A well-respected elder of the Samoan community in Auckland, Levaopolo Tiava'asu'e Seupule Mupopo Siaosi Tiava'asu'e, has passed away.

The much-loved elder passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday morning.

Levaopolo was awarded the Queen's Service Medal for his services to health and the Pacific community.

He is the Chairperson of the Lay Preacher of Auckland Association and the Chair of Samoan Faifeau (Church Ministers).

The elderly man was the Pacific Lead Matua of the Matua Advisory Council for Waitemata and Auckland District Health Boards. 

He is Lead Matua for Takanga A Fohe, Waitemata’s Pacific Mental Health and Addictions Services, and for Le Va, which supports the wellbeing of Pasifika families and communities.

Tiava'asu'e was also the Justice of the Peace, tutors Kelston Girls High’s Samoa PolyFestival Group, and serves as a lay preacher and elder of the Glen Eden Methodist Church. 

A few days after his passing, Waitematā DHB extended its condolences to the Samoan community and the family of Tiava'asu'e.

“He was a strong supporter of his people and a strong supporter of our DHB,” Waitematā DHB Chief Executive Dr Dale Bramley says. 

“Matua Levao was a skilled orator whose cultural knowledge and wisdom was invaluable at multiple levels for both patients and staff alike – playing a key role in our continual drive for equity.

“Many of us have lost a friend,” Dr. Bramley says. “Matua Levao’s guidance and counsel over the course of many years will be sorely missed.”