End of an era - Pacific Peoples of Aotearoa Salutes a Pacific Language Champion
Aupito William Sio Delivers Valedictory at Parliament - End of an Era
After 23 years of public service, MP Aupito William Sio delivers his valedictory speech in parliament to a packed gallery of Pacific Community leaders, friends and family. The occasion was honoured with Aupito dressed in full ceremonial regalia, with a fine mat wrapped around his waist displaying his chiefly tatau and a feathery headdress called a tuiga on his head. A display of respect, honour and Pacific culture at its finest - a sight never before witnessed in the halls of the New Zealand parliament.
Aupito paid tribute to those that came before him and shared his hopes for the future of Pacific peoples in Aotearoa New Zealand. It has been 22 years of loyal and tireless service to all Pacific communities in Aotearoa, starting at as a Manukau City Councilor in 2001. Over this period, Aupito has been part of many movements and causes, with the historic Dawn Raids apology in 2021 and securing significant investments for Pacific initiatives in the first Wellbeing Budget.
Aupito in his term as an MP and a Minister for Pacific Peoples, has been instrumental in advocating for the wellbeing of Pacific peoples. With no specific funding allocation in the 2018 budget, to $663 million over the next 5 budgets terms, in addition to targeted Pacific investment in the Health and Education portfolios, Aupito has certainly set the trajectory going forward. The question of impact, although not immediate, can only be seen over the years to come. Any discussion on transformative effects will be premature, however, one cannot argue that it has set the tone on making real commitments to the wellbeing of Pacific peoples.
In his valedictory, Aupito paid tribute to the Pacific communities, leaders, the people of Mangere and the Ministry of Pacific peoples for their support and alofa in his time in office. He thanked his wider family, wife Jean, their children Aupito, Tiumalu, Toeolesulusulu, Tofae and Su’a families - especially for allowing him to serve his people.
Fakaaue Lahi and Metaki Maata Aupito William Sio
On a cold and windy Wellington evening, the Pacific peoples of Aotearoa witnessed the end of an era. It was indeed humbling to be part of this auspicious occasion. As a champion for Pacific languages, we are deeply grateful for the work that Aupito has done in this space, his ongoing support and leadership in formulating the Pacific Languages strategy. Kia Manuia and God Bless you Aupito William Sio.
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