Latest from Samoa

Samoa: A tropical love affair

I fell in love with Samoa in the unlikeliest of places, 4 hours after leaving New Zealand.

Samoan rugby at crossroads

It is the end of Alama Ieremia's first week in Apia in his new role as Manu Samoa's head coach.

Zika virus alert reaches Samoa

Health authorities have added eight tropical destinations, including Samoa, to a travel alert about an illness linked with a severe birth defect and spread by mosquitoes.

Celebrate the Samoan way

If you want to know what makes Samoa tick then head along to any of the events at the annual Teuila Festival.

Cyclone Tuni batters Samoa

Samoa is waking up to survey the damage after Cyclone Tuni battered the Pacific nation overnight.

Strawbridge: 'Gratitude overwhelms us'

Chiefs assistant coach Andrew Strawbridge, who suffered a serious eye infection while in Samoa, has thanked the public for the $65,000 raised for the hospital.

Samoan fale rises in heart of Mangere

The meeting house has been built in Mangere, South Auckland, as part of a new multimillion-dollar complex belonging to the Government of Samoa.

Kiwi 'died a hero' saving children

The father-of-two's partner of six years shared her grief on Facebook saying, "It's not ok that you left us so soon and especially without saying goodbye."

Rugby fever hits Samoa

It's game day and rugby fans are out in full force as the All Blacks play in Samoa for the first time.

Samoan-Kiwi diva given anthem honours

A Samoan-Kiwi opera singer will perform New Zealand's national anthem at the big showdown at Apia Park today.

Samoa test ought to be just the start

The enthusiasm with which the All Blacks have been greeted in Apia should get New Zealand Rugby thinking.

Samoa: The first XV

With the All Blacks playing in Samoa this week, the Herald's Pacific Affairs reporter, Vaimoana Tapaleao, selects her top things to do on the islands.

Rugby: Looking up to his brothers

Being named after your three older brothers - all of whom have had successful rugby careers - can be a burden for a teenager.

Samoa match a test of family ties

Family ties have gone out the window for one Samoan-Kiwi family who will have split allegiances at this week's first All Black test in Apia.

Spiritual boost for Manu Samoa

Manu Samoa have prepared for their battle against the All Blacks with hymns and prayers at a service at Our Lady of The Rosary church today.

Fired-up foes will battle it out

Sweltering heat of 29°C and 74 per cent humidity await the men in black when they kick off their Rugby World Cup campaign and play a historic first test in Samoa.