6 Oct 2025

Locals concerned about impact one year after Manawanui sinking

From Checkpoint, 5:15 pm on 6 October 2025

The New Zealand government has paid the Samoan government $6 million in compensation following the sinking of the HMNZS Manawanui. Today marks a year since the New Zealand Navy ship hit the Tafitoala reef off the south coast of Upolu and sank, damaging 5000 square metres of the reef and spilling 200 thousand litres of diesel and oil. For six months locals in nearby villages were unable to gather seafood in their usual fishing grounds and they say the fish have still not returned. Local businesses and a leading marine scientist say communication has been scarce since the sinking and there are concerns about the vessel being left on the reef 35 metres below the surface. Louise Ternouth reports.