New Zealand has congratulated Samoa for a job well done on the first week of hosting the XVI Pacific Games. 

Speaking to the Samoa Observer, New Zealand’s High Commissioner, Trevor Matheson, expressed his sincere gratitude.

“The athletes are inspired by seeing young faces how much they are proud of what Samoa is doing with these amazing Games," he said. "And so my hat off to the Government, to all the organizers, to the Pacific Games committee for delivering a really truly outstanding, and probably the best Games ever.

“Certainly the most number of participants and having to change a number of climatic challenges and having to overcome all of those, everything was so smoothly so we hope that the first week is a milestone and we hope they break all the records of the second week going forward and we were supporting Samoa. “

New Zealand’s Chef De Mission, Kristy Hill, also expressed her appreciation.

“Samoa has embraced us through the cleaners, the cooks and drivers, we have been spoiled by the Samoan hospitality," she said.

"We can’t thank the Samoans enough who have hosted us and who have just made us feel at home and we really appreciate what that have done for us."

The delegation and a few of New Zealand’s weightlifting team were out to visit Maluafou College on Friday to pay them respect for their support. It was also a good chance for the athletes to get excited apart from the Games according to Ms. Hill.

“The athletes are having a great time. Some of our archery people went over to the To Sua trench and they were swimming in there and the kids love the sun,” she said.

” I’ve been telling them to get back into the shade because I don’t want them to get sunburn but they just love the whole experience and engaging with other athletes from other countries in the Pacific.”