Key’s day in village begins with kava ceremony

Prime Minister John Key will today return to the village where he is known as To’osavali Sione Key for the first time since the immediate aftermath of the 2009 tsunami.

Mr Key said he was looking forward to the return visit to Poutasi to see what progress had been made in the village. He first visited in mid2009 — months before the tsunami — because many of the villagers had taken part in New Zealand’s seasonal labour scheme. He returned after the tsunami and was made a chief with the title To’osavali — which means ‘‘protector from winds’’.

“So there is a very personal connection there. I’m very proud of Poutasi. It’s a fantastic village, a beautiful part of the world and they are great people.”

The ’ava ceremony (kava sharing) will begin proceedings before Mr Key is taken to inspect the police station and a market garden growing produce for the local restaurants. But he will also spend time looking back — a ceremony will be held at the Poutasi Peace Park and Mr Key will lay flowers on the grave of Tui Annandale who died in the tsunami.

He will also be given a briefing on the Poutasi Development Trust — the trust behind developments such as the gardens and sponsored by the Tindall Foundation.

Mr Key will then visit fales further along the coast which have been rebuilt since the tsunami with help from New Zealand’s contributions, as well as the Sua Trench.

He and the 40-strong delegation will fly to the next stop in Tonga tonight on the Air Force Boeing.

The delegation includes Pacific Islands Minister Sam Lotu-Iiga, Labour MPs David Shearer and Su’a William Sio, Greens co-leader Metiria Turei and United Future leader Peter Dunne.