Colleagues, students and the wider Pasifika community have paid tribute to longtime educator and Pasifika language stalwart Melegalenu’u To’alepaiali’i Ah Sam who died on Monday morning, aged 75.
Melegalenu’u is remembered as a cornerstone of the Māngere College community, where she dedicated over 30 years of growth and development of both students and staff.
Affectionately known as Mele, she hails from the villages of Satapuala and Vaimoso in Samoa. Also known as a daughter of Māngere, she joined the college in 1993 and went on to serve as Deputy Principal and Acting Principal for Māngere College.
She pioneered the establishment of a languages block in 2012 and her significant contribution to Pacific language education was recognised in 2022 when she was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Pacific language education.
Not only was Mele a champion of education, she was known as one of the pioneers and unsung heroes of Auckland’s ASB Polyfest Samoa Stage. Hundreds of students took to social media to remember Mele for her unwavering support for students and for teachers paving the way for the next generation of educators in the Pacific education and language space.
Memorial services will be held later this week at Māngere College and Malaeola hall for the community to come and celebrate the legacy of Mele. Mele will be laid to rest in Samoa.
Melegalenu’u To’alepaiali’i Ah Sam MNZM is survived by her husband Tapuala Ulugia Lote Ah Sam, daughters Lilomaiava Joanne Lufi and Josephina Lomialagi and granddaughters Sloane and Nakoa.
