On Tuesday 9 th April 2024, the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of the Independent State
of Samoa, Hon. Papali’i Lio Oloipola Ta’eu Masipa’u and accompanying Parliamentary
delegation were invited by the Speaker of the House of Representatives of New Zealand
Parliament, Rt. Hon. Gerry Brownlee to visit the Parliament House. The Honourable Speaker
was welcomed with a Mihi Whakatau (traditional Maori welcome) by representatives from the
New Zealand Officer of the Clerk and Parliament Office. The Honourable Speaker and his
delegation paid a courtesy call with Speaker Rt. Hon. Gerry Brownlee to exchange views on
parliamentary practices and processes to further assist Samoa’s parliamentary proceedings.
Later, the Speaker was introduced to the House to observe and study the New Zealand
Parliament house proceedings. The official visit in Parliament concluded with a visit to the
Samoa High Commission chancery office to meet with the High Commission staff. The
chancery office was opened by the Prime Minister, Hon. Fiame Naomi Mataafa during her
state visit in June 2022.
The Clerk of the House, David Wilson conducted a workshop the following day at the New
Zealand Parliament to which the Samoa delegation were invited . The Honourable Speaker
was accompanied by his spouse, MP Agaseata Valelio Tanuvasa Peto (FAST), MP Faagasealii
Sapoa Feagiai (HRPP), MP Lenatai Victor Faafoi Tamapua (HRPP), the Deputy Clerk of the
Legislative Assembly, Lesa Yonita Tuia-Tauiliili, and Acting High Commissioner, Mr. Misa
Robert Niko Aiono.