The Prime Minister of Samoa, Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt, travelled to New Zealand on Saturday to attend the final church service for the late founder of the Samoan Independent Seventh-day Adventist Church (SISDAC) and is expected to return to Samoa on Monday.

In a live video shared on his Facebook page, the Prime Minister said he was travelling to attend the funeral service for Pastor Alaimoana Willie Papu, the 86-year-old leader and founder of the Samoan Independent Seventh Day Adventist Church, who passed away in February.

The Prime Minister said he would attend the service on behalf of Samoa. The final church service is expected to take place on Sunday at 12 pm.

Laaulialemalietoa said he is scheduled to return to Samoa on Monday morning to attend parliament on Tuesday, when the newly elected members for Safata No.1, Tunumafono Clare Tai Tin and Vaisigano No.2 Independent, who has now joined the Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) party, Motuopuaa Henney Henry Papalii, are expected to be formally welcomed.

The Prime Minister noted that government duties continue while he is away, with Deputy Prime Minister Toelupe Poumulinuku Onesemore remaining in Samoa.

He added that the government is preparing for the opening of the redeveloped Savalalo Market, which he said should be ready by March 16. The soft launch, which was scheduled for Saturday, was postponed due to a cabinet decision. Preparations are also underway for the visit of Christopher Luxon, with about "100 visitors" expected to arrive in Samoa, according to Laaulialemalietoa.

The Prime Minister's previous 8-week visit to New Zealand was for medical reasons.