Latest news with #QueenNanasipau'u
RNZ News
08-07-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Tonga's King and Queen in Fiji for historic chiefly investiture
The prestigious titles of Turaga Tui Nayau, Sau Ni Vanua Ko Lau and Tui Lau are being be bestowed upon Ratu Tevita this week. Photo: Facebook / Ministry of itaukei Affairs The King and Queen of Tonga are being feted in Fiji during historic ceremonies to present three chiefly titles to Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara this week. The prestigious titles of Turaga Tui Nayau , Sau Ni Vanua Ko Lau and Tui Lau are being bestowed upon Ratu Tevita, the son of Fiji's first prime minister, the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Kapaiwai Tuimacilai Mara. Hundreds of people gathered on Nayau Island in Lau - northeast of Fiji's main island - on Tuesday for a grand ceremony to witness the island's kingmakers present Ratu Tevita with the first title, Turaga Tui Nayau. Ratu Tevita, a former military general, fled to Tonga in 2011 and went into exile after the then Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama wanted him tried for treason . He had fallen out with one of his right-hand men when he was removed from the military's 3FIR platoon. The Bainimarama administration banned him from entering Fiji again - something that only became possible after the government of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka came into power in December 2022. Today's ceremony was highly significant because the titles have been vacant for more than two decades, following the death of Ratu Tevita's father in 2004. The state broadcaster FBC reports that the state visit by King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau'u symbolises the shared heritage and deep historical and cultural ties between Lau and Tonga. "The visit will strengthen bilateral relations and regional collaboration between our two nations. It represents the deep bonds of friendship, cultural and historical links, and our shared commitment to advancing regional peace and prosperity of the Pacific family." The FBC said the visit provides the two nations with an opportunity to deepen cooperation on mutual priorities, such as climate change, economic resilience and sustainable development. The people of Lau are reportedly excited by the prospect of renewed leadership and unity. "The historic transition symbolizes the strengthening of connections across the Lau group and ushers in a new era of solidarity among the vanua," the FBC said. According to , Ratu Tevita has drunk from a traditional installation cup and is proceeding to the sacred pools for the customary cleansing rites. Ratu Tevita, also known as Toko Ului, is being guarded by Bati Leka and Bati Balavu . The leader of the Matanivanu clan of Vuninaya Akuila Qalo, 63, will confer the title, which was given to Ratu Sir Kamisese in 1969. The paramount chief of Macuata and a former president Ratu Wiliame Katonivere; the paramount chief of Rewa and former opposition leader Ro Teimumu Kepa; and the paramount chief of Namosi, Ratu Suliano Matanitobua, are part of the ceremony. A government delegation, including the Minister for iTaukei Affairs Ifereimi Vasu and other government stakeholders, is attending the ceremony. The Maori Queen Te Arikinui Kuini Nga Wai Hono i te Pō will attend the ceremony to present the other two titles to Ratu Tevita on Thursday at Tubou village. Tonga's King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau'u arrived at Fiji's Nausori Airport on Tuesday morning for their official State visit where they were welcomed by the Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad, Assistant Minister for iTaukei Affairs Ratu Isikeli Tuiwailevu and Special Envoy to the Pacific William Toganivalu. 8 July 2025 Photo: Facebook / Fiji Government A100-man Guard of Honour is being accorded to King Tupou in Suva at the State House ahead of Thursday's ceremony. King Tupou is set to meet the Fijian President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, and then attend a State banquet before leaving for Tubou village in Lakeba for the ceremony. Local media report that the King and Queen will be in Fiji until Saturday.
RNZ News
02-07-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Tongan royals to celebrate age-old ties with Fiji at high chief's installation ceremony
By 'Alakihihifo Vailala , PMN Tonga's King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau'u at their coronation in 2015. Photo: Supplied / PMN The King and Queen of Tonga are visiting Fiji to attend the installation ceremony of the chiefly titles of Sau Ni Vanua Ko Lau, Tui Nayau, and Tui Lau. The installation ceremony will be held on Lakeba Island, and the royal couple has been invited by Lauan chief Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara, who has Tongan noble ancestry. Ratu Tevita, who is also the head of Mataqali Vuanirewa, Tubou Village, will be installed as the new Sau Ni Vanua Ko Lau, Tui Nayau, and Tui Lau next week. He is the son of Fiji's first Prime Minister, the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, and Burebasaga paramount chief, the late Ro Adi Lady Lala Mara. Next week's ceremony comes 56 years after Ratu Tevita's father was last installed as the paramount chief of Lau. Ratu Tevita's maternal great-grandmother was the daughter of Lord Veikune, a prominent Tongan noble. The late Queen Halaevalu Mata'aho, mother of the current Tongan monarch King Tupou VI, was also a granddaughter of Lord Veikune. Lord Veikune's wife, Lady Vaohoi Veikune, was the great-granddaughter of Ma'afu, the first Tui Lau, who was renowned for bridging the Tongan and Fijian chiefly lineages. Frederica Lupe'uluiva Tuita, a member of the Tongan royal family, told PMN News that this royal gathering is steeped in ancestral connections, particularly between Tonga and Fiji's chiefly families, particularly the connections through the clan known as 'Ha'a Fale Fisi'. The clan descends from a Tongan chieftess and a chief from the island of Lakeba. Tuita is a niece of King Tupou VI - daughter of the monarch's sister, Princess Royal Salote Mafile'o Pilolevu Tuita and Lord Siosa'ia Ma'ulupekotofa Tuita. "Relationships between the Tongan royal families and Fijian aristocracy stretch back hundreds of years," she says. "This is embodied in a group or clan of hereditary Lords called 'Ha'a Fale Fisi' or 'House of Fiji'. "They are descendants of Tapu'osi (a chief of Waciwaci Village in Lakeba) and Sinaitakala Lotunofo (eldest daughter of the Tu'i Tonga). "Sinaitakala was a Tu'i Tonga Fefine and was sacred." From left, the Late Queen Mother Halaevalu Mata'aho, Frederica Tuita, and Princess Salote Mafile'o Pilolevu Tuita. Photo: Facebook / Frederica Tuita According to legend, the eldest daughter of the Tu'i Tonga met Tapu'osi by chance on Lakeba Island during a brief stopover. Lau is an island group in eastern Fiji, with its main island, Lakeba, located about 300 kilometres east of Suva by air. By sea, the journey can take around 10 to 15 hours, depending on the vessel and weather conditions. Tuita emphasises the importance of understanding family history for Pacific identity, noting the significance of family gatherings and obligations in nurturing these relationships. Lauan chief Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara. Photo: Supplied / PMN "Most Tongans value their blood ties as they appreciate that without knowing your family history, one's future can be light and ordinary," she says. "We travel( when affordable) to funerals, weddings, family reunions, as it's an obligation and a privilege to nurture and cultivate our family, and we have a sense of belonging." The week-long celebrations for Ratu Tevita's installation will take place from 7 to 13 July. -This article was first published by PMN .
