Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has extended the nation’s condolences to the Māori people of New Zealand after the passing of Māori King Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII last week.
Mr Rabuka said he was a great friend of Fiji and had made a special request to visit the Gone Turaga Bale na Vunivalu, na Tui Kaba, Ratu Epenisa Cakobau of Bau when he visited.
“He responded favourably to the invitation of the Honourable Minister for iTaukei Affairs to be present at the Great Council of Chiefs meeting in Deuba and responded to the kind invitation from His Excellency the President for a dinner at State House, which I was honoured to have hosted,” Mr Rabuka said in Parliament.
“Our condolences go to the people of New Zealand, the Māori people of New Zealand.”
He said a condolence letter was dispatched to Fiji’s High Commission in New Zealand and to High Commissioner Ratu Inoke Kubuabola.
“He was a dedicated leader and a leader and friend to the chiefs in Fiji.”
Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu extended similar condolences, and said their thoughts and prayers were with the Māori people of New Zealand.
