The Mayor of Hastings in New Zealand, Sandra Hazelhurst was honoured with the chiefly title of To'osavili by the village of Poutasi on the south coast of Upolu on Tuesday.

The bestowal of the matai (chief) title reflects the strong bond of Hastings–Poutasi–Falealili.

Held in Poutasi village in Falealii, the To'osavili title was bestowed upon the mayor in a traditional ceremony that the mayor's delegation, the village and representatives of the Falealili attended.

To'osavili Sandra is the second diplomat to be honoured with this chiefly title as New Zealand's former prime minister, To'osavili John Key was the first to be given the title in 2009. 

"It's an incredible day. Very moving to bestow the To'osavili title from Poutasi and Falealili district that come to us every year, their seasonal workers support our community for nearly 17 years and have helped us through the cyclone recovery, with the clean-up in our wider Hawkes Bay area. It's a very special day and it's such an honour to receive this title," To'osavili Sandra told the media after the ceremony.

"It's a huge honour and a great privilege to receive the title but most importantly it's about building our family, building our relationship and working together as two communities, two villages, two people and growing that relationship."

Poutasi as well as Falealili as a district have had a long-term friendship with Hastings for close to two decades and through this chiefly title, more connections and achievements are expected between Hastings and Poutasi.

According to one of the high chiefs of the village and owner of the Sinalei Resort, Tuatagaloa Joe Annandale, Hastings and Poutasi have had a strong bond over the years and Hastings had helped with the development of the families in the village through seasonal workers who travelled to New Zealand for employment.

After the title was blessed by the church minister who was leading the service, To'osavili officially received her first cup of ava reflecting her acceptance of her chiefly title.

A mixture of the Maori and Samoan cultures was also reflected through songs and entertainment held after the official ceremony to celebrate this milestone.

The village chiefs as well as chiefs from the district came together at the end of the ceremony to congratulate the new To'osavili title holder and blessed her on her new journey as a Samoan and Poutasi chief.