A Pasifika community leader’s legacy will be honoured in Hawke’s Bay, as he becomes the first Samoan to have a street named after him in the area, 23 years after his passing as reported by 1News.
Tuigate’i Tiute Fiu shared that it is a great honour for her grandfather, Tuivaiti Fetaiaimauso Tuivaiti, to receive this recognition. The family was surprised by the extent of his contributions to the Hawke’s Bay community.
Tuivaiti moved to Hawke’s Bay in the late 1980s with his wife, raising seven children, including Tuigate’i’s mother, Sapini. He was well-known for his service (‘tautua’) to both his community and church through the Pacific Islanders Congregational Church in Auckland and Hawke’s Bay.
Tuigate’i fondly remembered her grandfather’s support during her cricket and volleyball games when she was young. Many in the community, who grew up during that time, still cherish memories of Tuivaiti’s impact and the sense of community he fostered in the 1990s.
Tuivaiti made many friends across different denominations, always working to bring the community together. His influence was so strong that when the opportunity arose in 2022 to name streets in new Flaxmere housing developments, his name was selected. Flaxmere councillor Peleti Oli noted that the names chosen reflected local heroes who had greatly contributed to the area.
Tuigate’i discovered through social media that one of the streets would be named after her grandfather, Tuivaiti St. She was overcome with emotion at the news and shared that this honor will continue her grandfather’s legacy of service to the community.
The street naming ceremony is scheduled for 24 August, where the family will gather for a private event to unveil the street name and share memories of Tuivaiti.
