In 1936, a Labour government was formed in New Zealand, and the new Prime Minister, Michael Joseph, promised to improve relations with Samoa. The new government reviewed several rules and laws, including establishing Samoan associate judges in the courts and hiring Samoans and local Europeans in the public sector. They also set up a registry office to recognize land rights.
In 1947, Samoan leaders sent a letter to the United Nations asking for autonomy. The UN sent a delegation to urge New Zealand to support Samoa’s independence. The new New Zealand Executive was called the High Commissioner, and the Council of State was composed of the High Commissioner and the Mau leaders. A Legislative Assembly was created and empowered to enact laws, consisting of a Samoan elected by the matai and five local Europeans.
In 1948, the Samoan flag was flown alongside the New Zealand flag, and members from each region of Samoa prepared a plan of how Samoa should operate and sent it to New Zealand. The final plan was completed in December 1955, and both New Zealand and Samoa agreed to accept it.
Independence was finally achieved in 1962.