Late Minister Lee Hang pledged his life to serve God

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 13 DECEMBER 2022: Despite serving as a politician for 21 years, the late Cabinet Minister Tapunu’u Papali’itele Niko Lee Hang had pledged his life to serve God.

This was the testimony by Lottie Fata of the Apia Harvest Centre Church where Tapunu’u served as a deacon, and that of his wife Doris, his youngest daughter Myna Vaitupu and his eldest sister Paugata Aileen Tuatagaloa at his funeral service today.

According to Lottie, Tapunu’u was a humble man, did not say much, was kind and a giver who treated everyone equally.

“He was an honourable man with integrity, principles and was truly a man of God,” said Lottie.

Tapunu’u and his family joined the Apia Harvest Centre in 2009 and according to his daughter Myna, that was the turning point for her father and everything he did then was for the “glory of God.”

Doris and Myna talked about Tapunu’u as a businessman, a father, a grandfather, a politician, a deacon and a husband.

Doris said Tapunu’u even set up a small chapel at their house where he got his children to read the Bible and praise God.

“He wanted the best for his family and country and would do anything to ensure his dreams are realized,” said Doris.

Tapunu’u’s children and grandchildren paying tribute to their father during the funeral service.

Tapunu’u’s 83 year old sister, Paugata spoke highly of her brother who is the youngest of 9 siblings.

“He treated me like a mother and not as a sister, and he did everything I asked for, and I miss him so much,” she said.

Education & Career
Tapunu’u was educated at Marist Brothers Mulivai and St. Josephs College then the University of New England where he received a Bachelor of Commerce with Honours.

He also attended Waikato University in Hamilton and received a Masters of Management Studies with Distinction.

Returning to Samoa, he worked at Steffany Shipping Company then Polynesian Airlines.

The Deputy Prime Minister Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio delivered the eulogy on behalf of the Government where he highlighted Tapunu’u’s service to the country.

In 1990, he worked as an accountant with the Government’s Insurance Department and was appointed as the Deputy Financial Controller from 1990-1997.

From 1997-2000, he served as the Public Trustee before embarking on a political career in 2001 when he won the Individual’s Voters seat in the by-election, and has been a parliamentarian under the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) until his passing.

Deputy Prime Minister Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio delivering the eulogy on behalf of Government.

In 2004, he was appointed an Associate Minister for the Ministry of Justice & Courts Administrations. Government went through a reshuffle in 2006 and Tapunu’u was appointed as Associate Minister for the Ministry of Revenue.

Retaining his seat in the 2006 general election, Tapunu’u was appointed Minister for Finance. He again won the 2011 general election and became the Minister for Works, Transport & Infrastructure.

In the 2021 general election, Tapunu’u returned as a Member for the new electoral constituency of Vaimauga 3 and was appointed a member of Parliament’s Finance Committee.

Tuala noted that Tapunu’u’s maiden speech in Parliament early this year was dedicated to God.

”He persevered in what he believed in and some of the issues he argued for initiated some of the decisions and developments by the Government,” said Tuala.

Former Prime Minister and HRPP leader, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi also highlighted and acknowledged the support and service rendered by the late Cabinet Minister.

Tapunu’u is survived by his wife, 4 children, 11 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and 7 adopted spiritual children.

Tapunu’u Unasa Toleafoa Tepafoa’i Papaliitele Niko Lee Hang was later buried at his residence at Vaoala.