Key Takeaways
- A New Zealand law professor is calling for the UK’s role to be considered in compensating villagers affected by the sinking of the Manawanui.
- The New Zealand navy vessel was surveying the south coast of Upolu as part of security for the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting (CHOGM) and King Charles.
- New Zealand paid $6 million in compensation to the Samoa government, but Professor Paul Myburgh believes this amount is on the lower end of the scale.
- The wreck of the Manawanui remains on the Tafitoala Reef, continuing to impact the environment and the livelihoods of local villagers.
Introduction to the Incident
The sinking of the Manawanui, a New Zealand navy vessel, has sparked controversy and debate over compensation for the affected villagers. On October 6, 2024, the vessel was surveying the south coast of Upolu when it struck the Tafitoala reef, caught fire, and sank. The incident occurred while the vessel was providing security for the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting (CHOGM) and King Charles, who was staying at a nearby resort. Former Samoa Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa confirmed that the vessel was indeed surveying the south coast as part of the security operations.
Calls for UK Involvement in Compensation
Professor Paul Myburgh from Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is calling for the United Kingdom’s role to be considered when it comes to compensating the affected villagers. Myburgh believes that the UK government’s request for the New Zealand navy to survey the reef should be taken into account. He states that if the UK government had not made the request, the incident would never have occurred. Myburgh’s comments come as New Zealand paid $6 million in compensation to the Samoa government for the sinking. However, Myburgh believes that this amount is insufficient, considering the ongoing impact of the wreck on the environment and the livelihoods of local villagers.
Compensation and Accountability
Letters released under the Official Information Act (OIA) show that Samoa’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs requested SAT$10 tala ($NZ6 million) be paid by the New Zealand Government following the sinking. Pacific security expert Dr. Iati Iati from Victoria University questions whether New Zealand should be the only country paying compensation for the sinking of Manawanui. Iati suggests that the timing of the incident, which coincided with the CHOGM, may have drawn unwanted attention to the vessel and the involvement of other actors. The British High Commission and the UK’s Foreign Office have been approached for comment on the matter.
Environmental and Social Impact
The wreck of the Manawanui remains on the Tafitoala Reef, continuing to pose a threat to the environment and the livelihoods of local villagers. Professor Myburgh notes that even with the removal of immediate dangers, such as fuel, the wreck still has a significant impact on the area. The local villages are totally dependent on the affected area for their food and livelihoods, making the payment of $6 million seem like a minimal amount. The Samoa Marine Pollution Advisory Committee is expecting a wreck report in the coming month, which will likely shed more light on the extent of the damage and the necessary steps to mitigate its impact.
Conclusion and Future Directions
The sinking of the Manawanui has highlighted the need for a more comprehensive approach to compensation and accountability. As the investigation into the incident continues, it is essential to consider the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved, including the UK government. The affected villagers and the environment must be prioritized, and a more substantial compensation package may be necessary to address the ongoing impacts of the wreck. As the situation continues to unfold, it is crucial to ensure that the rights and interests of all parties are protected and that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.
