The Samoan government has revealed in parliament long-term plans to acquire 10 acres of land in Auckland New Zealand to build a consulate, commercial centre and a traditional meeting house.
The plan was divulged by the Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi during the recent parliament budget debate when an opposition MP questioned the costs of the consul general's residence in Auckland.
Our correspondent in Apia Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia says while the announcement came as a surprise, no other details were given.
"The response from the Prime Minister in parliament was very general. And he didn't explain or elaborate further on this project. At the moment the consulate office is located at Maota Samoa in Karangahape Road in Auckland City."
Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia.
Staff at Samoa's Auckland consulate office said they only became aware of the plan through the media, and not through official channels.
Samoa has a High Commission office in Wellington.
