Photo: RNZNew Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is putting the question of whether or not he asked for a matai title behind him, saying it was a miscommunication, and both he and his Samoan counterpart have moved on. Luxon thanked those present for the title, Tuisinavemaulumoto'otua, saying it was a great honour. Afterwards, Luxon said the Pacific had become a "super-highway for drugs," and both leaders were committed to more information sharing. Asked about what went wrong with the matai title mixup, Luxon said he was "done and finished" with the matter. A question was put to La'aulialemalietoa about the matai title, which he did not answer, but earlier said it was a "token of respect."

Source: Otago Daily Times March 16, 2026 06:21 UTC