The New Zealand Government has paid $10 million tālā (approximately NZD $6 million) to the Government of Samoa as compensation for the grounding and sinking of the Royal New Zealand Navy vessel, HMNZS Manawanui, off the southern coast of Upolu in October last year.
Newsline Samoa reports the payment follows a formal request from the Samoan Government and comes exactly one year after the naval ship sank off the Safata District coastline.
New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters confirmed the payment, describing it as an act of good faith and accountability between the two countries.
“We have responded to the Government of Samoa’s request in full and with good faith. We have always said we will do the right thing,” Peters told TVNZ Tagata Pasifika.
“We recognize the impact the sinking has had on local communities and acknowledge the disruption it caused.”
The HMNZS Manawanui—a Royal New Zealand Navy dive and hydrographic support vessel—ran aground in rough seas last October and sank shortly after.
The incident prompted environmental concerns and a coordinated response between the New Zealand Defense Force (NZDF) and Samoan authorities.
Peters said that New Zealand continues to work closely with Samoa on the next steps regarding the ship’s future.
“Working with the Government of Samoa, our focus continues to be on minimizing any possible environmental impacts and supporting the response. These are our absolute priorities,” he added.
Meanwhile, a Court of Inquiry into the causes of the incident has been completed, with NZDF confirming that implementation of its recommendations is underway.
Possible disciplinary actions are still under consideration as the investigation reaches its final stages.
Authorities in Samoa also continue to monitor the wreck site off the Safata coast for any lingering environmental risks.
