8701 (2026). Hon Carmel Sepuloni to the Prime Minister

8701 (2026). Hon Carmel Sepuloni to the Prime Minister: On what date, was his office first informed of the possibility that he might be granted a Samoan matai title during his visit to Samoa during the week of 16 March 2026, and who informed his office?

Rt Hon Christopher Luxon: On Monday 16 March 2026, the title Tuisinavemaulumoto’otua was bestowed on me in my capacity as Prime Minister of New Zealand. While the bestowal of an honorary title is a great honour for New Zealand, I did not ask, and nor did my representatives ask, for a matai title to be bestowed during my visit to Apia. As is normal in the preparation for a Prime Minister’s visit there were detailed discussions with the host government about arrangements. In making proper preparations for the visit, it was first indicated to the High Commissioner on 12 February 2026 that Samoa would like to bestow a title on the New Zealand Prime Minister. My Office was advised that such consideration was being given on 17 February 2026. On 4 March 2026 senior representatives of Apia village advised the High Commissioner that they wished to bestow the title. I was advised of the possibility a title might be given in late February and then it was confirmed on 11 March 2026 that arrangements had firmed for a bestowal.