Samoa Budget & Fiscal Plan: Parliament has passed the 2026/2027 Appropriation Bill, approving a $1.5b tala budget under the “AIGA – Accelerating Inclusive Growth and Access” theme, with spending of $1.501b against receipts of $1.285b and a projected cash deficit of $215.9m (3.1% of GDP), to be financed via concessional loans, development partner support, and cash balances, alongside moves to strengthen domestic revenue without raising VAGST or income tax. Manawanui Compensation Dispute: Samoa and New Zealand are at odds over further Manawanui claims after NZ said a prior NZ$6m payment resolved matters covered by an earlier settlement, while Samoa’s environment minister says a separate WST4.2m compensation negotiation is underway for Siumu residents. Cabinet Appointments: Cabinet reappointed Tafesilafa’i as General Manager of Samoa Shipping Services and Sautiamaivasa as CEO of the Samoa Housing Corporation, signaling continuity in transport and housing leadership. Governance & Leaks: The Prime Minister warned public servants over leaked Cabinet documents, including a directive tied to a $988,737.90 payment to Bluewave Wireless for school WiFi. Media Licence Threat: Revenue Minister Pauga Talalelei Pauga threatened to revoke the Samoa Observer’s business licence, alleging incorrect and biased reporting, while the Speaker halted him for naming a party not present. Regional Business & Trade Context: A fuel-crisis timeline shows how Pacific governments raised diesel ceilings sharply and leaned on donors and renewables to manage costs. Pacific Rugby Economics: NZ Rugby confirmed Moana Pasifika will not play Super Rugby Pacific in 2027 after rescue bids failed to meet long-term capital and business-plan requirements, though it left the door open for a future Pasifika franchise beyond 2027.