29 May 2017

NZ prime minister to receive Samoan chiefly title

5:13 pm on 29 May 2017

The New Zealand prime minister Bill English is to be bestowed with a chiefly title on a visit to Samoa this week.

Bill English

Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

Mr English travels to Samoa on Wednesday for its 55th Independence Day celebrations.

It's Mr English's first trip as prime minister to Samoa.

Some of the discussion with his Samoan counterpart Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi will focus on the Pacific Islands Forum which Samoa will host in September.

Samoa's PM Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi

Samoa's PM Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi Photo: RNZI Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia

He'll also visit New Zealand aid projects and on Friday attend the first Super Rugby game to be played in Samoa with the Blues taking on the Reds in Apia.

It's understood Fale'ula village is bestowing the title, part of a growing trend to honour eminent foreigners.

All Blacks rugby coach Steve Hansen at a ceremony to make him a Samoan chief

All Blacks rugby coach Steve Hansen drinks kava at a ceremony to make him a Samoan chief Photo: RNZI / Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia

The French Polynesian president Edouard Fritch and All Blacks rugby coach Steve Hansen are among recent title recipients.

New Zealand's former prime minister John Key holds the title of To'osavili in Poutasi which was devastated by the 2009 tsunami.

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