Samoa Always Intended to Extend Traditional Courtesy to NZ Prime Minister Luxon

2026-03-15 - 21:47

Press Release, Monday 16 March 2026. The Government of Samoa has issued a press release to confirm that it was always Samoa’s intention to extend the traditional courtesy of a matai title bestowal to New Zealand Prime Minister The Rt. Hon. Christopher Luxon. “A title bestowal for visiting leaders is a traditional courtesy to be extended by the Government of Samoa. In this regard it was always the Government’s intention to extend this honour to Prime Minister Luxon.” In a historic ceremony today in Apia, Prime Minister Luxon was formally bestowed with the high chief title of Tuisinavemaulumoto’otua from the village of Apia. He joins a prestigious lineage of New Zealand Prime Ministers honored by the Samoan people with chiefly titles. The bestowal by the village of Apia follows a tradition of deepening the Treaty of Friendship, mirroring the 2017 honor given to Sir Bill English, who received the title Leulua’iali’iotumua in Faleula, and Sir John Key, who was named To’osavili by the village of Poutasi. David Lange who was bestowed the Tagaloa title in 1982, and Sir Robert Muldoon, had received his matai title in a rare 1981 ceremony held at the Beehive. New Zealand Minister and former Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand, Sir Winston Peters, holds the high chief title of Vaovasamanaia. As a long serving Foreign Minister of Aotearoa, Vaovasamanaia visits Samoa often and considered a close friend. Luxon’s visit is expected to allow for high level bilateral discussions between the two Prime Ministers on crucial areas under the Treaty of Friendship. Immigration and Visas: While New Zealand recently announced cheaper visitor visa fees for Pacific travelers, Samoa is expected to raise the topic of easier travel and visa-waiver access for Samoa and Pacific nationals, in support of the petition led by Lupematasila Anae Arthur Anae. Labour Mobility (RSE Scheme): Discussions are expected to cover the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) program. Samoa recently announced plans to cap seasonal worker numbers at 3,000 for New Zealand due to concerns over domestic “labour drain” affecting sectors like nursing and teaching. Security and Transnational Crime: Samoa and New Zealand are expected to discuss the rising drug trade in the region. Leaders have previously discussed the high price of narcotics in New Zealand driving increased smuggling operations, including the use of submarines. Climate Change and Environment: Cooperation on climate finance and adaptation remains a priority. Additionally, Samoa may seek further accountability or support regarding the sinking of the HMNZS Manawanui, with local calling for New Zealand to address environmental and livelihood damages beyond initial aid. The Luxon delegation to Samoa includes Ministers Dr Shane Reti and Mark Mitchell, and the full Pacific Mission delegation. Savae Sir Michael Jones and Rachel Afeaki are both part of the official delegation. Taumeasina Island Resort