3 Jun 2014

NZ's PM visits Poutasi in Samoa

6:32 am on 3 June 2014

New Zealand's Prime Minister John Key is to visit the Samoan village today which honoured him with a matai or chiefly title five years ago.

Mr Key is in Samoa as part of tour of Pacific Island countries and to mark Samoa's 52nd year of independence.

He holds the matai title of To'osavili in Poutasi and his visit to the village will include a special tribute to victims of the 2009 tsunami.

He will also tour New Zealand aid funded projects in the village.

Yeah, it's a very personal experience and so there's a very personal connection there. I'm very proud of Poutasi, it's a fantastic village. It's a beautiful part of the world. The great people...and many of them had the opportunity to come to New Zealand as part of the RSE scheme. They've been very very good workers and great ambassadors I think for Samoa.

The New Zealand Prime Minister John Key