On 15th August 2023, the Samoa High Commissioner, H.E. Afamasaga Faamatalaupu Toleafoa was invited to the welcome reception hosted by the Mafutaga Faifeau i Ueligitone (Samoan Church Committee in Wellington) at the EFKS Hall in Cannons Creek, Porirua. The reception commenced with welcome remarks by the Secretary of the Samoan Church Committee, Rev. Fa’uatea Aneterea F. Sa’u (Nazarene- Wainuiomata)followed by church service led by Rev. Elder A’ufaga Fa’afia (EFKS Cannons Creek- Porirua). A welcoming ava ceremony convened after church service in which several exchanges of appreciation was shared by both the church committee leaders and High Commissioner’s family and staff of the Samoa High Commission. This later followed by dinner and entertainment with further exchanges of gifts in welcoming the Samoa High Commissioner. The High Commissioner conveyed brief remarks to relay his sincere appreciation for the warm reception and hospitality of the community. High Commissioner Afamasaga also conveyed the importance of relationship and purpose of the Samoa High Commission office and the local Samoan community in New Zealand. The welcome reception concluded with prayer by the Chair of the Samoan Church Committee, Rev. Malaki Muaiava (EFKAS- Lower Hutt) which followed with a closing hymn.
The High Commissioner was accompanied by his spouse and family including the staff of the Samoa High Commission.

On Tuesday 15th August 2023, the Samoa High Commissioner, H.E. Afamasaga Faamatalaupu Toleafoa met with Green MP, Teanau Tuiono at the Samoa High Commission chancery to discuss and exchange views on Samoa-New Zealand relations such as labour mobility, trade and immigration. High Commissioner Afamasaga also shared his experience during his tenure as First Secretary in establishing the Samoa High Commission in Wellington and as Consul General in Auckland in the late 70s. The High Commissioner conveyed to Green MP his best wishes for the matter concerning the members bill and look forward to further developments on the matters discussed.
In Pasifika communities, Teanau is known for his work in the education sector and climate change advocacy, while in Māori communities he is known for his indigenous rights activism. He has a particular interest in working at the crossroads of indigenous rights and environmental issues, and has worked the United Nations, working to ensure the voices of remote indigenous communities on the frontlines of climate change and biodiversity loss were heard.
Teanau is the Green Party’s first MP with Cook Islands and Māori heritage, being Cook Islands Māori (Atiu – Ngati Ingatu, Ngati Toki, Ngati Paerangi) and New Zealand Māori (Te Uriroroi, Ngāpuhi and Ngāi Takoto), and is a List MP based in Palmerston North. (Source: Green MP website)

On Monday 14th August 2023, the Samoa High Commissioner, H.E. Afamasaga Faamtalaupu Toleafoa paid a courtesy call to the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, H.E. Kim Chang-sik. The Ambassador of the Republic of Korea conveyed congratulations to High Commissioner for presenting his credentials last week to the New Zealand Governor General. High Commissioner Afamasaga also conveyed his appreciation for the warm reception and shared his sentiments on the importance in the developments of Samoa-Korea relations. In particular, last year the Korean Embassy paid a visit to Samoa in celebrating 50 years of Korea-Samoa diplomatic relations. This followed by several mission visit from Korea in furthering matters of mutual interest such as maritime, fisheries, education, and tourism. High Commissioner Afamasaga also conveyed his appreciation to the Korean Embassy on the development aid assistance with the demands from regional/international bodies in development cooperation in the Pacific.