In August 1914, during World War I, an expeditionary force from New Zealand took control of German Samoa unopposed.

This Mau was led by the Chief from Safotulafai, Faasaleleaga on the big island of Savaii, Lauaki Namulauulu Mamoe.

After Germany lost World War I, the chiefs of Pule who were in Saipan were returned to Samoa.

[citation needed] By 1929, the Mau movement became well known in Western Samoa an increased their efforts for Samoan independence, led by Tupua Tamasese Lealofi III.

At that moment, the police began to fire at the demonstrators killing 11 people, including Tupua Tamasese Lealofi.

[10] Independence for Western Samoa was delayed due to the Great Depression and World War II.

After the Second World War, the newly created United Nations led efforts in New Zealand to grant Samoa independence as part of the decolonization process.

Article III: Each Government shall ensure that citizens of the other living within its territory are, in accordance with the normal practice between friendly states, given equitable treatment and full legal protection and access to the Courts.

Article IV: The two Governments shall continue to work together to promote the welfare of the people of Western Samoa.

In 1982, the Privy Council granted citizenship to Western Samoan citizens born since 1924 when the nation was under New Zealand mandate.

The Privy Council ruled that all Western Samoans born between 1924 and 1948 were British subjects and that in 1949 they and their descendants had become New Zealand citizens.

[13][14] In response, the Third National Government led by Prime Minister Robert Muldoon abolished that right by passing the Western Samoa Citizenship Act 1982, which effectively overturned the Privy Council's ruling.

[17][18] The sinking of the Manawanui polluted the surrounding sea and disrupted the livelihoods of local communities in the Safata district, who were unable to fish due to restrictions around the wreckage site.

[21][22] By 23 October, the NZDF, Samoan authorities and local contractor Ark Marine had removed three containers from a nearby reef.

During the trip, the two leaders discussed issues of concern to New Zealand–Samoan relations including climate change, economic resilience, COVID-19, health and Samoan seasonal workers.

[34] Much of New Zealand's aid to Samoa is to assist the tourism, energy, education, law and justice, and health programs.