SAMOA – The chief executive officer of Samoa’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is adamant the government’s multi-million-tala Vaiusu wharf plan development will not harm the environment and cause and ecological disaster for Samoa.

Suluimalo Amataga Penaia, offered the assurance during the opening of the National Environment Week.

He was asked about the potential ecological disaster in the area where the wharf is being developed, given the importance of mangroves stretching from Sogi all the way to Vaiusu.

There are concerns the area is likely to be cleared of mangroves when the government plan hget underway.

But Suluimalo said this will not happen.

“We have put in recommendations in the areas for the ports to be developed and we are also looking at the critical areas that we need to preserve and protect from that development,” he said.

“For example, the mangroves in Vaiusu Bay. These are critical areas, we need to reserve these areas and shift the wharf towards the sea and also the Vaitele area.”

Suluimalo said the model that is being developed for the wharf aligns with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment’s plans.

Asked what action they will take if the developers do not accept the recommendations, Suluimalo said he is positive the government will place the safety of the environment first.

“The government is actually lobbing and promoting the safety of our environment,” he said. “We are not developing something to degrade our environment. Everything has to be aligned with our environment plans. We also need to assess the impact on our environment before any development goes ahead.’ - Samoa Observer

New Zealand citizenship at risk

NIUE – The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs has no problem in Niue chasing membership of the United Nations but says it could threaten Niueans’ right to New Zealand citizenship.

Niue’s Premier Toke Talagi raised the prospect of joining the UN during the country’s independence celebrations.

Niue joins the Cook Islands in pursuing this status.

Both countries want to negotiate with UN organisations and bodies like the International Monetary Fund on an even footing. The Cook Islands and Niue are in free association with New Zealand and under this arrangement, its citizens have New Zealand passports and are represented at the UN by New Zealand.

The New Zealand Prime Minister John Key told the Cook Islands government last year such a move was inappropriate and there was no appetite among Cook Islanders to give up their New Zealand passports.

Earlier this year the Cook Islands and New Zealand agreed to look for a pathway forward, but there is no word on progress.

In response to Niue’s push, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said this would raise questions about whether Niueans can retain New Zealand citizenship.

But Talagi said that is no issue and he has no desire to alter the New Zealand relationship.

- RNZI