The Prime Minister, John Key, has announced New Zealand will pay 4.4 million US dollars for Samoan students who attend primary and secondary school.
Mr Key is in Samoa to mark 50 years since the Treaty of Friendship between the two countries was signed.
Our reporter Natalie Mankelow is in the Samoan capital, Apia:
"John Key says high school fees are a barrier for some families and New Zealand providing around $200 a year for 16,000 year 9 to 11 pupils will overcome that. He says the money is coming from NZ Aid, and the cost will gradually be picked up by the Samoan government over 5 years. Mr Key is with a delegation of about 120 people, including MPs and community leaders. He is now meeting with the Samoan Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, and will attend a state luncheon this morning."
