After months of grassroots campaigning and community engagement, Taioali’i Fiti Aimaasu has officially entered the political arena as a candidate for the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP), contesting the Vaimauga No.3 seat in the upcoming general election.

Speaking to the Samoa Observer, Taioali’i said that he is ready to serve his people.

"We're not going and looking for anything. We're going there to serve."

He emphasised that his campaign has been active for some time, with regular visits across the district. “ I have been very active out in the community, seeing people, meeting people, letting them know of my intentions to run.”

With over 13 years of experience in public service, having held leadership roles in both the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Education, Taioali’i brings understanding of governance and community needs. He also holds postgraduate qualifications in applied research and has led national policies and climate resilience projects in over 140 villages.

In 2023, his business—Ta’i’s Native Experience—was awarded Best Cultural Tour Operator in Oceania by the UK Travel Awards. “I have walked the ground bare feet and I have walked in boardrooms and I have had the best of both worlds,” he said. “That gives me a unique advantage to know how the normal people... would be feeling... and what they want.”

Beyond government and tourism, Taioali’i was also the youngest FIFA referee in the world in 2002 and led Lupe o le Soaga Football Club to five championships. “I intend to represent the whole district in parliament,” he said. “That is where laws are made... where policies that affect everyone are being made. I want to be part of that.”

His wife, Phaedra Moors Aimaasu added that they could not be more proud.

Taioali’i will contest against contenders such as Laauli Soata Toomalatai Utai under the Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) including the current caretake finance minister Lautimuia Uelese Vaai under the Samoa Uniting Party (SUP)  but he remains confident.