoa High Commissioner & Dean of the Diplomatic Corps include: High Commissioner of Ghana (H.E. Dr Joseph Agoe); Ambassador of Greece (H.E. Mr Georges Papacostas); Ambassador of Costa Rica (H.E. Mr Armando Vargas-Araya); and the High Commissioner of Nigeria (H.E. Mr Anderson N Madubike). Some visiting Heads of Mission were also accompanied by their delegations. The Counsellor, Mr. Robert Niko Aiono, accompanied the Samoa High Commissioner in the meetings.