Vaʻele Paʻiaʻaua Iona Sekuini

Vaʻele Paʻiaʻaua Iona Sekuini
Member of the Samoan Parliament for Gagaʻifomauga No. 2
In office 9 April 2021 – 25 March 2022
Preceded by	Soʻoalo Umi Feo Mene
Succeeded by	Foʻisala Lilo Tuʻu Ioane
Personal details
Born	1964 Matavai, Western Samoa
Died	25 March 2022 (aged 58) Samoa
Political party	Faʻatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (F.A.S.T.)

Vaʻele Paʻiaʻaua Iona Sekuini (c.1964 – 25 March 2022)[1] was a Samoan politician and Member of the Legislative Assembly of Samoa. He was a member of the FAST Party.

Va'ele was born in Matavai on the island of Savaiʻi and educated at Safune Primary School, Maluafou College, Le Amosa University and Malua Theological College.[2] He worked as a clerk for the post office, and then for the Department of Public Works and Ministry of Education.[2] After living in Upolu he moved back to Savaiʻi[1] where he ran a shop before starting a farm.[3] He was first elected to the parliament in the 2021 Samoan general election.[4] His election was challenged via an electoral petition from former MP Soʻoalo Umi Feo Mene, but the petition was withdrawn on 7 June 2021.[5] On 28 July 2021 he was appointed Associate Minister of Agriculture.[6] He died on 25 March 2022 from a heart attack.[7][8] Vaʻele was interred at his residence in Vaitele on 7 April.[9] He was given a formal state funeral in April 2022.[2]

References

1. Sialai Sarafina Sanerivi (21 October 2020). "Desire to serve inspires Vaele's foray into politics". Samoa Observer. Retrieved 8 June 2021.
2. Sialai Sarafina Sanerivi (7 April 2022). "M.P. Vaele honoured in State funeral". Samoa Observer. Retrieved 9 April 2022.
3. Sialai Sarafina Sanerivi (29 July 2021). "Vaele humbled by ministerial appointment". Samoa Observer. Retrieved 29 July 2021.
4. "FAST Ushers In More New MPs Than HRPP". Newsline Samoa. 11 April 2021. Retrieved 8 June 2021.
5. Soli Wilson (7 June 2021). "Former Assoc. Minister withdraws petition against F.A.S.T. winner". Samoa Observer. Retrieved 8 June 2021.
6. Lanuola Tusani Tupufia - Ah Tong (28 July 2021). "Cabinet announce eleven Associate Ministers". Samoa Observer. Retrieved 28 July 2021.
7. Mataiʻa Lanuola Tusani T - Ah Tong (25 March 2022). "Associate Minister of Agriculture passes away". Samoa Observer. Retrieved 25 March 2022.
8. Ganasavea Manuia Tafeaga (25 March 2022). "Associate Minister Vaele Paiaaua Iona Sekuini Passes Away aged 57". Samoa Global News. Retrieved 26 March 2022.
9. Lagi Keresoma (7 April 2022). "Member of Parliament Vaʻele Paʻiaʻaua Iona Sekuini is Laid to Rest". Talamua. Archived from the original on 9 April 2022. Retrieved 9 April 2022.

Legislative Assembly of Samoa
Preceded by So’oalo Umi Feo Mene	Member of Parliament for Gaga'ifomauga No. 2 2021–2022	Succeeded by Fo'isala Lilo Tu'u Ioane