Fiame Naomi Mata'afa's first visit to New Zealand as prime minister of Samoa marks a long enduring partnership.
It has seen the resumption of the Prime Minister's Fellowship for Samoa - a treaty of friendship that reflects the close ties between the two Pacific nations.
New Zealand rolled out the red carpet for Mata'afa as she was greeted at the headlands by tangata whenua.
The meeting comes to a head as key milestones are celebrated included 60 years of Samoa's independence.
"And importantly the commemoration of the treaty of friendship on 1 August, when Samoa will open its borders to everyone," Fiame said.
Fiame invited Ardern to Samoa to celebrate the "60th anniversary of the treaty".
She also announced the official date for the Pacific Islands Forum, between 12 and 14 of July in Suva.
Today's meeting between the the two leaders was a first.
Samoan Ministry of Foreign Affairs head Peseta Noumea Simi said the trip had been revealing, showing Mata'afa was held in high regard across the region.
"I think she is inspiring to the other generations, particuarly to the females," she said.
Fiame came focused on fostering relationships.
Samoan PM talks climate change, China in Ardern meeting
"I am not in a rush as a new leader to be coming up with a shopping list of any sort," Mata'afa said.
Prime Minister of Samoa Fiame Naomi Mata'afa and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern pose for a photo before a bilateral meeting at Parliament on 14 June2022 in Wellington, New Zealand. Photo: Pool / Getty Images / Hagen Hopkins
China was not at the top of the agenda, despite Samoa's new agreement, but it was discussed and the countries' relationship has been clarified.
"There are no discussions with China around militarisation at all," Fiame said.
Ardern was pleased with what had been announced.
"To mark these important milestones I am pleased to announce a special fellowship in the name of the right honourable Prime Minitser Fiame Mata'afa, in addition we are also restarting the Prime Minister's Fellowship with Samoa and we are also launching new sports leadership awards aimed at supporting emerging leaders in sport in Samoa, particuarly women and girls."
She said the visit has been an opportunity to reflect and reprioritise, moving climate change to the top of the list.
Ardern reaffirmed support for the Kainaki II Declaration for Urgent Climate Change Action Now.
"Climate change has been identified as the top priority for the region. This is reflected in New Zealand's fourfold increase in climate aid to $1.3 billion, with at least 50 percent going to the Pacific," Ardern said.
Fiame is off to the Hawke's Bay next to meet with seasonal workers after her government announced a review into the scheme and reduced flights until it had been completed.