A series of traditional ceremonies are underway on the island of Lakeba today to mark the official installation of Tui Nayau Ratu Tevita Lutunauga Kapaiwai Uluilakeba Mara as Sau ni Vanua ko Lau and Tui Lau.
Today’s events will begin with a blessing and installation service at 9.30am at the Tubou Methodist Church, followed by a traditional kava ceremony on the Tubou Village ground at 11am.
At 12pm, the newly installed chief will take part in the traditional bathing ceremony at Tubou foreshore, a key rite in the assumption of chiefly authority in Lau.
Guests and dignitaries – including Their Majesties King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u of Tonga are expected to join a lunch gathering at 12.30pm before the royal couple departs Lakeba at 3.40pm.
The occasion marks the formal return of the Tui Lau title after more than two decades.
