MAYOR’S OFFICE
AUCKLAND CITY
MEDIA RELEASE
10 October 2005
City salutes a Living Legend
Mayor of Auckland City, Dick Hubbard, is saddened by the news that one of the founders of the Samoan community in
Auckland city, the Reverend Leuatea Sio, has passed away.
Reverend Sio has made a huge contribution to the Pacific communities in Auckland and New Zealand since the 1960’s.
The council recognised his reputation as the “Father of Pacific Communities” last month when he became the first
recipient of the Mayor’s Living Legend award.
Councillor Penny Sefuiva said Reverend Sio’s huge support for the settlement of Pacific Island people in New Zealand
along with his strong leadership in the Pacific Islands Congregational (PIC) Church and the Pacific Islands Presbyterian
Church are impressive achievements and represent a lifetime of commitment to Pacific people.
She said the PIC Church in Edinburgh Street, Newton had become a sanctuary for Pacific people from all religious
persuasions.
The City has offered Reverend Sio’s family the use of the Town Hall for his funeral.
ENDS