On the eve of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's departure to Samoa along with a big delegation, Samoa's Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt has fired the first shots in what is shaping up to be a power struggle.
In a regular livestreamed interview with Talamua Media – Laaulialemalietoa claimed Luxon himself had asked for a chiefly matai title, and the request came via New Zealand's High Commissioner.
Luxon is due to be bestowed the title of Tui-Sinave-ma-Ulumotootua on Monday morning outside the main Government building in Apia.
However, a spokesperson for Luxon strenuously denied the claim made by Laaulialemalietoa.
"This is incorrect. While the bestowal of an honorary title is a great honour for New Zealand and a mark of our strong relationship with Samoa it is not something that was requested by the Prime Minister."
But the matter doesn't end there. The Samoan Prime Minister also joked that as a matai, his New Zealand counterpart will be obliged to agree to Pacific people having a visa free status when applying to visit Aotearoa.
A petition signed by 48,000 people asking for visa on arrival was presented by New Zealand's Pasifika community to parliament last month. Its also had enthusiastic support from Samoa's prime minister who has called for Samoans to unite on the issue.
In his interview – which has made Samoan media headlines today – Laaulialemalietoa said: “One’s duty as a matai Samoa, is to serve Samoa."
The visa issue is expected to be on the agenda during the bilateral talks next week, but while it has had backing from Foreign Minister Winston Peters, there's lukewarm support amongst the wider coalition Government because of concern it could lead to overstayers.
Currently, travellers from more than 60 countries can visit here and get a visa on arrival but most visitors from pacific countries, excluding the Cook Islands Niue and Tokelau who already have New Zealand passports, not only have to go through extensive paperwork but have long waits to get approved.
Last week, Peters and Immigration Minister Erica Stanford announced a one year trial where it would be cheaper for Pacific people to get a visitors visa but it is a long way from the visa free access that the petition has called for.
Leaulialemalietoa, who became Prime Minister last year after his party won the country's general elections, is known for being outspoken and fiercely proud of Samoa with little time for diplomacy.
He is the Minister of Police and Prisons and also holds the portfolio of the Office of the Attorney General. Last year along with five co-defendants he appeared in court on charges revolving around conspiracy and defamation.
He has also banned daily newspaper the Samoa Observer from attending press conferences, and is unlikely to allow the newspaper into a joint one with Luxon this week – causing further headaches for New Zealand which promotes press freedom.
While it is the first official meeting, Luxon has met Leaulialemalietoa when he was in New Zealand late last year for medical reasons.
Other issues expected to be up for discussion during the visit are transnational crime and assisting Samoa in protecting its borders from drugs and the worldwide rising cost of fuel and it's impact. The New Zealand delegation will also travel to Tonga.
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