Tue 28 Mar 2017 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
Pasifika community leader Memea Eleitino Ma'aelopa Siania, known affectionately by many as Bubsy, passed away in Christchurch on Friday, aged 70. Memea Eleitino Ma'aelopa Siania As a Patron of Love Life Fono, Memea Eleitino Ma'aelopa Siania worked in many areas of the community, including with the New Zealand AIDS Foundation and the University of Canterbury Samoan Students’ Association. He was a volunteer for 31 years at the Police kiosk in Cathedral Square and contributed to the Human Rights Commission's report of the Inquiry into Discrimination Experienced by Transgender People; To Be Who I Am Kia noho au ki tōku anō ao. The Board of Life Life Fono wrote the following tribute on their Facebook page. “Bubsy will be remembered for his unwavering dedication and a steadfast commitment for greater inclusivity and embracing diversity. He will be remembered for his affection for all those he cared about, and from our perspective, in particular; his work in supporting and empowering the Pacific Rainbow community across Oceania. Throughout his entire life he has helped our community to feel at ease with itself, and has served as a remarkable point of continuity for all Pacific peoples.” “It is with great sadness that we report that one of the pillars of our community has sadly passed away. Memea Eleitino Ma'aelopa Siania, affectionately known as Bubsy, devoted his life to the service of his Samoan/Pacific communities across Aotearoa New Zealand. “Bubsy will be remembered for his unwavering dedication and a steadfast commitment for greater inclusivity and embracing diversity. He will be remembered for his affection for all those he cared about, and from our perspective, in particular; his work in supporting and empowering the Pacific Rainbow community across Oceania. Throughout his entire life he has helped our community to feel at ease with itself, and has served as a remarkable point of continuity for all Pacific peoples. “In this age of uncertainty Bubsy's support has been incredibly reaffirming. Through his works he retained his dignity whilst remaining approachable and warm. He navigated decades of social and political change, but always remained consistent and true to a life of service and duty to others. “We are incredibly thankful for your wisdom, love, grace and leadership. The success of this organisation and the relative freedom we all enjoy are in part thanks to your lifetime's work. “We offer our sincerest condolences to Bubsy's family and pray for courage and strength at this time. “Manuia lau malaga Memea <3” Community leader Phylesha Brown-Acton worked alongside Memea Eleitino Ma'aelopa Siania as a FLO ambassador for suicide prevention and says “We are saddened by loss of our dear Memea Bubsy, his absence will be felt by many in our Pasifika communities in Aotearoa and we grieve the loss of Memea with his family, but we also celebrate him and his memory as a passionate and humble Pasifika leader. “May you rest in peace and in love Memea, we will remember you always as "Queen B" - Manuia lou malaga Memea Bubsy Eleitino Ma'aelopa Siania ❤”
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Tuesday, 28th March 2017 - 4:30pm