The All Blacks are putting the final touches on their World Cup preparations which will see them play a midweek test in Samoa, a truncated Rugby Championship and a second Bledisloe encounter.

When Brazil saw its football team go to pieces before their eyes this week, there must have been many rugby fans in NZ thinking, could it happen to us?

Flower festival is a chance to sample more than sun and sand in Samoa, writes Robyn Yousef.

The All Blacks will play Samoa for the first time in Apia next year as both nations embark on their World Cup preparations.

Shane Jones appears to be getting fond of being addressed as "Your Excellency" as a new ambassador, but it remains unlikely he will ever be called humble.

Labour MP David Shearer has accused the PM of using his Pacific Mission as a campaign platform to pimp for the Pacific vote in breach of the trip's apolitical nature.

Samoa's Prime Minister Tuilaepa has taken NZRU chief Steve Tew's claim the All Blacks will one day visit Samoa as a promise, but Prime Minister John Key has warned he shouldn't get too excited about it happening any time soon.

Prime Minister John Key says he is expecting the campaign for the All Blacks to play in Samoa to be on the agenda in his meeting with Samoa's Prime Minister today.

The Samoan Rugby Union requested a test when it celebrated its 50th anniversary but apparently the NZRU said its dance card was full, writes Kerre McIvor.

New Zealand has offered medical assistance to Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele following reports that he was in intensive care.

Amelia Wade finds Samoan magic starts at her fale's door.

The family of a New Zealand man killed in a prison cell in Samoa say they are pleased with a judge's ruling to overturn a guilty verdict for his accused murderer.

A man accused of murdering a New Zealand man who was found dead head-first in a water drum inside a Samoan prison cell, has gone on trial.

The local boat-building industry is outraged it was not awarded a govt contract to build a ferry. On almost every level, its anger is odd.

Heavyweight boxing contender Joseph Parker was the victim of a nightclub assault while holidaying in Samoa.

Samoan rugby hero Brian Lima has been charged after a public assault against his ex-wife at the weekend.

Kiwis are turning to coconut oil for everything from moisturiser and hair conditioner to using it as a butter alternative.

Papali'itele Peter Fatialofa died suddenly this morning in Samoa aged 54 and his passing has left shock waves across the rugby community.

In Rome, do as the Romans do - in Samoa embrace Fa'a Samoa, the Samoan way of life. And that means Vailima.

Four siblings - including a New Zealand-based woman - have been killed in one of Samoa's worst car accidents.

Four siblings - including a New Zealand-based woman - have been killed in one of Samoa's worst car accidents.

Missionary messages still resonate in the islands, writes Robyn Yousef.

An Austrian couple have been rescued from their yacht near American Samoa after getting into trouble for the second time in a week.

The wife of the New Zealand Breakers' coach has described the 'horrible' scenes after a bus carrying children and elderly people was swept away.