The Governor-General of New Zealand, Dame Cindy Kiro has arrived in Samoa for the celebration of the nation's 60th Independence anniversary this week.

Samoa Government officials confirmed the Aotearoa General-General flew into Samoa on Sunday from New Zealand and will be in the country this week.

A Radio New Zealand report stated that Dame Cindy will be in Samoa until Thursday and will meet with the Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata'afa as well as the Head of State, His Highness Tuimaleali’ifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II.

She will also attend a number of independence day events including the re-launching of the Save the Manumea campaign as well as visit village communities.

While here in Samoa, Dame Cindy will also check on the work of two of her patronage organisations: Volunteer Service Abroad and the Fred Hollows Foundation.

In an earlier interview with the Samoa Conservation Society President James Atherton, he said the Governor-General will be hosted by the Manumea friendly village Magiagi in partnerships with the S.C.S and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

The relaunching of the Save the Manumea initiative is supported and funded by the N.Z.D.O.C. (New Zealand Department of Conservation). 

"We are still implementing the Save the Manumea project and a lot has been done. The Governor-General will be the main speaker at the relaunch on the 7th of September," Mr. Atherton said. 

Dame Cindy's visit will also be an opportunity for her to experience a traditional village setting via an ava ceremony welcome and entertainment, added the S.C.S. President. 

The Governor-General will also get to see other activities already implemented as part of the Manumea conservation campaign, which includes signage of Manumea friendly villages as well as buses promoting messages to rescue Samoa's national bird. 

It is understood Dame Cindy is staying at the Taumeasina Island Resort. Attempts by this newspaper to get confirmation from the the resort's General Manager, Tuiataga Nathan Bucknall, were not successful.