2 Jun 2017

New Zealand PM receives his Samoan title

2:29 pm on 2 June 2017

Samoa's Faleula village has bestowed the chiefly title Leulua'iali'iotumua on New Zealand Prime Minister Bill English.

Faleula is the village of Mr English's wife, Mary.

The village chiefs and orators, including Samoa Prime Minister, Tu'ilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, and his cabinet, witnessed the traditional ceremony, which was attended by close to 100 people.

NZ Prime Minister Bill English in Samoa title ceremony

NZ Prime Minister Bill English in Samoa title ceremony Photo: RNZI/Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia

Mr English is the fourth New Zealand prime minister to be given a chiefly matai title.

He said it was an honour and a privilege to accept the title which was largely a recognition of the connection of his Samoan family to Faleula.

Mr English was asked if he accepted his roles and duties as one of the village chiefs.

"Well there was discussion about that and a bit of an argument about it today so I can assure you I will have plenty of guidance from senior members of the village over what's expected and what's the right way to behave," said Bill English.

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs