The Public Service Fale recently welcomed a delegation from Samoa's Ministry for Public Enterprises to New Zealand from 27 to 31 July 2026 for a week-long twinning visit focused on public enterprise governance, oversight and performance.
The visit formed part of the Public Service Fale's twinning programme, which brings Pacific public service agencies together with New Zealand counterparts to share experience, strengthen relationships, and explore practical approaches to common challenges.
Across five days, the delegation met with New Zealand public sector agencies and leaders to learn about public sector governance, board appointments, organisational performance, accountability, stewardship, and monitoring arrangements. Discussions provided insights into how public organisations work together to strengthen oversight while supporting long-term economic and social outcomes.
Learning from experience
The programme began at The Treasury, where officials explored New Zealand's approach to public enterprise monitoring, board appointments, accountability, and performance. This provided a strong foundation for wider discussions throughout the week.
The delegation also met with the Public Service Commission, the Office of the Auditor-General, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Te Puni Kōkiri, the Ministry for Pacific Peoples, the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Health New Zealand, the National Emergency Management Agency, and a board chair appointed by a government agency. Together, these discussions explored public sector stewardship and governance, leadership, organisational culture, performance systems, capability building, emergency management, and practical approaches to supporting effective boards and public entities.
A recurring theme throughout the visit was the importance of clear governance arrangements, strong relationships between oversight agencies and public entities, and aligning organisational performance with government priorities and the needs of communities.
Building capability through partnership
The visit created space for the delegation to exchange ideas, ask practical questions, and consider approaches that could be adapted to Samoa's context.
New Zealand agencies also had the opportunity to learn from Samoa's experience and reflect on shared governance challenges across the Pacific.
Samoa Ministry for Public Enterprises Chief Executive Officer Elita Tooala described the visit as:
"An invaluable opportunity for MPE to strengthen its capability by learning from New Zealand's experience and identifying practical approaches that can be adapted to Samoa's context."
Reflecting on the visit, she noted that one of the strongest messages was the importance of clarity around the purpose of public ownership.
"Effective monitoring starts with the Government's clear purpose for owning public enterprises. Once that purpose is clear, performance can be measured against the outcomes Government expects to achieve."
Elita also expressed appreciation for the welcome and support provided throughout the week.
"On behalf of the Ministry for Public Enterprises, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to the New Zealand Government, our hosts, and everyone involved in organising this programme. We are grateful for the generosity, openness, and willingness to share knowledge and experience so freely."
Strengthening Pacific public services
The visit forms part of the Tautai – Samoa Governance for Economic Growth Programme, which supports stronger governance and public sector capability in Samoa.
Beyond the technical learning, the visit strengthened relationships between Samoa and New Zealand public sector organisations and created opportunities for ongoing dialogue, shared learning and collaboration.
The Public Service Fale acknowledges the generous support of the New Zealand agencies and leaders who met with the delegation, shared their experience and expertise, and helped make the visit a valuable learning opportunity.
By supporting peer learning, knowledge sharing, and trusted connections across the region, the twinning programme helps build stronger public institutions and long-term relationships that support improved outcomes for Pacific communities.