New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon attempted to call off the bestowal of the chiefly title Tuisinavemaulumotootua in Apia after late-night concerns and social media backlash.
Samoa Observer newspaper reported Samoa’s Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt revealed he received a phone call at about 3 am from the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Peseta Noumea Simi informing him that the New Zealand Prime Minister did not want to proceed with the bestowal .
Speaking at the official welcoming dinner for the New Zealand leader Laauli said he asked why and was told Luxon had decided not to go ahead because of “too much interference on social media.”
He said he had earlier told former All Black Laauli Michael Jones to tell the New Zealand Prime Minister not to worry and that Samoa had already prepared for the occasion.
Sources familiar with the matter confirmed to the newspaper that discussions continued late into the night and again early Monday morning before the ceremony eventually proceeded.
The Samoan PM said he reassured those involved that Samoa had prepared for the ceremony and urged Luxon not to be concerned about criticism online.
“Samoa has prepared for today’s occasion,” he said, adding that the village of Apia would handle the matter with respect.
Luxon was later bestowed the title Tuisinavemaulumotootua of Apia in a ceremony held in front of the Government Building.
The Prime Minister told guests he now considered Tuisinavemaulumotootua Christopher Luxon part of the family, reflecting the close relationship between Samoa and New Zealand.
Photo: Samoa Government
