Former Member of Parliament, Patu Ativalu Tunupopo, is looking forward to the All Blacks visit for more than one reason.
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Apart from the world champions coming to Samoa for the first time, Patu, a high Chief of Vaiala and Moata’a confirmed a plan to bestow the coach of the All Blacks team, Steve Hansen, with an honorary chiefly title.
The ceremony will be held on Thursday, the day after the test match at Apia Park.
Patu told the Samoa Observer yesterday that he is yet to decide on the matai title.
There are several options on which he is still mulling over.
“I am a High Chief and I can bestow titles on whomever I want,” he said. “The thing is I haven’t made up my mind. I have many family titles and I am the boss. ”
The bestowal of the matai title is in favour of a request made by Patu’s nephew, Fauono Ken Laban, who is close friends with Mr. Hansen.
Fauono is also the brother of former New Zealand M.P. , Luamanuvao Winnie Laban.
Patu said he has already met with the Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi who has agreed to and will attend the ceremony.
A village fono was also held and they too, support the bestowal.
The bestowal ceremony will also be attended by Fauono, Luamanuvao and extended family.
Patu, a retired MP, is also a former Manu Samoa rugby player. His father was the vice captain and full back for the Vaiala team from 1924 to 1926.
It was in 1924 that rugby was first played in Samoa, on the beach at Matautu, which was known as Pilot Point.
“That was the rugby field and when ships arrived from overseas, they would play rugby against the Samoans.”
The game was introduced to Samoa by the MacDonald family of Vaiala, on their return from New Zealand. As for the bestowal ceremony, Patu and his family are committed to doing their best.
“We are still preparing for it. It’s a simple thing. For me, it’s no problem.”
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