By Martha Taumata Faavae
The sudden passing of popular radio personality, Luailepou Matatia Auvele, has left the local broadcast working community in shock.
News of the unexpected death of the 44 year old from ill health on Monday evening caught many of his former working colleagues, friends and radio fans by surprise.
“He was a gifted speaker, well suited to broadcasting work as an on air presenter and in programme production for radio,” Ms. Leutu Mose, reflected as Radio 2AP principal officer in announcing and programming on her former colleague.
“Lua’ as he was fondly referred to in the service was described as an ‘all-rounder’ who also won a popular following with his on air humour and warm character.
“He was an eloquent orator as well who was our go to person on many occasions for his oratory skills when needed,” Mose recalled well.
Luailepou started his broadcasting career in commercial radio before settling in with the public service Radio 2AP where he made a name for himself in the last 10 years.
His passing comes after only a month of making a new career change as a communications officer in the Office of the Electoral Commissioner.
Luailepou was from Sa’anapu village and is survived by his wife Sarai.