Mr Brown has been in Samoa as part of a trade tour to the region.

The mayor says he was delighted to be bestowed the title by Samoan Prime Minister, Tuila’epa Sailele Malielegaoi, at his village of Lepa.

Mr Brown says receiving the title of Matai was unforgettable and he will exercise the role within the bounds of the office he already holds.

“I am fully aware having been raised in communities with a very high Samoan population content of the cultural and traditional significance of this title and am acutely aware of the expectations on me but I’m used to that.”

Auckland Mayor Len Brown.