Tui Nayau and Tui Lau Installation

With just a few days to go for the installation of Ratu Tevita Kapaiwai Lutunauga Uluilakeba Mara as the Tui Nayau, the Sau ni Vanua o Lau, the Yavusa of Vuanirewa will travel to Nayau Island this Friday to confirm the traditional title.

After 56 years we will witness the installation of the Tui Nayau while the new Tui Lau will be installed after 62 years.

The late Tui Nayau, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara succeeded to the Tui Nayau title in 1969, following the death of his father in 1966.

He was earlier installed as Tui Lau in 1963 following the traditional consultation process between the Yavusa Toga in Sawana, Lomaloma and the Tui Nayau.

While speaking to fijivillage News, a representative from the Yavusa o Vuanirewa, Jope Lalaga Umu says a traditional ceremony will also take place in Nayau, and on Saturday, the group will return to Tubou to prepare for the installation on Monday.

Umu says that the four Tokatoka of Vuanirewa have each been allocated responsibilities and contributions for the installation ceremony.

He says the people of Lau are filled with joy and anticipation as they look forward to the installation, which will be the first since the passing of the late Tui Nayau, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara.

The ceremony for the installation of the Tui Nayau Sau ni Vanua o Lau will be held next Tuesday while the installation ceremony of the Tui Lau will be held in Tubou next Thursday.

We will provide live coverage of the two installation ceremonies on our website, facebook and YouTube pages, fijivillage and VITIFM.

People from the different islands in the Lau group converged in Lakeba today to make presentations to the soon to installed Tui Nayau, Tui Lau and Sau ni Vanua o Lau, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara.

The sacred ground at Tubou Village, where the installation will take place, has been silent in anticipation of the historic occasion.

The people from Kabara, who are well known for their craftsmanship, presented beautifully crafted tanoa, and lali to Ratu Tevita.

The warrior clan of Yadrana are on high alert as they are tasked to watch over the installation area before Ratu Tevita ascends to the title next Thursday.

The traditional fishing method known as "qoli vakavanua" was also witnessed to mark the opening season for fishing at the sacred fishing ground, which was preserved for the last 12 years.

Thousands of people will converge in Tubou Village on Lakeba Island to witness the installation of the new Tui Lau.

Tubou Village Headman, Waqavonovono Temo says preparations are underway with different clans and villages joining hands for this historic occasion.

He says one of their main challenges was water, but now, the team from the Water Authority of Fiji has managed to connect it to a water source.

The ceremony for the installation of the Tui Nayau Sau ni Vanua o Lau will be held next Tuesday, while the installation ceremony of the Tui Lau will be held in Tubou next Thursday.

We will provide live coverage of the two installation ceremonies on our website, facebook and YouTube pages, fijivillage and VITIFM.

Burebasaga confederacy paramount chief Ro Teimumu Kepa, former President and Tui Macuata Ratu Wiliame Katonivere and Tui Levuka Ratu Etonia Seru Rokotunaceva are leaving for Lakeba Island in Lau today for the installation of the Tui Nayau, Tui Lau and Sau ni Vanua o Lau.

The title of Tui Nayau, Tui Lau and Sau ni Vanua o Lau have been left vacant for the past 21 years following the death of the late title holder Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara in 2004.

The installation will be attended by most chiefs in Fiji and also the King and Queen of Tonga King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u.

They are expected to arrive on Thursday for the installation of the Tui Lau at Tubou Village.

The Tongan military arrived yesterday in anticipation of the arrival of the King and Queen on Thursday.

Lakeba Island has been welcoming hundreds of people who will witness this historic occasion.

Tubou Village headman, Waqavonovono Temo says some of the elders who witnessed the installation of Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara are on the island to witness the installation of the next Tui Lau, 62 years later.

The different islands in the Lau group have presented their presentation to the soon to be Tui Nayau, Tui Lau and Sau ni Vanua o Lau Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara.

The Vanua of Lakeba is ready to host thousands of people who will witness this historic occasion after more than 5 decades.

The government delegation is leaving today for Lakeba Island.

Leading the team is Minister for Rural and Maritime Sakiasi Ditoka and also travelling is Minister for Lands Filimoni Vosarogo.

The ceremony for the installation of the Tui Nayau Sau ni Vanua o Lau will be held on Tuesday, while the installation ceremony of the Tui Lau will be held in Tubou on Thursday.

We will provide live coverage of the two installation ceremonies on our website, facebook and YouTube pages, fijivillage and VITIFM.

63-year-old Akuila Qalo, from the Matanivanua clan of Vuinayau will be traditionally installing the Tui Nayau, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara tomorrow.

Qalo is also the leader of the Vuinayau clan.

He says the clan is ready for the installation ceremony.

Qalo says after the installation tomorrow, they will take the Tui Nayau back to Lakeba, where he will be installed as the Sau ni Vanua o Lau.

The 63-year-old says he hopes the Vanua of Lau will support this important occasion, as it is one of the most significant events in the whole of Lau.

The ceremony for the installation of the Tui Nayau Sau ni Vanua o Lau will be held tomorrow, while the installation ceremony of the Tui Lau will be held in Tubou on Thursday.

We will provide live coverage of the two installation ceremonies on our website, facebook and YouTube pages, fijivillage and VITIFM.

The Vanua of Bau recognises the installation of the Tui Nayau and the Sau ni Vanua o Lau, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara, as a sign of respect and honour to the ancient relationship between the Tui Nayau and Bau in past years.

While speaking to fijivillage News, a representative of the Mataqali Turaga Tui Kaba, Ratu Kalivati Matanimeke says that Ratu Tevita’s paternal lineage can be traced back to his great-great-great-grandfather, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba, who married Adi Asenaca Kakua Vuikaba.

She was the third child and second daughter of the Turaga na Vunivalu, Ratu Seru Cakobau.

Ratu Kalivati says that they had three children, Adi Litiana Maopa, the mother of Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna, Ratu Alifereti Ulukalala Finau and Adi Arieta Koila.

Turaga Masau, Mataqali Matanivanua Louis Toganivalu says that Ratu Epenisa Cakobau will not be attending the installation due to health reasons, however, his younger brother Ratu Josefa Celua Cakobau will travel to Tubou tomorrow on behalf of the Turaga na Vunivalu.

The ceremony for the installation of the Tui Nayau Sau ni Vanua o Lau will take place tomorrow, while the installation ceremony of the Tui Lau will be held in Tubou on Thursday.

We will provide live coverage of both installation ceremonies on our website, Facebook, and YouTube pages, fijivillage and VITIFM.

The installation of Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara as the Tui Nayau is currently underway on the island of Nayau.

Ratu Tevita has now drunk from the traditional installation cup and is going to the sacred pools for the customary cleansing rites.

He is being guarded by Bati Leka and Bati Balavu.

Hundreds of people are on the island to witness this significant event.

[Image: Tevita Uluilakeba/facebook]

The Minister for iTaukei Affairs and other government stakeholders are also present to witness the installation.

The title has been left vacant for more than 20 years following the death of his father, the former Prime Minister and President Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara in 2004.

Ratu Tevita will be installed by the leader of the Matanivanua clan of Vuninayau 63-year-old Akuila Qalo.

The installation ceremony of the Tui Nayau was last held in 1969.

fijivillage News will bring you live coverage of this historic event on our website, facebook and YouTube pages, fijivillage and VITIFM.

The ceremony for the installation of the Tui Lau and Sau ni Vanua ko Lau will be held on Thursday at Tubou Village.

In a landmark diplomatic engagement for the Pacific region, Fiji will welcome King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u, of the Kingdom of Tonga for a State visit from today until Saturday.

Expect traffic disruptions and delays from Nausori to Suva between 8 to 9am to accommodate their official motorcade.

The official program will commence at the State House with the 100 men Guard of Honour accorded to King Tupou.

This will be followed by a traditional ceremony to welcome the royals. As part of his engagement at the State House, King Tupou will have a courtesy call meeting with the President of the Republic of Fiji, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu.

The first day of the State visit will also conclude with a State Banquet this evening at the State House.

Later in the week, King Tupou and the Queen will depart for Lakeba, Lau to attend the installation ceremony for the Turaga Tui Nayau, Sau Ni Vanua Ko Lau and Tui Lau, Ratu Tevita Lutunauga Kapaiwai Uluilakeba Mara on Thursday.

A Fiji Government statement says their participation at the installation ceremony in Lau, symbolises the shared heritage and deep historical and cultural ties between Lau and Tonga.

It says the State visit will strengthen bilateral relations and regional collaboration between the two nations.

According to the statement, it represents the deep bonds of friendship, cultural and historical links and the shared commitment to advancing regional peace and prosperity of the Pacific family.

It also says that importantly, it provides the two nations with an opportunity to deepen cooperation on mutual priorities such as climate change, economic resilience and sustainable development.

The King and the Queen will conclude their State visit to Fiji and return to the Kingdom of Tonga on Saturday.

Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara has been installed as the Tui Nayau.

The title was left vacant for more than 20 years following the passing of his father, the former President and Prime Minister, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara in 2004.

After the installation, Ratu Tevita highlighted the importance of leadership.

He says every position has a role and that role comes with great responsibility.

Ratu Tevita urges the leaders of the Yavusa to always have a righteous heart when leading as they have now shown their allegiance to the Tui Nayau.

He also acknowledged different organisations and the government for preparing the island of Nayau for this historic occasion.

He adds that we have seen how beautiful our culture is when it's being portrayed well and we need to keep that culture alive.

After the installation ceremony, Ratu Tevita went for the traditional bath at the Tobu wei bui Seleima to officially seal his title as Tui Nayau.

A kava ceremony followed after the bath to bid him well on his journey back to Tubou Village where he will be installed as the Tui Lau and Sau ni Vanua o Lau.

The previous installation ceremony of the Tui Nayau was held in 1969.

The ceremony for the installation of the Tui Lau and Sau ni Vanua o Lau will be held on Thursday at Tubou Village.

Stay with us for live coverage on our website and facebook page, fijivillage.

Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara has been installed as the Tui Nayau.

The title was left vacant for more than 20 years following the passing of his father, the former President and Prime Minister, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara in 2004.

After the installation, Ratu Tevita highlighted the importance of leadership.

He says every position has a role and that role comes with great responsibility.

Ratu Tevita urges the leaders of the Yavusa to always have a righteous heart when leading as they have now shown their allegiance to the Tui Nayau.

He also acknowledged different organisations and the government for preparing the island of Nayau for this historic occasion.

He adds that we have seen how beautiful our culture is when it's being portrayed well and we need to keep that culture alive.

After the installation ceremony, Ratu Tevita went for the traditional bath at the Tobu wei bui Seleima to officially seal his title as Tui Nayau.

A kava ceremony followed after the bath to bid him well on his journey back to Tubou Village where he will be installed as the Tui Lau and Sau ni Vanua o Lau.

The previous installation ceremony of the Tui Nayau was held in 1969.

The ceremony for the installation of the Tui Lau and Sau ni Vanua o Lau will be held on Thursday at Tubou Village.

Stay with us for live coverage on our website and facebook page, fijivillage.

As the Vanua of Lau remains fully focused on the sacred installation of the Tui Nayau, Sau ni Vanua ko Lau, na Tui Lau, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara, the students of Ratu Kadavulevu School are solemnly honouring the occasion.

RKS says the greater Lodoni community stands in unity with the Vanua of Lau as they reflect on and acknowledge the many sons and daughters of Lau who have graced the grounds of Delainakaikai over the years.

They add that this legacy is woven into the history of the school, and the contributions of Lauans continue to shape the proud identity of RKS.

The title has been left vacant for more than 20 years following the death of his father, the former Prime Minister and President Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara in 2004.

The installation ceremony of the Tui Nayau was last held in 1969.

fijivillage News will bring you live coverage of this historic event on our website, facebook and YouTube pages, fijivillage and VITIFM.

The ceremony for the installation of the Tui Lau and Sau ni Vanua ko Lau will be held on Thursday at Tubou Village.

King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u of the Kingdom of Tonga have been traditionally welcomed at the State House, where a 100-man Guard of Honour was accorded to King Tupou, and he was also conferred the title of Honorary Companion of the Order of Fiji.

He thanked Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka for honouring him, sending the Deputy Prime Minister for welcoming him at the airport and for the traditional ceremony as well as the Guard of Honour.

He hopes traditions and binding customs and common history will keep getting stronger as time progresses.

President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu says the accolade bestowed on the King is a reflection of the great work that he has achieved.

He says he is told that a sizable number of Fijians are now living in Tonga.

Ratu Naiqama says this speaks volumes of his leadership and over the years, he has looked after not only their community in Tonga but more importantly, the Tongan population.

The President adds they are proud of the close relationship the countries have enjoyed over the years.

The first day of the State visit will also conclude with a State Banquet this evening at the State House.

King Tupou and the Queen will depart for Lakeba, Lau to attend the installation ceremony for the Turaga Tui Nayau, Sau Ni Vanua Ko Lau and Tui Lau, Ratu Tevita Lutunauga Kapaiwai Uluilakeba Mara on Thursday.

Saiasi Taulepa was emotional after the installation of Tui Nayau, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara as he was chosen from his family to mix the traditional kava that seals the title for Tui Nayau.

Taulepa holds the title of Matanivanua Mataqali Butonivanua who are entrusted to mix the kava for the Tui Nayau installation.

He says when he was chosen from his family to participate in the Tui Nayau installation, he grabbed the opportunity to showcase what his ancestors had done during the olden days.

He also says that his grandfather was the one that mixed the kava for the installation of the former President and Prime Minister of Fiji, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara.

He adds today is a magnificent day for Nayau as they have filled the title that was left vacant for more than two decades.

A traditional ceremony was accorded to him on the grounds at Narocivo on Nayau Island.

The Roko Tui Dreketi delegation has made its way to Tubou, where the Tui Nayau, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara, resides to present their gift.

In a post on social media, Ro Teimumu Vuikaba Kepa says they even gifted a boat to the Tui Nayau, along with mats.

Ro Teimumu is the aunt of Ratu Tevita. She is Ratu Tevita’s mother – Ro Lady Lala Mara’s youngest sister.

The Vanua ko Lakeba is now looking forward to the installation of the Sau kei Lau, na Tui Lau, tomorrow.

As we look forward to the installation of the Sau ni Vanua ko Lau, na Tui Lau, a delegation from the 14 provinces is making its way to visit the Tui Nayau at his residence in the village of Tubou, Lakeba.

Today, a full rehearsal will take place with the warriors and all those who will be participating in tomorrow’s installation ceremony.

After 62 years, we will witness the installation of the Tui Lau.

The ceremony for the installation of the Tui Lau and Sau ni Vanua ko Lau will be held tomorrow.

King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u of the Kingdom of Tonga will be attending the installation, highlighting the close ties between Lau and Tonga.

Stay with us for live coverage on our website and Facebook page, fijivillage.

A Banquet was hosted in honour of the State Visit by King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u of the Kingdom of Tonga at the State House last night by the President of the Republic of Fiji, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, and the First Lady, Emily Lalabalavu.

The President says the evening was a celebration of the enduring friendship and close ties between the Kingdom of Tonga and the Republic of Fiji.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and his wife, Sulueti Rabuka, were in attendance, along with Cabinet Ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, and other guests.

At the request of the President, Rabuka, on behalf of the Government and people of Fiji, proposed a toast to King Tupou and Queen Nanasipau’u to their continued good health and for the prosperity and well-being of the people of the Kingdom of Tonga.

Rabuka conveyed Fiji’s deep appreciation for their visit, reaffirming the strong historical, cultural, and kinship ties shared between the two Pacific nations.

King Tupou and the Queen will depart for Lakeba, Lau to attend the installation ceremony for the Turaga Tui Nayau, Sau Ni Vanua Ko Lau and Tui Lau, Ratu Tevita Lutunauga Kapaiwai Uluilakeba Mara tomorrow.

In recognition of the strong ties between Lau and the chiefly island of Bau, the Bauan delegation has presented its tradition gift to the Tui Nayau, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara on Tubou Island ahead of his installation as Tui Lau Sau ni Vanua o Lau tomorrow.

The Bau delegate were the first to present their gifts to Ratu Tevita while the 13 provinces of Fiji have been visiting him with their gifts all day.

Turaga Masau Mataqali Matanivanua, Louis Toganivalu says Ratu Josefa Celua Cakobau is leading four clans on behalf of his elder brother the Gone Turaga Bale na Vunivalu of Bau Ratu Epenisa Seru Cakobau, Mataqali Tui kaba, Mataqali Vusaratu, Yavusa Nabou, and Mataqali Matanivanua.

He adds that the son of Ratu Josefa was traditionally clothed, along with Ratu Waqausa Gavidi, the son of Ratu Isoa Gavidi Yavusa Nabou, in the traditional presentation ceremony that convened earlier this morning.

The Masau says the gifts include mats, traditional fishing traps called wea, fishing net, masi, and an oil fragrance known as kaunisela - well known on Bau Island.

King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u of the Kingdom of Tonga as well as Māori Queen Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono I te po will depart for Lakeba, Lau to attend the installation ceremony tomorrow.

Stay with us for live coverage on our website and Facebook page, fijivillage.

The Māori Queen, Te Arikinui Kuini Ngā Wai Hono i te Pō, and her family have been looking forward to witnessing the installation of the Sau kei Lau, na Tui Lau, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara, tomorrow in Tubou Village, Lakeba.

They will be joining the Tongan royals—King Tupou VI and his wife, Her Majesty Queen Nanasipau‘u—for the installation.

The Queen’s spokesperson, Rahui Papa, told fijivillage News that the Queen’s presence at the installation is a way of reconnecting the ties between the chiefly family of Vuanirewa in Lau and the family of the Māori Queen.

Papa says that due to the impact of COVID-19 and other political matters, they have not been able to meet and talk.

He says this event has brought them together again as a family to reconnect.

He adds that despite differences in other parts of the world, we, as the Pacific family, need to come together and work towards the betterment of our shared future.

Stay with us for live coverage on our website and Facebook page, fijivillage.

Tubou Village in Lau is ready to host thousands of people that will bear witness to the installation of the Tui Lau and Sau ni Vanua o Lau that will take place today.

This historic occasion does not come by often as the last installation was done 62 years ago.

The last Tui Lau, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara was installed in 1963 following the traditional consultation process between the Yavusa Toga in Sawana, Lomaloma and the Tui Nayau.

Yesterday, the Vanua o Nakorotubu in Ra led by Na Turaga na Gonesau Ratu Joji Malani Yavusa Tonga in Sawana, Vanuabalavu, the Vanua o Burebasaga led by Na Marama Bale na Roko Tui Dreketi and the Bauan delegation led by Ratu Josefa Celua Cakobau made presentations to the Tui Nayau Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara.

A final rehearsal was done this afternoon in preparation for tomorrow.

Ratu Tevita was installed as the Tui Nayau on Tuesday.

King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u of the Kingdom of Tonga, and Māori Queen Te Arikinui Kuini Ngā Wai Hono i te Pō will arrive today for the ceremony.

Security is high as the Fiji Police Force, RFMF and Fiji Navy are posted on the island.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations Kasiano Vusonilawe says they have been planning their operations in line with the installation of the Tui Nayau, Tui Lau and Sau ni Vanua o Lau and they have deployed officers in advance.

He says they have been concentrating on their Operation Sasamaki in Kadavu and other parts of Fiji but little on the other maritime region.

Vusonilawe says this is an opportune time for them to deploy their capabilities.

He says the RFMF and Fiji Navy are also on the island to provide security.

The installation will begin with a church service and will be led by the Archbishop Peter Loy Chong.

Following the church service, there will be a traditional ceremony of the installation of the Tui Lau and Sau ni Vanua o Lau.

Stay with us as we will bring you the live coverage on our website, facebook and YouTube pages, fijivillage and VITIFM.

It was a spectacular scene at Tubou Village in Lakeba with the culmination of the installation ceremony of Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara as the Sau ni Vanua o Lau and Tui Lau.

Firstly, Ratu Tevita took his oath during the church service in front of God, the government, and the people he will lead.

King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u of the Kingdom of Tonga, Māori Queen Te Arikinui Kuini Ngā Wai Hono i te Pō, former President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, Tui Levuka Ratu Etonia Seru Rokotunaceva, Burebasaga Confederacy High Chief Na Marama Bale na Roko Tui Dreketi Ro Teimumu Kepa, members of Cabinet, and the diplomatic corp attended the elaborate ceremony.

Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka is not attending the installation ceremony.

The Masi ni Vanua also took their oath in support of the Tui Nayau, Tui Lau, and Sau ni Vanua o Lau.

The coronation ceremony was held by the President of the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma, Reverend Dr. Semisi Turagavou and the Head of Catholic Church in Fiji, Archbishop Peter Loy Chong at Tubou Village.

Reverend Dr Turagavou urged the Tui Nayau to be strong as not all people of Lau fully support this installation.

After the church ceremony, the Vanua of Lau performed the traditional installation ceremony.

You can watch the coverage of the traditional ceremony on our website, facebook and YouTube pages, fijivillage, and VITIFM.

Ratu Tevita was installed as Tui Nayau on Tuesday at Narocivo Village.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka did not attend the installation ceremony of Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara as the Tui Lau and Sau ni Vanua o Lau.

When asked by fijivillage News on why he did not attend the chiefly installation ceremony in Lau, Rabuka says he was invited as an ordinary person but he decided to only send his wife, Sulueti, who is from Tubou.

He also says he had no role to play as the Prime Minister in the ceremony and if he held the iTaukei porfolio, it would have been okay to be invited in his official capacity.

Rabuka adds he still has to attend to uncompleted follow up actions on the Commission of Inquiry and prepare for his contribution to the National Budget debate starting on Monday 14th July.

Following the installation of the Tui Nayau, Sau ni Vanua o Lau, na Tui Lau, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara, the Ambassador of China to Fiji, Zhou Jian, handed over a donation worth $100,000 which includes solar streetlights, household solar facilities, and a mini bus for the people of Lau.

Jian says this is an important initiative by China to support the traditional installation as well as the broader improvement of people’s livelihoods in Lau.

He also highlighted that they believe what the Chinese people can achieve, the Fijian people can also achieve.

Jian says with the strong relationship that Fiji has with China, they will continue to provide support and assistance to the best of their ability for Fiji’s rural development.

He says that China will continue to assist Fiji in responding to climate change through both bilateral and multilateral channels, within the framework of South-South cooperation.

Jian adds China will also continue to implement projects such as Juncao technology and agricultural technical cooperation to help support Fiji’s economic and social development.

The Ambassador says he is also looking forward to learning more about Fiji through this visit and gaining further inspiration for practical cooperation between the two countries in the future.

Being a leader is to uplift people’s lives.

That is the comment from the newly installed Tui Lau, Sau Ni Vanua O Lau and Tui Nayau, Ratu Tevita Mara after an elaborate ceremony in Tubou Village in Lakeba.

Ratu Tevita also called for the support of the vanua.

He adds this is a new chapter for the people of Lau after he was chosen by the people.

Ratu Tevita will officially open the Lau Provincial Council meeting at 9am tomorrow.

Ratu Tevita took his oath during the church service this morning in front of God, the government, and the people he will lead.

King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u of the Kingdom of Tonga, Māori Queen Te Arikinui Kuini Ngā Wai Hono i te Pō, former President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, Tui Levuka Ratu Etonia Seru Rokotunaceva, Burebasaga Confederacy High Chief Na Marama Bale na Roko Tui Dreketi Ro Teimumu Kepa, members of Cabinet, and the diplomatic corp attended the elaborate ceremony.

Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka did not attend the installation ceremony.

The Masi ni Vanua also took their oath in support of the Tui Nayau, Tui Lau, and Sau ni Vanua o Lau.

The coronation ceremony was held by the President of the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma, Reverend Dr. Semisi Turagavou and the Head of Catholic Church in Fiji, Archbishop Peter Loy Chong at Tubou Village.

Reverend Dr Turagavou urged the Tui Nayau to be strong as not all people of Lau fully support this installation.

After the church ceremony, the Vanua of Lau performed the traditional installation ceremony.

You can watch the coverage of the traditional ceremony on our website, facebook and YouTube pages, fijivillage, and VITIFM.

Ratu Tevita was installed as Tui Nayau on Tuesday at Narocivo Village.

People are now waiting to find out whether newly installed Tui Nayau, Tui Lau and Sau Ni Vanua O Lau, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara will follow the footsteps of his late father, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, and enter politics.

University of Canterbury Professor Steve Ratuva has told Radio NZ that it has been the practice in the past that chiefs stand for elections, because it gives them more status and power.

He says he is not sure if Ratu Tevita will put himself forward, he is quite a humble man and will have responsibilities as a provincial leader but it is likely he will be approached by at least two political parties: Rabuka's ruling People's Alliance Party and SODELPA.

Ratuva says even if he did not want to stand in next year's election, Ratu Tevita could be asked to support the parties and mobilise votes in his traditional constituency.

Ratu Tevita said yesterday that being a leader is to uplift people’s lives.

Ratu Tevita also called for the support of the vanua.

He adds this is a new chapter for the people of Lau after he was chosen by the people.

Ratu Tevita will officially open the Lau Provincial Council meeting at 9am today.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad says he was deeply honoured to attend the installation of Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara as Tui Nayau and Tui Lau.

Professor Prasad says the National Federation Party has a proud and historic connection with the chiefly house of Lau.

He says it was with the wisdom and leadership of the late Tui Nayau and Tui Lau, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, that the NFP agreed to the terms of Fiji’s independence.

Professor Prasad says yesterday, they respectfully reaffirmed those historic ties with the people of Lau.

He extends his warmest wishes to Ratu Tevita for a reign that brings unity, prosperity, and peace to Lau — and through that, to our beloved nation.

Na Marama Bale Na Roko Tui Dreketi and the head of the Burebasaga Confederacy, Ro Teimumu Kepa says its an honour and privilege for her to open the Lau Provincial Council meeting in Tubou at the request of the Turaga Bale na Tui Nayau na Sau ni Vanua ko Lau, Na Tui Lau, Ratu Tevita Mara.

She says we all witnessed the historic event of the bestowal of the titles of Tui Nayau, Sau ni Vanua ko Lau, na Tui Lau earlier in the week.

Ro Teimumu says the week long ceremony ends with the Lau Provincial Council meeting which will be the Tui Nayau’s first official meeting with his vanua before the Tui Nayau will proceed to Sawana tomorrow.

She says the kind gesture conveyed to Kubuna, Burebasaga and Tovata speaks volume of the humility that the Tui Nayau has started his reign as Turaga na Tui Nayau, Sau ni Vanua ko Lau na Tui Lau.

Ro Teimumu is Ratu Tevita’s aunt.

Ratu Tevita’s mother, the late Ro Lady Lala Mara was Ro Teimumu’s elder sister.

You can watch the live coverage of the Lau Provincial Council meeting on our website, fijivillage.