Maori Queen to Join Tui Lau Installation
The delegation, consisting of 10 people, was welcomed yesterday afternoon at the Nausori International Airport.
Wednesday 09 July 2025 | 20:00
Maori Queen Nga Wai Hano i te Po duirng her traditional welcome ceremony at the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) Talanoa Lounge at Draiba in Suva on July 9, 2025. Photo: Ronald Kumar
Maintaining and strengthening ancestral ties are the main bid of the presence of the Maori Queen, her Majesty Nga Wai Hano I te Po during the traditional installation of the Sau ni vanua o Lau and Tui Lau on Lakeba Island today.
This was expressed by the spokesman of the Kiingitanga royal family, Rahui Papa during the traditional welcome ceremony at the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) Talanoa Lounge at Draiba in Suva yesterday.
The delegation, consisting of 10 people, was welcomed yesterday afternoon at the Nausori International Airport.
Related stories
A traditional chant to announce her entrance by her Majesty's delegation began the solemn ceremony followed by a heartfelt address and a song.
They were afterwards given a tour around the new GCC Complex. In his remarks, Mr Papa emphasised there is one thing that unite all Pacific islanders that their ancestors were great navigators and explorers who explored the Pacific Ocean.
"But the light that they (ancestors) brought to our Pasifika people in bringing us together on numerous occasions is the platform for our relationships going forward," Mr Papa said.
"When the other side of the globe is in uncertain times, us as Pasfika cousins, will remain resolute based on the teachings and those customs handed down by our haupia and our ancestry as we go forward to maintain the Pacific as one whanau, one family unit and as a salvation, really, going forward into the crises of the world."
The Maori Queen and six of her officials will travel to Lakeba this morning.
Feedback: Beranadeta@fijisun.com.fj
