Ardern congratulates PM

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has congratulated the first female prime minister of Samoa for her historic election victory. In a final judgment released by Samoa’s Court of Appeal on Friday, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa’s FAST Party was officially recognised as the Government of Samoa.‘‘New Zealand has a special relationship with Samoa, anchored in the Treaty of Friendship. We look forward to working with Samoa’s new government in the spirit of partnership that characterises this bond,’’ Ardern said. She acknowledged former prime minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi’s long service to the nation.