Ratu Tevita Mara Installed as Tui Lau and Sau ni Vanua o Lau

The Tui Nayau, Ratu Tevita Lutunauga Kapaiwai Uluilakeba Mara, was officially installed as the Tui Lau and Sau ni Vanua o Lau yesterday, July 10, 2025—marking the restoration of the chiefly title after a 21-year vacancy.

Ratu Tevita becomes only the second Tui Nayau to be installed as Tui Lau and Sau ni Vanua o Lau, following in the footsteps of his late father, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, whose passing in 2004 left the title unoccupied.

The installation ceremony began with a church service at Tubou Village, officiated by leaders of the Methodist Church of Fiji and Rotuma and the Roman Catholic Church in Fiji. This was followed by the full traditional installation rituals held on the village rara (green).

During the service, Ratu Tevita took an oath, pledging to serve the people of Lau with wisdom and to promote unity and prosperity throughout the province.

His installation was officially confirmed by the Chairman of the Native Lands and Fisheries Commission, Mr Apimeleki Tola, who was present for the historic occasion in Tubou.