A spokesperson for New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has denied reports that the Kiwi leader had requested a matai title. Luxon's official visit to Samoa begins on Monday.

Luxon touches down on Sunday. On Monday, he is due to be bestowed the Tuisinavemaulumoto'otua title.

According to One News, on the eve of 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.

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."

Laaulialemalietoa 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.

Meanwhile, a letter was written to the Land and Titles Court to stop the bestowment as no permission was asked from the rightful family to use the title.