The debacle around the Tuisinavemaulumotootua title bestowed on the New Zealand Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, was labelled as a miscommunication between the two governments.

Luxon played the matter down diplomatically when asked about the title and the reports surrounding it. 

On Saturday night, Luxon's office denied requesting the title, while a few days earlier, Samoan Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt said otherwise on local media. On Monday morning, a government statement was released stating that neither Luxon nor the New Zealand High Commission had ever made such a request.

During a joint press conference by Laaulialemalietoa and Luxon, the New Zealand prime minister described the episode as a “miscommunication” and said the two leaders had “worked our way through that issue.” 

“What I’d say is important is our conversation has been about how we take our relationship forward,” and that “we are beyond that, and that's done and finished,” Luxon said.

The Samoan prime minister did not address the matter directly.

Cultural protocol surrounding matai titles, which confer chiefly status and carry deep significance in Samoan society, made the episode particularly sensitive. The holders of the title until the last minute showed their protest to the bestowment. They argued that the government had no right to use the title and had not sought permission to use the title as well.

Despite the awkward moment, both leaders quickly pivoted to substantive matters. They emphasised shared priorities including expanded visa arrangements, tailored Recognised Seasonal Employer and other labour schemes, fuel-supply coordination, renewable-energy investment, health and education cooperation, and stepped-up law-enforcement and customs information-sharing under newly signed memoranda of understanding.

As the media session concluded, a New Zealand reporter asked again, “I wonder if you wanted to say anything yourself about this miscommunication around the Matai title, thank you.” The question went unanswered as Laaulialemalietoa moved on, leaving the matter without further clarification.