Media Release
15 May 2007

Manukau Mourns Samoan Head of State

Manukau Mayor Sir Barry Curtis says he is deeply saddened by the death of Samoa’s Head of State, Malietoa Tanumafili II. “It is a great loss and my heartfelt condolences go out to his family, to the people of Samoa and to the Samoan community in New Zealand. The impact will be felt in Manukau because of a strong connection built up between the city and Samoa over many decades.

“Malietoa was a regular visitor to New Zealand and I know he had a great fondness for New Zealand, and for Manukau, which is home to the largest Samoan community in the country.

“As head of state he always behaved with great dignity but I will remember him as a man of humility and wisdom. His diplomatic skills were responsible for forging the independence of Samoa in 1962, and guiding its progress since then. It is a tremendous legacy to leave his people.”

Sir Barry carries the Samoan title of Seiuli which indicates he is a Matai or chief.

“I was privileged to have it bestowed upon me by Malietoa in 1993 and will never forget that moment. I met with him most recently two years ago in Samoa, and he was an advocate for the stronger relationship created by that visit, including the signing of a Memorandum of Co-operation between Manukau and Samoa to increase trade, investment and other links.

“With his passing we have lost one of the outstanding leaders of the Pacific, but one who has left his mark in the creation of a strong, proud and independent island nation.”

ENDS

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