NZ Prime Minister Bill English

Mr English met the group of children before the ribbon-cutting opening of State Highway 20.

One boy asked Mr English "are you a chief?"

1 news reports Mr English told the group his children were Samoan and that he has been made a matai (chief) in Samoa.

"I'm very proud of it," he told the group.

English heads to Apia on Wednesday, where he will mark the country's 55th Independence Day celebrations and attend the first Super Rugby match to be played in the country.

NZ Herald reports it is understood he will also be given a chiefly title, or matai.

English's wife Mary is part-Samoan and he will receive the honorary title at a ceremony in her family's village, Faleula, on Friday.

It is not yet known what the title will be. The names vary according to status and region, though English is likely to be awarded the highest honour.