RNZ and Sāmoa Capital Radio have signed a new partnership agreement to formalise the sharing of news stories and digital and social media knowledge between the organisations.

The agreement sees RNZ National and RNZ Pacific news bulletin scripts given to Sāmoa Capital Radio for translation and broadcast in Sāmoan  on 106.1FM and online. In return Sāmoa Capital Radio will help out with video, photos and other news gathering from Sāmoa, especially in Apia, where it has recently opened a brand-new studio. Both will explore opportunities to share digital and social media expertise, including through staff exchanges.

Gagana Sāmoa as the third most-spoken language in New Zealand.

RNZ Chief Executive and Editor in Chief Paul Thompson said:

“RNZ is committed in our position as a non-commercial public media organisation to make our content accessible to all communities in New Zealand. This partnership with Sāmoa Capital Radio is particularly important as it supports our efforts to provide comprehensive Pacific coverage and serves audiences who prefer to consume news in Sāmoan or from a Pacific lens.”

Sāmoa Capital Radio Chief Executive Afamasaga Tealu Moresi added:

“The sharing of news stories, and digital and social media expertise, will benefit both organisations.

RNZ’s widely sourced news stories are very informative and educational. Translating news items from English to Sāmoan will help inform the Sāmoan community in Aotearoa New Zealand and abroad with up-to-date current events broadcast by RNZ when they happen. Sāmoa Capital Radio listeners will also increase the audience that benefit from RNZ news stories.”

Sāmoa Capital Radio was the first Pacific Island station in New Zealand, in 1992, with 98% of its broadcast in the Sāmoan language. It operates under the Si’ufofoga o le Laumua Trust and is partly funded by NZ On Air.