Australia’s Governor General, Sam Mostyn, New Zealand Foreign Minister Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters, Tonga’s Prime Minister Fatafehi Fakafanua, and the American Samoan Governor  Pulaali'i Nikolao Pula are among the dignitaries confirmed for the Independence Day celebrations.

The King of Tonga, Tupou VI, is already in the country.

The Australian High Commission said the Governor-General and her husband, Simeon Beckett SC will officially visit from 30 May to 2 June 2026.

 “Australia and Samoa’s enduring 55-year friendship is built on respect, trust, and a commitment to regional cooperation across shared interests, including security, governance, climate, health, education and economic growth”, said the Governor-General.

During the visit, the Governor-General will ceremoniously hand over the Australian government-supported Samoa Parliamentary Precinct buildings. This includes the Maota Fono (Parliament of Samoa) and the Legislative Assembly office. A third parliamentary building, the Luafatasaga Kalapu Lobby (Members’ Lobby), will also be part of the ceremonial handover (funded by the Government of Samoa).

The Governor-General will meet with partners who reach Samoa’s most vulnerable populations. This includes organisations that support gender equality, disability inclusion, climate resilience, and social protection.

The Governor-General will present certificates to the Samoan graduates of the Pacific Women’s Professional Development Program. As part of the visit, the Governor-General will also formally hand over Australia-funded ICT equipment to the Samoan Ministry of Health. This initiative supports the implementation of Samoa’s e-Health project.

Peters and fuel talks

The New Zealand government stated that Vaovasamanaia will hold talks with the Samoan government regarding fuel.

 “We look forward to joining Samoa in commemorating this important event. We highly value New Zealand’s warm and close friendship with Samoa,” Vaovasamanaia said.

“We will take this opportunity to discuss the fuel crisis, New Zealand’s aid programme in Samoa, and regional security.”

Vaovasamanaia departs for Samoa on Sunday, 31 May, arriving back in New Zealand on 2 June.