The Faatuatua i Le Atua Samoa Party has been granted leave to join as an Intervener in the judicial review proceedings of Samoa’s District Development Project (Fono Faavae).
Justice Leiataualesa Daryl Clarke granted the FAST party application to join proceedings with no objections from HRPP as the Applicant.
The Government and Hon Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt as leader, is the Respondent.
The Human Rights Protection Party are challenging the governance and establishment procedures of the Fono Faavae, including the selection of Chairperson positions.
At the start of the hearing, Justice Clarke clarified that there was only one application before the Court despite earlier confusion surrounding an affidavit filed by Hon Fiame Naomi Mataʻafa of the Samoa United Party (SUP).
The Judge explained that, after reviewing the documents, it was clear the affidavit had been filed in support of the FAST Party’s application, and was not a separate application for intervener status.
Justice Clarke clarified that the FAST Party’s role is limited to making submissions on the relief that may be granted, should the Court ultimately find the decisions challenged by HRPP to be unlawful.
“By consent of the Applicant and the Respondent, leave is granted to the FAST Party to be joined as an intervener in these proceedings.”
The hearing also dealt with a request by counsel for the respondent, Mr. Keith, for a one-day extension to file the remaining court documents.
Counsel told the Court that the respondent was still finalising its written submissions, bundle of authorities, case book and a short affidavit.
The Court granted the extension and ordered that all remaining documents be filed and served by 12:00pm on Thursday, 9 July 2026, ahead of the substantive hearing scheduled for 13 July 2026.
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