New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has defended the government’s financial settlement regarding the sinking of the HMNZS Manawanui, amid rising concerns from the Sāmoan community about the adequacy of the compensation. This week, the New Zealand government announced a payment of NZ$6 million (approximately SAT$10 million) to Sāmoa, aimed at addressing the aftermath of the incident that took place last October.
Luxon stated that the Sāmoan government was invited to suggest an appropriate amount for compensation, stressing that the distribution of funds among the affected communities will be determined by Sāmoa. However, Sāmoan advocate Ulugia Sua Jay Ah Fook Schuster expressed disappointment, describing the compensation as “on the lower side” given the severity of the disaster. He argued that a larger sum would be necessary to adequately ensure safety and support for recovery efforts.
Schuster raised ongoing safety concerns, particularly regarding divers who are currently working around the wreck site, which remains unsecured. He noted that there is confusion among the local community about the disaster response process, as considerable time passed before interventions began following the sinking.
The HMNZS Manawanui sank off the coast of Safata District, but all 75 crew members and passengers were safely evacuated. Nonetheless, the incident has had a significant impact on local businesses, especially those reliant on tourism. Local operator Netina Malae reported a substantial decline in inquiries and bookings due to concerns over ocean pollution.
Village chief Peluaga Visesio Patea of Tafitoala, a community directly affected by the incident, underscored the ecological importance of the wreck site for local fishing. Schuster asserted the need for the event to catalyze changes in the management of environmental disasters in both Sāmoa and the wider region.
Despite the criticisms, Luxon acknowledged New Zealand’s responsibility in the situation and emphasized a collaborative recovery effort. He expressed hopes that the financial assistance will contribute to the restoration of the local marine ecosystem, which is crucial for the community’s livelihood.
A comprehensive Court of Inquiry into the sinking revealed deficiencies in crew training and preparedness, prompting questions about the operational readiness of the ship at the time it was conducting hydrographic surveys. Recent updates indicate that the New Zealand Defence Force is concluding its investigation and will implement necessary changes based on the findings.
Community leaders remain optimistic about the outcomes, advocating for proactive measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The potential conversion of the wreck site into a protected marine reserve may also provide new eco-tourism opportunities, potentially transforming a tragic event into a pathway for community growth and development.