The Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, La'aulialemalietoa Polataivao Schmidt, has stepped down from office.

He submitted his resignation today following the criminal charges filed against him by the Police.

La'auli is charged with obtaining by deception. His wife and a business colleague have also been charged in connection to a business deal that had gone sour.

In a media statement, Laauli said he is resigning with a "heavy heart." 

"For the integrity of Cabinet, Government and with the highest respect to the Prime Minister, I willingly surrender my Cabinet portfolios but will retain my status as a Member of Parliament to await the outcome of the Court proceedings."