Tribute: Lemalu Lepou Suia Tu’ulua

Vaka Tautua and Pacific communities in Canterbury are mourning the loss of a community champion, Lemalu Lepou Suia Tu’ulua. She passed away on Sunday 7 February in Christchurch at the age of 56, surrounded by her family following emergency heart surgery.

Lemalu Lepou Suia Tu’ulua, affectionately known as Lepou, led a rich life, working as a disability coordinator for Vaka Tautua, a community broadcaster and church elder.

Born in Samoa, Lepou went to Maluafou College in Samoa, and Aotea College in Porirua.

Lepou joined Vaka Tautua Canterbury in March 2015 as a disability coordinator, supporting Pacific disabled peoples, their families and caregivers to access services and support. She was also the Pacific representative on a number of cross-agency disability groups including Canterbury District Health Board’s Disability Steering Group and the Enabling Good Lives Demonstration Leadership Group.

Lepou stood up for the rights for not only Pacific disabled peoples, but for all Pacific peoples.

Vaka Tautua Chief Executive Officer, Dr Amanda-Lanuola Dunlop, said Lepou laid a foundation for future generations of Pacific community champions.

“Lepou was a leader, and a champion for our Pacific peoples. She helped strengthen Vaka Tautua’s presence, relationships and services in the Canterbury region… and through her work, the lives of hundreds, if not thousands, of our Pacific disabled peoples and their families have been changed for the better.”

“But fundamentally, Lepou was a staunch advocate for God, for her Samoan culture, family, our Pacific peoples and everything Pacific…  that is what she will be remembered for,” said Dr Dunlop.

Lepou was farewelled today in Christchurch, at a service attended by more than 450 family, friends and representatives from health and social services providers. Dr Dunlop and representatives from Vaka Tautua Auckland, Wellington and Canterbury attended on behalf of the organisation.

Lepou is survived by her husband, Tu’ulua, and their two children, Jamieson and Pamela.

Ia manuia lou malaga, Lepou. You will be greatly missed by your Vaka Tautua aiga.