KEY POINTS:
Prime Minister Helen Clark says Samoa is entering new territory as it prepares to elect a successor to replace revered head of state Malietoa Tanumafili II.
Miss Clark, who led the official New Zealand delegation to Malietoa's funeral in Apia on Saturday (NZ Time) said after the ceremony New Zealand would work with whoever Samoa's legislative assembly chose.
With the pomp and ceremony of the state funeral behind them Samoa's Parliament has already begun the process of choosing a successor .
Malietoa was the world's oldest political leader and third longest serving head of state when he died last weekend aged 95.
A popular leader, Malietoa who held the title of paramount chief , was instrumental in bringing about independence from New Zealand in 1962 .
He was appointed joint head of state upon independence and held the title alone after his colleague Tupua Tamasefse Meaole died in 1963.
Under Samoa's constitution, the next head of state will be appointed by parliament for a five-year term.
The death of Malietoa was the latest passing of a generation of South Pacific leaders which included Fiji's late president, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, the late Maori Queen, Dame Te Atairangikaahu, and the late King of Tonga, Taufa'ahau Tupou IV.
The funeral, which attracted dignitaries from all over the Pacific, was notable for being the first time the new Maori King Tuheitia Paki and the new Tongan King George Tupou V had both attended such an occasion, since they assumed their roles.
Samoa's Parliamentary Speaker of the House Tolo Fua Falemoe said the election of a new head of state was now the priority of the Parliament.
Speaking outside Parliament House on the eve of the state funeral, Falemoe said nomination forms had been sent out, along with notices of intention to Parliamentary members.
"They are now free to make nominations."
Parliament's members have 35 days to make any nominations and it was expected a vote would be made by June 15, he said.
"I can't predict the number of nominations but I don't expect there to be more than two.
"But it depends on the members of Parliament."
The two nominees are expected to be the two men who were sworn in three years ago as members of Samoa's Council of Deputies.
One was former prime minister Tuiatua Tupua Tamasese Efi, who is viewed as the likely successor, and the other, Tuimaleali'ifano Sualauvi II.
Falemoa said Malietoa's legacy was unique and his successor would have a high standard to live-up to.
"Malietoa has been an idol, a figure head who was a role model for the Samoan people.
"He never faltered in 45 years."
Falemoe said it remained to be seen whether Samoan's would accept the new style of leadership.
After the funeral Miss Clark diplomatically sidestepped questions from the media about the politics over the selection Malietoa's successor.
"Whatever the choice of the Somoan people we will be very happy to work alongside."
Miss Clark said "all the players" were well known and had connections to New Zealand.
Miss Clark said she was confident links and relationships would be forged through the leadership changes in the Pacific.
"In last nine, 10 months we have seen three very significant passings, so the mantle goes to the new generation and I am sure they will be linking just as their elders linked.
"Samoa enters new territory so it's going to be different but I'm sure the Samoan people will make the right decision for Samoa."
Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples, who was one of the 60-strong New Zealand-led delegation at the funeral, said Malietoa's death was an end of an era.
"It's a new time for the Pacific and we have to be careful how we choose our leaders.
"It's a big time for Samoa."
- NZPA
