SamCERT and CERT NZ have signed a strategic agreement to enhance collaborative cyber
security efforts in the region.
The Framework of Cooperation agreement allows for knowledge sharing and understanding
of cyber security issues between the Samoan and New Zealand governments’ cyber security
agencies, SamCERT and CERT NZ.

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Pacific partners, Samoa and New Zealand, have areas of common interest which the Framework of
Cooperation has been focused on. The two agencies will support each other through:
 reciprocal information sharing
 sharing establishment experience
 active sharing of data to assist in responding to incidents, and
 Incident handling and collaborating to develop projects to bolster cyber awareness and
resilience.
CERT NZ director Rob Pope said, “reflecting on the five years since our launch, CERT NZ’s
international partnerships have been so valuable in increasing our expertise and awareness.”
“We are excited to build on our relationships with MCIT Samoa and SamCERT”, said Pope, “as we
continue to work closely on cyber safety and security in Samoa, New Zealand and the wider
Pacific.”
“This agreement will have a practical influence on our combined goal of raising awareness of cyber
safety and security.”
Acting MCIT Samoa CEO and interim SamCERT lead Suetena Faatuuala Loia agreed, noting that
“this new partnership with CERT NZ will help increase the capacity of SamCERT in the
cybersecurity space, aiding Samoa and its brothers and sisters in the Pacific cluster of nations”.
“Samoa continues to build its digital strength through rapid developments in all sectors of the
country. The need to build resilient and robust systems for these sectors requires good cybersecurity
coordination that, with this new partnership, SamCERT can now provide more easily.”
ENDS
Notes for Editors:

Samoa and New Zealand have built a strong collaborative relationship on cyber security including
as part of the Pacific Cyber Security Operational Network (PaCSON). Previous work between
Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) Samoa, the newly formed
SamCERT, and CERT NZ includes:
 sharing of information, establishment experience and good practices
 the development and delivery of the annual Cyber Smart Pacific awareness campaign
 support for SamCERT technical equipment
 Collaboration on workshops and presentations at local and regional events.

About SamCERT:
SamCERT represents Samoa as the technical body for cybersecurity on regional and international
engagements in meeting the policies and standards that Samoa has promised to deliver in its
international partnerships and commitment.
SamCERT also provides technical support to various stakeholders in raising awareness and
cybersecurity best practices on ways to better protect citizens, business, enterprises and digital
assets in cyberspace through ongoing training and awareness programs.
Contact: or email: samcert@mcit.gov.ws , mcit@mcit.gov.ws
About CERT NZ:
CERT NZ is New Zealand’s Computer Emergency Response Team, and works to support
businesses, organisations and individuals who are affected (or may be affected) by cyber security
incidents. CERT NZ provides trusted and authoritative information and advice, while also collating
a profile of the threat landscape in New Zealand. See www.cert.govt.nz for more information.
Media contact: 027 4422141or email media@mbie.govt.nz