Former Member of Parliament and prominent businessman, Muagututi’a George Meredith, has passed away. 

Muagututi’a's passing was confirmed by M.P. Fonotoe Pierre Meredith on Tuesday. 

“He passed away in New Zealand and our family is meeting over this matter and we have to wait for other family members sort out the programme,” said the former Deputy Prime Minister. 

Fonotoe declined to further comment. 

Muagututi’a was a member of the Human Rights Protection Party, however a 2009 vote switching the from right-side to left-side road driving prompted him to cross the floor of Parliament. 

He was also the founding member of the National Bank of Samoa (N.B.S.) Ltd that opened its doors on 11 December 1996. 

Today the N.B.S. remains 100 per cent locally owned despite more than two decades of growth and maintaining its market-share while larger foreign-owned banks entered the local market for financial services. 

Muagututi’a was also a loyal devotee of the Manu Samoa and served on the executive of the Samoa Rugby Union. He was a former Manu Samoa Coach and former player.  

Muagututi’a also owned the well known engineering services George Meredith Associates. 

Prior to going into business he served the Government as the Chief Executive Officer for the Ministry of Works. 

The Marist Brothers in New Zealand and Samoa paid tribute to Muagututi’a describing him as a pioneer. 

In 2015, Muagututi’a received the award of Outstanding Service for the Marist St Josephes Rugby Club in celebration of their 45^th anniversary. 

“Our Marist community is saddened by the passing of one of its pioneers and former President, Muagututi'a George Meredith," the Marist Brothers said in an online statement. 

"Thank you for your vision, Muagututi'a. It has given a lot of our young people a pathway to realise their dreams. Manuia tele lau Malaga."

 Update: This story has been amended to correct the name of the Human Rights Protection Party.