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RNZ News
a day ago
- Politics
- RNZ News
Samoa general election: 187 candidates vying for 50 seats
The Samoa Electoral Commission show votes being tallied during the 2021 general election in Apia. Photo: AFP or licensors Samoa's election chief has confirmed that 187 candidates will contest this month's general election, with six political parties and independents vying for seats. The governing FAST Party leads the field with 58 candidates, an increase compared to the 2021 general election when it had 50. Following FAST is the opposition HRPP with 50 candidates, a drop in numbers compared to the previous election, when they had 106, according to the General Election 2021 report. The Samoa United Party has 26 candidates, while the Samoa Labour Party has five. Two smaller parties - Tumua ma Pule Republican Reform Party and Constitutional Democratic Republic Party - will each contest one seat. This brings the total number of parties contesting this election to six, alongside 46 independents candidates. FAST's La'auli Leuatea Polataivao, SUP's Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, and HRPP's Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi. Photo: RNZ Pacific / FAST Party / Samoa Uniting Party / HRPP Prior to the updated list of candidates released over the weekend, Samoan electoral commissioner Toleafoa Tuiafelolo Alexander Stanley told RNZ Pacific there were 190 candidates, slightly up from the 187 who ran in 2021. "By the close of the general election in 2021, there were 187 candidates. One candidate has withdrawn so far, so we have got 190 now," Toleafoa said. After Supreme Court decisions on disputed nominations, and after the official candidate withdrawal period closed, Toleafoa has issued a revised roll of contenders for the upcoming election, bringing the total to 187. In total, there are 51 constituencies, meaning 51 seats need to be filled. However, only 50 seats will be contested on polling day, as one constituency is uncontested. That seat has already been decided, as only Leatinu'u Wayne So'oialo remains the sole candidate for Faleata 2. It is the only uncontested seat for the upcoming general election, after the courts ruled that two other nominees were ineligible to run in the Faleata 2 constituency. Polling day is on 29 August.
RNZ News
22-07-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Samoa election: Political parties make big promises on health, welfare and economy
FAST's La'auli Leuatea Polataivao, SUP's Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, and HRPP's Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi. Photo: RNZ Pacific / FAST Party / Samoa Uniting Party / HRPP With campaigning well underway for Samoa's general elections, registered political parties have been announcing their policy platforms. Voters are being courted with manifestos that promise free public healthcare, cash payments for families, job creation schemes, and major infrastructure investments. According to Samoa Electoral commissioner Toleafoa Tuiafelolo Alexander Stanley, seven registered political parties will contest this year's election. Among them are the ruling FAST party, its offshoot Samoa Uniting Party (SUP), the long-standing Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP), and four others: Samoa Labour Party (SLP), Samoa National Democratic Party (SNDP), Samoa Democratic Republic Party (SDRP), and the recently formed Tumua ma Pule Reform Republican Party (TPRRP). Out of the seven political parties, the three largest contenders are HRPP, FAST and SUP. FAST, under leader La'auli Leuatea Polataivao, launched its manifesto in Savai'i earlier this month. The party says its policies reflect a strong focus on social welfare and economic revitalisation: HRPP lead by Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi was the first to launch its manifesto campaigning on financial support and significant infrastructure proposals. The party has the longest list of policy promises including: As part of the broader Poverty Alleviation Project, complements the Cost of Living Allowance and Pension Ensuring Lasting Empowerment for the Golden Age initiatives, with a total investment of $210m. SUP, a newly formed party led by Fiame Naomi Mata'afa after her ejection from FAST, is promoting itself as a people-first party focused on continuity and reform. Its manifesto includes: The Samoa Labour Party, led by Fa'aolesa Katopau Ainu'u, is targeting employment and trade. The party is proposing: The Tumua ma Pule Reform Republican Party, is led by former public servant Molio'o Pio Molio'o. Its platform promises: Two parties, the Samoa National Democratic Party and the Samoa Democratic Republic Party, had not released formal manifestos at the time this article was published but remain registered to contest the election. The official campaign period which began 14 July concludes 24 August, with advance voting to open 27 August and polling day set down for the 29 August. According to the electoral office, there are 102,000 registered voters who will elect 51 members of parliament. An amendment to Samoa's Electoral Act in 2013 introduced a 10 percent quota for women members of parliament. The so called floating seats - because new seats are created if elected representatives do not meet the quota - became the centre of a constitutional crisis and numerous legal battles over the balance of power at the last election after the results produced a tie. The impasse was broken only after an independent candidate joined the FAST Party camp but even then the transition of power dragged on for months. *All currency is in Samoan Tala. ( WST1 = NZ$0.59 )
Business Upturn
11-07-2025
- Health
- Business Upturn
Air Methods Welcomes Renowned Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist Dr. Linda Chambliss as New OB Medical Director
PHOENIX, AZ, July 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Air Methods, the leading air medical service provider in the U.S., is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Linda Chambliss as the new Obstetrics (OB) Medical Director for Native Air, Tri-State CareFlight, and LifeNet, the company's dedicated emergency air medical service programs operating throughout Arizona. Native Air, Tri-State CareFlight, and LifeNet, with 23 locations across the state, play a vital role in the state's healthcare system by providing rapid air transport for critically ill and injured patients, particularly in rural and remote areas where timely access to specialized medical care can be limited. With the addition of Dr. Chambliss, Air Methods further strengthens its commitment to delivering exceptional maternal and fetal care, especially for high-risk pregnancies. 'We are honored to welcome Dr. Chambliss to our team,' said Jeff Marr, Clinical Director at Air Methods. 'Her wealth of experience, especially in Maternal Fetal Medicine and her longstanding service to Indigenous communities, adds immeasurable value to Native Air's mission.' Dr. Chambliss brings more than four decades of medical expertise to the role and will serve as an Air Methods medical director liaison to Arizona's High Rish Perinatal Program (HRPP). Board-certified in Maternal Fetal Medicine, she has dedicated her career to caring for patients with complex pregnancies and advancing health equity. 'I am honored to join Air Methods and support the exceptional Native Air, LifeNet, and CareFlight clinicians,' said Dr. Chambliss. 'Providing timely, expert care to pregnant patients, especially in rural and underserved communities, is critical to improving outcomes for mothers and babies. I look forward to contributing my experience in Maternal Fetal Medicine to help guide clinical decisions, enhance protocols, and ensure every patient receives the safest, most compassionate care possible during transport.' Dr. Chambliss began her career as a registered nurse after earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Duke University. She provided nursing care on the Hopi Reservation in northeastern Arizona before attending Michigan State College of Human Medicine, where she earned her medical degree. Her post-graduate training included a pediatric internship at the University of Chicago and an OB/GYN residency at Cook County Hospital. She later returned to Arizona to serve as Chief of OB/GYN at the Tuba City Indian Health Service and as a Commander in the U.S. Public Health Service in the Navajo Nation. Following her service, she completed a fellowship in Maternal Fetal Medicine at the University of Southern California/LA County Medical Center. Since then, has held key clinical and academic roles at Valleywise Health Center and St. Joseph's Medical Center in Phoenix. An internationally recognized leader in maternal health, Dr. Chambliss has authored or co-authored 95 scientific publications focused on high-risk pregnancies and the impact of social determinants on health. She has chaired the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Committee on Indian Affairs, earned a Master of Public Health from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and received numerous honors for teaching excellence, including being named 'Humanitarian of the Year' at St. Joseph's Medical Center. Her advocacy has reached national audiences, including a feature on The Oprah Winfrey Show where she spoke about the health effects of domestic violence. Air Methods employs highly trained, board-certified physicians across multiple specialties—including OB, neonatology, pediatric emergency medicine, and intensive care—to ensure that every patient receives the highest level of care. Air Methods physicians are available 24/7/365, guiding medical crews, collaborating with referring and receiving physicians, and participating in over 400 case reviews annually to ensure best practices and continuous quality improvement. 'We are ecstatic to have Dr. Chambliss provide guidance and direction to our clinicians, adding a wealth of high acuity medical expertise,' said Dr. Stephanie Queen, DNP, MBA, RN, Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President at Air Methods. 'Dr. Chambliss joins the more than 50 physicians and surgeons we employ across the nation. Their relentless pursuit of excellence in healthcare continues to make a profound difference in the lives of patients every day.' These medical directors also serve as educators, regularly leading simulation exercises, cadaver labs, and continuing education programs. Their work ensures that every clinician in the field is well-prepared and supported by the latest medical evidence and expert guidance. With the addition of Dr. Chambliss, Air Methods further solidifies its commitment to delivering safe, expert, and compassionate care to Arizona's most vulnerable patients. ### About Air Methods Native Air, Tri-State CareFlight, and LifeNet is part of Air Methods ( the nation's leading air medical service, delivering lifesaving care to more than 100,000 people every year. With 45 years of air medical experience, Air Methods is the preferred partner for hospitals and one of the largest community-based providers of air medical services. Air Methods' fleet of owned, leased, or maintained aircraft features approximately 400 helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. Air Methods Ascend is the company's clinical education program, allowing critical care nurses and paramedics best-in-class training opportunities using high-fidelity manikins, virtual reality, and cadaver labs. Attachment Air Methods Dr. Linda Chambliss as New OB Medical Director in Arizona Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. Ahmedabad Plane Crash
Scoop
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Pacific News In Brief For 2 July
Fiji/Australia - visit Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is leading a delegation on a high-level visit to Australia this week. The Fiji government said Rabuka will meet with the Fijian diaspora in Canberra and Brisbane and tour some significant Australian institutions and sites that reflect the ties between the two nations. As part of the visit, discussions would focus on strengthening border and ports capabilities, deepening security cooperation, and reinforcing regional solidarity in support of a safe, stable, and resilient Blue Pacific. On Tuesday, Rabuka met with Sam Mostyn, governor-general of the Commonwealth of Australia, where they reaffirmed the enduring strength of the renewed and elevated Fiji-Australia Vuvale Partnership. Rabuka also reiterated Fiji's support for Australia's bid to host COP31. Vanuatu - information Vanuatu's Parliament has passed an amendment to the Right to Information (RTI) Act, exempting all decisions made by the Council of Ministers (COM) from public disclosure. The amendment, introduced during the first ordinary session of Parliament this year, has drawn concern from civil society leaders, media organisations, and transparency advocates. Vanuatu Daily Post reported a major concern for critics is the delay in releasing the Citizenship Report from the Commission of Inquiry, recently submitted to Justice Minister Job Andy. A government source warned shielding Cabinet decisions from scrutiny could damage public confidence, adding that when decisions are made behind closed doors, without accountability, it opens the door to abuse of power. In New Zealand, the Official Information Act allows people to request government documentation, including correspondence. Samoa - babies In Samoa, a church leader has called on the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) to only give 1000 tala (US$366.28) to babies whose parents are married - and not to babies born out of wedlock. Preaching at the HRPP manifesto launch in Savai'i last week, Reverend Tuigamala addressed their proposal to give money to every newborn baby. He said such promises must be carefully reviewed through a spiritual lens. HRPP deputy leader Lauofo Fonotoe acknowledged the reverend's comments and confirmed that the party has taken note of his concerns. Tuigamala also raised concerns about the state of Samoa's prayer buildings, urging for their restoration as a sign of national spiritual alignment. Fiji - dynamite Dynamite and a detonator normally used by mining companies have been found on a farm in Sigatoka, Fiji. The dynamite stick, mining blast cables and detonator were found by a farmer at the weekend. Police spokesperson, Ana Naisoro, said they were found inside a water tank about 200 metres away from his house. The scene has been cordoned off and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces have been asked to investigate.
RNZ News
10-06-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Pacific news in brief for 11 June
The first day of the first sitting of Samoa's parliament for 2025 Photo: Parliament of Samoa Several members of the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) in Samoa have broken away to set up their own political party. The new party, Samoa Labour Party, has officially registered with the Office of the Electoral Commission to contest the August general election. Its president, Faaolesa Katopau Ainuu told the Samoa Observer the party was formed after they learned that HRPP had already selected its candidates from certain districts, without informing them. The other political parties already registered include HRPP, Fa'atuatua ile Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST), Samoa Uniting Party or Samoa Ua Potopoto, Samoa National Democratic Party, and Democracy Republic Party. An NGO in Australia has been helping Pacific seasonal workers left homeless and stranded after their contracts ended. Australian South Sea Islanders Port Jackson president, Emelda Davis, told the Fiji Times they have supported workers stranded at Central Station in Sydney. Davis said many workers faced fear and confusion once their contracts finished. She said these people don't always understand the conditions of their visas and contracts, and how to get it renewed. She added that while not all employers are at fault, many don't understand their responsibilities. Davis believes better training for employers, fairer visa rules and stronger community support are needed to stop more Pacific workers from ending up on the streets. Northern Governor Garry Juffa has urged MPs, especially those from the coastal and island provinces, to consider their people's livelihoods before endorsing and embracing seabed mining. Governor Juffa expressed his concern after the signing of a memorandum of understanding by the New Ireland government, and the announcement that it was ready to embrace seabed mining. Juffa urged the Government and New Ireland Governor Walter Schnaubelt to stop the seabed mining activities in New Ireland, and to back an investigation by independent experts into the ramifications and repercussions of such activities on the ocean floor. A new report in Papua New Guinea from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime shows huge discrepancies in log export values. The UN agency's findings are based on official PNG log export monitoring reports and Chinese customs data. The report shows foreign owned logging companies could be defrauding the PNG government and resource owners of billions of kina in revenues. The community advocacy organisation Act Now is calling on the prime minister and regulatory agencies to take urgent action to address the discrepancies. The report revealed that the value of logs exported from PNG, as declared by the logging companies, is 50 percent lower than the value of the same logs as declared in China by the importing companies. This discrepancy, for the five years to 2022, is put at US$1.5 billion dollars. A new World Meteorological Organisation report says a tropical glacier in West Papua could be gone as soon as next year. The State of the Climate report said 2024 was the hottest year on record for the South West Pacific. Last year marine heatwaves stretched five times the size of Australia. Lead author, Thea Turkington said temperatures were up half a degree celsius from the average between 1991 to 2020. "Based on the findings from satellite data there's been a reduction of the ice area by about 30 to 50 per cent," she said. "Unfortunately if this rate of loss continues, this glacier could be gone by 2026 or shortly thereafter."
