Calls for citizenship, environmental protection, and fair distribution dominated discussions at the EFKS Tafitoala Safata Hall on Wednesday, as villagers met to share their views on how the SAT$10 million compensation from New Zealand should be used following the sinking of the HMNZS Manawanui off their coast last year.

One resident from Tafitoala suggested that instead of distributing the money, the government should consider granting New Zealand citizenship to affected families. “The boat sank right in front of Tafitoala,” he said. “Tafitoala should get $5million and Safata should get the other 5 million - If not, then maybe consider New Zealand citizenships.”

Others disagreed, calling for an equal and transparent distribution among all villages. A woman who spoke at the meeting said the proposal from the Tafitoala representative was unfair.

“It should not just be Tafitoala that benefits. Everyone in Safata was affected, and the money must be shared equally,” she said.

Several villagers raised environmental concerns, with some calling for the wreck to remain in place to develop local tourism. “Just leave the boat there so we can make it a tourist attraction,” one man said, adding that removing the vessel could waste funds better used elsewhere. Others wanted it removed, citing health concerns over fish contamination.

Questions were also raised about who would handle the cleanup work, including the removal of paint that continues to cause problems. Officials from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources clarified that New Zealand will cover those costs.

Captain Rodger Ward, the New Zealand Defence Force’s Manawanui Response Lead, addressed the gathering and acknowledged the damage caused. “We all understand and appreciate the importance of the marine and coastal environments to the people of Safata,” he said. “Our absolute priority remains on minimising any potential environmental impacts and working together with the Government of Samoa.”

Captain Ward added that salvage crews had “searched 55 locations in some of the most challenging dive conditions” to remove diesel fuel, weapons, and debris, and assured the crowd that “when it comes to the grounding and sinking of HMNZS Manawanui, the New Zealand Navy are owning it, fixing it, and learning from it.”

"Our focus is now clearly on the next steps for Manawanui, and we await an independent wreck assessment. The reef and wreck assessment takes into consideration; where the wreck lies, likely weather, and the ships construction."