A true champion: Memea Bubsy Eleitino Ma'aelopa-Siania
(from The Migrant Times; the original story is here https://themigranttimes.org.nz/stories/2017/4/5/a-true-champion-memea-bubsy-eleitino-maaelopa-siania?rq=memea)
(picture courtesy: Memea's family/ Christchurch Community House)
Sunrise: May 10, 1946~ Sunset: March 24, 2017
Passes away peacefully at the age of 70 in Christchurch Hospital. Worked at the Niu Economic & Enterprise Development Trust (NEED Trust), which provides programmes and facilities to cater for the welfare of Pacific peoples and others where appropriate, in New Zealand. Was awarded MNZM (Member of the Said Order) at Queen's Birthday Honours, 2010.
Tributes:
"Now that Memea is gone, challenge for us now is to serve our people the way he did" - Alfred Ngaro, Minister for Pacific Peoples
"The City of Christchurch lost one of its most beloved sons. He was the most selfless person I knew" - Lianne Dalziel, Mayor of Christchurch
"Memea worked in Christchurch Community House for over 15 years. We will miss Memea immensely but will never forget his kind nature and his positive outlook on life." - Mike Asmussen and Eileen Gregg, Christchurch Community House