The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment confirmed that 8,989 Safata residents will receive $1,100 each as part of the $10 million Manawanui compensation.

MNRE chief executive officer Lealaisalanoa Frances Brown-Reupena said they plan to meet the district on Wednesday, 22 April 22 explain the distribution and begin the signing process.

The $10 million was given by New Zealand for the damages caused by the sinking of the HMNZS Manawanui in October 2024. The New Zealand naval ship spilt more than 200,000 litres of diesel into the ocean, causing a ban on fishing for more than five months. The ship also damaged 50,000 square metres of the reef off the coast of Tafitoala.

“This work is now complete, and the list of residents in these districts has been finalised. Regarding the distribution of the $10 million, the Prime Minister has officially announced that each person will receive $1,100. This includes everyone in the family—adults, mothers, fathers, and even children; everyone receives $1,100. For example, if there are ten people in your family, each person gets $1,100," Lealaisalanoa said.

Prime Minister La'aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt confirmed earlier that villagers will receive roughly $1,100 per person, up from an initial $1,000 estimate, with payouts starting in April 2026. 

“Our steering committee and leadership have reviewed the allocation of this $10 million based on the confirmed number of residents living in Safata 1 and Safata 2," said Lealaisalanoa.

“Additionally, our sub-committee has looked into small tourism businesses that rely on the ocean and were heavily affected. Based on interviews and surveys, there will be assistance for these small businesses. However, this is not a cash payout. Instead, the Samoa Tourism Authority (STA) will work directly on improving these businesses. Approximately $100,000 has been set aside for these improvements, managed by the STA.

“The total count is 8,989 people, which includes seasonal workers and those who have recently passed away. For those who have passed, the district must provide supporting documents to confirm their details so they can remain in the count.

“If the district is available on Wednesday, the staff will then return on Thursday and Friday to collect signatures. These signatures are required for the agreement to ensure the funds are processed. For instance, if a mother has three or four children, she will sign the agreement to receive the total payout for her family members listed.”

Based on the number of people to get the compensation, the total amount comes to $9,887,900, leaving a balance of over $110,000.