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.

Prime Minister John Key has announced a $1 million package for tourism in Samoa on his Pacific Mission.

Prime Minister John Key got a taste of Samoan pride at Independence Day celebrations in Apia today.

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.

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.

Manu Samoa rugby legend Brian Lima has resigned from all forms of rugby in the island nation following allegations of an assault on his ex-wife.

Divine intervention may be needed to help resolve a dilemma that has been brewing in Samoa - exactly which day is the Sabbath.

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.

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.

Breakers coach Dean Vickerman says he feared for his life as he waded into a raging flood to help rescue stricken passengers in a Samoan bus accident.

A mix of comfort and adventure awaits you, writes Elisabeth Easther.

A Samoan cabinet minister has come under fire for using the word "pusi" while referring to women during a vote in Parliament.

The South Seas' most famous hotel is unbowed by Cyclone Evan, writes Robyn Yousef.