25/08/2023
End of an era - The great statesmen
Hon Aupito Toeolesulusulu Tofae Su'a William Sio, "My late mother would say to me... Be proud of your cultural intelligence, your language, and your community and never leave it outside the doors of your workplace. Your language gives you direct access to thousands of years of experience and insights into how to navigate life. Take that with you wherever you go. Nurture it, study it, pursue it, be proud of it."
Profound words gifted from Aupito William Sio to all Pacific youth on his valedictory night.
I left the Speaker's gallery motivated to do better after listening to Aupito's historic speech. Any fear I once had was removed. Great leaders inspire, uplift, and lead by example. Aupito has that impact on the lives he continues to inspire especially youth.
Aupito has fought many battles for the Pacific. Communities and churches have a voice. Pacific languages are valued as assets to Aotearoa New Zealand. Aupito's genuine advocacy for youth is epitomised in his infamous generation B"—brown, beautiful, brainy, bilingual, bicultural, and bold, and to remember that only in Māngere our young people are the "generation eight Bs", because they are just bloody brilliant.
I'm honoured to be under his leadership, Most importantly I'm proud he's my local MP. Mangere is definitely the home of world champions. Mangere also has an endless reserve of 8b's 😁
Aupito will be missed. His depature from politics marks the end of an era.
I was given the utmost honour to co-MC his valedictory reception with the beautiful tofā Tuiloma Lina Samu. Tuiloma is the best MC. So to share the stage with her was an absolute privilege.
There's a Samoan saying which says, "e tele a*o ae lē lau a*o - there are plenty of days in a calendar but not all are equal." To be given the blessing from Aupito and Tuiloma to deliver or momoli le lauga faafetai is an honour I will always treasure. It's not everyday a young Samoan matai delivers a complete lauga in Parliament using a to'oto'o and fue. I will remember this ocassion forever. Aupito's speech gave me reassurance as a brown young man. I was at the right place.
Fa'amalo le tautai a'e Aupito. O lenei ua a'e manuia le faiva o manusina i fanua sa e asaasaina le tai loloto ma le tai sua i le 15 tausaga i upu fai o mālo mo se manuia o Samoa ma Niu Sila. Fa'afetai le fa'aeaea ❤️🫶
Aupito Sua William Sio