Ratu Tevita Mara’s installation as Tui Lau, echoes his father’s 1969 ceremony attended by the late Queen Salote.
Fiji’s Lakeba Island is witnessing a rare moment of Pacific history today with the installation of Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Lutunauga Mara as Tui Lau—56 years after his father held the same chiefly title.
The installation will begin with a sacred service at Tubou’s Methodist Church, which was opened in 1935 by the late Queen Salote Tupou III of Tonga and Fiji’s Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna. His Majesty King Tupou VI of Tonga is attending today’s ceremony, honouring his grandmother’s legacy and the enduring ties between the two Pacific nations.
Ratu Tevita, son of the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, Fiji’s founding Prime Minister, becomes the fourth paramount chief of Lau. His installation is the culmination of over three years of preparation and decades of community anticipation.
“This will be one for the books,” said Seruwaia Fanoa of Levuka told FBC News. “We’ve waited over 20 years for this moment.”
The occasion also marks 190 years since Christianity arrived in Fiji—adding spiritual significance to the event.
Joeli Canigata of Matuku said in an interview with FBC News he was honoured to be among 30 chosen to help with preparations. “We arrived last week and will stay through the ceremony. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime honour.”
The Tui Lau title symbolises deep kinship between Tonga and Fiji, particularly the Lau Islands where cultural and genealogical ties have shaped centuries of Pacific leadership.
Further celebrations are expected to continue across Lau in the coming days.
