Māori Queen to attend chiefly installation in Fiji

The Māori Queen, Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po, will attend the installation ceremony of Ratu Tevita Kapaiwai Lutunauga Uluilakeba Mara as Tui Lau Saunivanua ko Lau in Tubou Village, Lakeba Island, on Thursday.

PMN News received confirmation on Monday that the Māori Queen will represent the Kingitanga royal family, though further details are not yet available.

Before he is bestowed the title of Tui Lau, Ratu Tevita will be installed as Tui Nayau on Tuesday on Nayau Island. Both ceremonies come 56 years after Ratu Tevita’s father, the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Kapaiwai Tuimacilai Mara, was last installed as the paramount chief of Lau. Ratu Sir Kamisese, a former President and Prime Minister of Fiji passed away in April 2004.

On Saturday morning, a delegation from the Kingdom of Tonga was welcomed on Lakeba Island. They arrived on a Tongan naval patrol boat and were led by two high-ranking Lords, Tui Vakano and Tui Lakepa, who share ancestral ties to Lakeba.

The group was also accompanied by members of the Tongan King's protocol team. King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipauʻu Tukuʻaho will only attend the ceremony on Thursday.

Officers from the Fiji Police Force have been deployed for special operations on the island. A team from the Fiji Detector Dog Unit, Police Mobile Force, and the Central Division is conducting routine checks on vessels carrying passengers and dignitaries.

Members of the Fiji Defence Forces have also been on the island for the past couple of weeks, providing logistical support.

Hundreds of Fijians from the mainland and around the globe are arriving or making their way to witness the momentous occasions as final preparations are underway on Lakeba and Nayau islands.

The grounds of Narocivo Village on Nayau Island will serve as the sacred site for the installation of the Tui Nayau title.

Vuanirewa, the chiefly residence of the Tui Nayau, in Narocivo village, Nayau. Photo/Yavusa Maumi

The traditional Kingmaker of Nayau and chief’s herald, Vaka Ni Nayau, Akuila Qalo, will play the most important role, as he is the only one with the traditional authority to preside over this sacred ceremony.

Qalo told a media briefing on Monday that the installation ceremony of Ratu Tevita as the Tui Nayau will be held on Tuesday, 8 July.

“All the traditional protocols will be observed from 6am [local time],” he says.

“These include the wearing of black and white formal outfits, the wearing of the i-oro ( mat wrapped around the waist), and women with long hair to wear their hair down.

“This is done to honour and respect the sacred occasion.”

Former Fiji President and Tui Macuata Ratu Wiliame Katonivere poses for a picture with police officers conducting routine checks on vessels at the wharf in Lakeba, earlier today. Photo/Alabaster Investment

On Thursday, Ratu Tevita will proceed to the chiefly village of Tubou on Lakeba for his formal installation as Tui Lau, Sau ni Vanua ko Lau. The distance between Nayau Island and Lakeba Island is 37 kilometres.

Several Fijian high chiefs, including the paramount chief from Rewa, Fiji, Ro Teimumu Kepa, who is Ratu Tevita’s mother’s sister, and former President Tui Macuata Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, are also expected to arrive in Nayau to witness the ceremonies.

A villager delivering fish in a wheelbarrow, at Narovico Village, Nayau. Photo/Supplied

A sense of anticipation fills the air in the villages on both islands. From dawn, the communities have been bustling with activity as they perfect their preparations for the upcoming events over the next four days.

Each family and tribe possesses a deep understanding of their traditional responsibilities, carrying out their duties with a dedication to their 'Vanua' or ancestral land.

Women of Narocivo Village in Nayau, Lau, share a light moment amid preparations for the chiefly installation on Tuesday. Photo/Supplied

The women are carefully preparing traditional mats, which will be beautifully arranged for use in both the church service and the traditional ceremonies.

The traditional fishermen have also been busy bringing in catches from the sea to help prepare a feast worthy of a king.