The Premier of Niue, Hon. Dalton Tagelagi has expressed his deepest condolences following the death of Niue’s former Premier, Hon. Frank Fakaotimanava-Lui CNZM, who passed away Thursday evening 8 July.
Mr Fakaotimanava-Lui was the second Premier of Niue from 1993-1999 and served the people of Niue from 1963 until his retirement in 1999.
Mr Tagelagi says, “Hon. Fakaotimanava-Lui gave a lifetime of service to the people of Niue. He was selfless in his passion and dedication to the people of Niue and his family and all Niueans should be very proud of his achievements.“
New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta also offered her condolences to the former Premier’s family and the people and government of Niue.
During his time as Premier, Niue banned the transportation of nuclear waste through its waters and introduced tougher penalties for drift net fishing. The period also saw the construction and opening of the Matavai Resort. He was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 1999.
Image credit: TV Niue and Government of Niue