25 Aug 2009

Pomare descendant wants to install chiefs in French Polynesia

11:13 am on 25 August 2009

One of the claimants in French Polynesia of the Tahitian royal title wants to install chiefs.

Joinville Pomare says a meeting will be held on September the 9th in the valley of Papenoo where he also plans to build a village near the marae.

He says this is in part of a drive to help young people retain traditions.

The move follows a ceremony in June when his supporters introduced him as King Pomare XI to be fully installed next month.

The proceedings were decried by some as a masquerade, with several other Pomares questioning the legitimacy of his claim to be king.