The Pasifika community across New Zealand, Australia, and Samoa have paid tribute to veteran broadcaster Tago Fuatamalesa Siaipili Tago who passed away aged 70 on Christmas day. People took to social media to pay tribute to the former producer for the Samoa radio programme PMN Samoa Now at PMN Radio 531pi, Niu FM and Pacific Radio News. Fuatamalesa also worked with Planet FM.
Fuatamalesa, known to many as Pili, was a man of many talents; a former school teacher in Samoa, journalist, broadcaster, interpreter for the Samoan language, well versed in Fa’asamoa, patron of the Samoa Nurses Association and old boy of Avele College. Fuatamalesa has been a broadcaster in New Zealand since the 1990s working both in a voluntary and professional capacity.
Former Chairman of Radio 531pi Ltd Anae Arthur Anae paid tribute at his memorial service. Anae says Fuatamalesa was a true professional. Anae thanked Fuatamalesa for his strong loyalty during his time as chair at the radio. Anae says his Samoan language improved because of Fuatamalesa. He says Pili would encourage him to speak Samoan and when he was stuck he would help him out.
Fuatamalesa is being remembered as a true professional especially when it came to conducting interviews with politicians. Due to COVID-19 restrictions no more than 100 people could gather for his memorial services. Fuatamalesa is being laid to rest today in Auckland.
He is survived by his wife Siniva, his four children, and seven grandchildren.
Ia manuia lou malaga Fuatamalesa