Two new holders for the titles Tuiataga and Falepāuga were bestowed at Moata’a yesterday morning.

Taumeasina Island Resort general manager, Nathan Gary Bucknall, was bestowed the ‘Tuiataga’ title while former Manu Samoa player Filipo Saena was bestowed the ‘Falepāuga’ title.

The intricate ceremony was held at the home of former police commissioner Asi Tuiataga Blakelock and was well attended by family, friends and relatives of the new holders.

Amongst the guests to witness the special ceremony was the Associate Minister for Prison and Correction Facility, Lenatai Victor Tamapua and Supreme Court Justice, Leiataualesa Daryl Clarke.

In an interview with Samoa Observer, Asi Tuiataga Blakelock said the decision by the family to have the titles bestowed have been in the pipeline for some time.

“Falepāuga Filipo and Tuiataga Nathan are our family members and so we thought hard about and decided that it’s time for them to take the next step by bestowing them with some family titles."

“This has been in the family pipeline for so long but these two are always busy and that’s why it took ages to have this done."

“Falepāuga Nathan has just arrived back from overseas on Sunday so we visited him on Monday and told him that the ceremony will be done today. So it’s really good that we got this out of the way so we thank God for today and all that He had done,” he said. 

Tuiataga Nathan told the Samoa Observer that he is honored to have the title from the village of Moataa as well as the family.

“It’s a huge honor to be asked and offered a name by Asi. I’ve been part of the village but I have always been a part of the family but now I think its official now.”

Moreover, he said he is looking forward to what laid ahead for him in the future.

“There are a lot of works at Taumeasina and we have taken the morning off for this so after now we will be heading back to work soon."

“But I’m proud to be part of this village and the family I’m looking forward to what’s ahead of me and I will serve the family, village and church in any way I can,” he said.

Falepāuga Filipo echoed similar sentiments. 

“It’s a great honor and privilege to be honored by the village and family as it’s something that not everybody often gets this kind of blessing."

“But I want to acknowledge everyone here as well as my family for this great honor. I am ready to serve my family as well as my village and church in any way I can possibly can,” he said