Latest news with #LauIslands
ABC News
10-07-2025
- Politics
- ABC News
The installation of Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara signifies a historic awakening of chiefly power in Fiji
Over on Lakeba Island in Fiji, a historic awakening of chiefly power is underway as Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara is installed with three of the nation's highest titles, which have not been granted for 20 years. After 11 years in exile, Ratu Tevita, the son of Fiji's first prime minister, the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, is being formally bestowed the titles of Turaga Tui Nayau, Tui Lau and Sau Ni Vanua o Lau. Royals, chiefs, and media gathered to witness ceremonial rites that have not been publicly performed for over five decades. The ABC's Lice Movono has been reporting from the Lau Islands, and spoke to Nesia Daily just metres away from where sacred rituals were being carried out in the village of Tubou.
ABC News
10-07-2025
- Politics
- ABC News
The installation of Ratu Tevita Uluialeka Mara signifies a historic awakening of chiefly power in Fiji
Over on Lakeba Island in Fiji, a historic awakening of chiefly power is underway as Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara is installed with three of the nation's highest titles, which have not been granted for 20 years. After 11 years in exile, Ratu Tevita, the son of Fiji's first prime minister, the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, is being formally bestowed the titles of Turaga Tui Nayau, Tui Lau and Sau Ni Vanua o Lau. Royals, chiefs, and media gathered to witness ceremonial rites that have not been publicly performed for over five decades. The ABC's Lice Movono has been reporting from the Lau Islands, and spoke to Nesia Daily just metres away from where sacred rituals were being carried out in the village of Tubou.
ABC News
10-07-2025
- Politics
- ABC News
Lau Islands to install first high chief in 20 years
Fiji will see the most important part of a series of traditional, symbolic rituals to install one of the country's paramount chiefs. Later this morning Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara will become Tui Nayau and Sau ni Vanua o Lau - the high chief of the Lau islands. The positions have been vacant since his father, Fiji's first prime minister Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, died 20 years ago. Among the dignitaries in Lau to witness the historic occasion are Tonga's King Tupou VI and New Zealand's Maori Queen Te Arikinui Kuini Nga Wai Hono i te Pō. The installation of a high chief is more than just tradition - it's a sacred encounter between culture and faith. Christian rituals now form part of the ceremony, reflecting how Indigenous Fijian identity has evolved alongside Western influences.
RNZ News
02-07-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Former Hurricanes star Salesi Rayasi poised for Flying Fijians debut against Wallabies
Salesi Rayasi of the Hurricanes (right) scores a try. (file image) Photo: AAP / Former Hurricanes utility back Salesi Rayasi is tipped to make his debut for the Flying Fijians against the Wallabies on Sunday. The 28-year-old is in Sydney with the Fijians after head coach Mick Byrne named him in the 32-member squad. Having declared his interest to play for Fiji, following his dad Filipe, Salesi got his release from the Hurricanes at the end of the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season and headed to France, where he joined Vannes in the French Top 14 competition. Speaking to in Suva, who hails from Matuku island of Fiji's Lau group of islands, said being selected for the Flying Fijians was "an unreal feeling" . His dad Filipe played for Fiji between 1994 and 1997, wearing the number 15 jersey, which could be the same position Salesi will play in, having shifted between wing and fullback for the Hurricanes as well. The lanky player made the All Blacks Sevens team in 2018 after playing junior and college rugby in Wellington. He spent two years playing rugby sebens before being recruited by the Hurricanes on 2019 and going on to represent the side in 50 games. Salesi told that he had seen photos of his dad in the Fiji colours when he was young and that also inspired him to chase his dream. Utility backline players named in the Flying Fijians include: Selesitioni Ravutaumada, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Vilimoni Botitu and Sireli Maqalam, who are all able to play at fullback as well. It means Salesi will have to be at his best to get the nod from Byrne for a spot in the match-day 23. Salesi Rayasi during a training session with the Flying Fijians in Newcastle, Sydney. 1 July 2025 Photo: Fiji Rugby Byrne is expected to name his starting lineup mid-week. The Fijians have been training in Sydney since the weekend. Byrne emphasised the squad's readiness to take on the challenge of facing the Wallabies in Newcastle, especially since the Fijians had defeated the Wallabies at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. The squad will also face Scotland in Suva on 12 July. "Both Australia and Scotland are established Tier One sides, and we know the level we need to rise to," Byrne said. "This squad reflects the depth, strength, and we will give a performance that will make all Fijians proud." The squad have 13 players from the Fijian Drua, 10 players based in France and five from England. Key players included are: Viliame Mata (Bristol), Josua Tuisova (Racing 92), and Sireli Maqala (Bayonne), alongside veteran forwards Eroni Mawi (Saracens), Samuel Matavesi (Lyon), and Albert Tuisue (Gloucester). The Drua inclusions include captain Tevita Ikanivere, Caleb Muntz, Isaiah Washington-Ravula. Prop Luke Tagi has pulled ut because of injury and has been replaced by Drua prop Samu Tawake. "We've focused on combinations that give us both tactical adaptability and the trademark Fijian spirit," Byrne said. "We want to win but more importantly, we want to win playing our brand of rugby." The Flying Fijians will take on the Wallabies at 3.30pm (NZ Time) at the Newcastle International Sports Centre on Sunday. They will then play Scotland on 12 July at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
