media release

City councillor resigns
August 3, 2007

North Shore City Councillor Mike Tafua has resigned and returned to live in his native Samoa where he is one of that country’s highest-ranking chiefs.

A descendent of Tuimanua, the first King of Samoa, Councillor Tafua served on the North Shore City Council since 1998 and the Birkenhead-Northcote Community Board since 1992.

Mayor George Wood, who served alongside Councillor Tafua in the New Zealand Police for many years, says his colleague’s resignation is effective from August 1 – 74 days before the next local body elections.

“At our next council meeting on August 29, the 15 of us will decide whether we appoint a replacement councillor, or leave the seat vacant until the votes are counted on October 13,” he says.

Mike Tafua’s seat on the Birkenhead-Northcote Community Board is also subject to the same process.

Before bringing his family to New Zealand in 1974, he worked for the Samoan Government in the Office of the Prime Minister and was Secretary to the Minister of Justice.

He served the New Zealand Police for over 23 years and lived in Glenfield for almost 30 years.

Holding the title of matai for 33 years, he is the chief of the village of Saleaaumua in the Aleipata district.

Councillor Tafua says he is grateful to the people of North Shore City for supporting him over the years.

“This is a great city with people who have put their trust in me. I have been proud to live and work here among people whom I’ve always been happy to help,” he says.

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