Today marks a milestone achievement in the 19th-year history of the Samoa Victim Support Group.
It is a day that officiates before the Judiciary through Justice Vui Clarence Nelson, the inauguration of the
SVSG Ambassador for Children’s Rights. To be held at the Court House Mulinuu this afternoon, Thursday 9
May 2024 from 2.30pm – 4.00pm, the swearing-in ceremony will be attended by members of the church
and community, including development partners of SVSG.
A day for the SVSG Family to acknowledge and recognize, the sincerity of the Offer by TOLEAFOA
LOTUMALI’I REV’D FR. LEATUAO LARRY TUPA’I-LAVEA, to champion children’s rights as an Ambassador.
Toleafoa Lotumali’i Rev’d Fr. Leatuao Larry Tupa’i-Lavea is the Archdeacon of The Episcopal Unit of the
Diocese of Polynesia in Aotearoa, New Zealand, Anglican Church EKALESIA AGELIKANA SAMOA MANGERE.
He is a 52-year-old Samoan high chief, married to Helen Samuel (nee Vili) and together they have 4
children. He is also a businessman and served on many advisory and governance boards in New Zealand.
Toleafoa hails from the villages of Nuusuatia in Upolu and Safotu in Savaii. He currently lives with his family
at Mangere New Zealand.
The augural swearing-in ceremony follows the acceptance by the Board of the expression of interest from
Toleafoa, the relevance of his impressive credentials to the role, and the completion of a due diligence
process.
A servant of many talents, Toleafoa joined the SVSG Family with the wealth of experience necessary to
promote the rights of the child.
According to Toleafoa’s Profile, “Doing what matters and being “crazily M.A.D (Making A Difference)” are
the fundamental values at the core of my being, and that which I live by! Physical Life is finite – so, waking
up every morning is about celebrating life, giving thanks for the life of yesterday and welcoming the
opportunities of living the present, as plans are made for tomorrow.
His Church referred to Toleafoa as “a man of service who is and has always been a hard doer, less words
more actions. In his current role as Archdeacon, he has once again proven to be a leader who has the
passion to serve rather than being serviced. Toleafoa is well respected and known by many because of his
services in the Pacific communities in New Zealand.”
Members of the community he worked with reference his qualities as a “compassionate leader yet bold.
He is not afraid to speak his mind. He confronts important matters when these matters affect people.”
The SVSG Board welcomes Toleafoa Lotumali’i Rev’d Fr. Leatuao Larry Tupa’i-Lavea as the SVSG Children’s
Rights Ambassador, a Changemaker to amplify the voices of the abused children.