In Loving Memory of Papali'i Pita Ulitau Taouma
We would like to pay tribute to a Great man, a Pioneer, a Leader, a Father, a Mentor, a Musician, a Husband and more...
Papali'i Dr. Pita Ulitau Taouma
Papali’i Dr. Pita Taouma is the head of the Malietoa Pouesi family in Aotearoa/Niu Sila. He is most well-known as a dentist who served our community for many years, first in Samoa as the head of dentistry at the hospital in Matautu, Apia and then for many years as a dentist here in Aukilani.
Papali’i was first sent to Niu Sila to take up a scholarship at Whangarei Boys High School at the age of 14. He spent these years schooling while also traveling to Aukilani during holidays to spend time with family, mostly in and around the Ponsonby area.
Papali’i then went to Otago University to study dentistry – a profession which ran in the family as his father Tofa Fesula’i Taouma Leteletaneolevao was also one of a group of seven dentists originally trained in the craft in Samoa.
During his time at Otago, Papali’i met his wife to be, Janice, got married and had two children. He also was the captain of the Otago University Rugby League side and played in the NZ University side. Papali’i also did well in cricket and other sports.
At this time Papali’i started and headed the Samoan Students Association, started the Samoana Rugby League team and played in a well-known band around town. After ten years in Dunedin, Papali’i, his wife and two children moved to Samoa where he took up position as the head of dentistry at the hospital.
During his ten years in Samoa Papali’i and Janice had a further three children and he was involved in many civic duties. At this time Papali’i created the International Samoan Dance Theatre Troupe, which was famous for their tours through the United States West Coast in which they raised the largest amounts of money of any travelling group before and since. During this time in Samoa, Papali’i also worked on several committees and directed Samoa’s first ever musical production – a rendering of Jesus Christ Super Star.
After ten years in Samoa and being involved in many activities including being involved in the Samoan Rugby and Cricket Unions, Papali’i decided to once again move back to Niu Sila – this time in Aukilani. He and the family moved to Aukilani in 1979, where he set-up practice on Ponsonby Road.
This was to be the centre of many activities both Samoan and general Pacific. As well as serving the community as a dentist, Papali’i became a deacon and later secretary of the PIPC (Pacific Islands Presbyterian Church) in Newton. He also soon became a prominent community figure, as an organiser, commentator and entrepreneur.
Papali’i with his wife Jan were part of the group to setup the first Samoan pre-school, the Aoga Fa’aSamoa in 1984. He was also part of the group that established the Pasifika Festival in 1992. Papali’i was involved in many steering groups and committees, one of which also established the Fale Pasifika building at Auckland University.
Papali'i Dr. Pita Ulitau Taouma began his journey on the afternoon of Tuesday 22 September 2015, Ia manuia lou malaga Papali'i.
Personal Tributes
"You know I never use to like pacific studies or want to learn it. I thought "im tongan so thats enough" never wanted to know more or thinking that there was more to know then what I was already doing at home. I use to think learning pacific studies will not help me in any way so why bother.
2010 our class was given assignment for pacific studies and our tutor Olivia Taouma, She introduced us to her father and I remeber that day like it was yesterday. We interviewed this man on his veranda in his home in Kingsland/Greylynn. That was the day I fell in love with pacific studies. The way he spoke about it with love and passion, looking into his eyes I knew this man loved what he was talking about. Almost like he was reliving his younger days. He spoke with such power it almost felt like he magically transformed his verander and warped us into Samoa and what it looked like in diffrent times of before and after western influences. It was magical. My mind was blown away. Today I still quote things he mention that day about Samoan tradition and siva and even about Tonga
-Hope Lelei Prescott-Faletau
"Your father was a great inspiration and leader to many, you are all great examples of his legacy! May your father rest in peace and in love and may you all be strong during this time as you reflect on the memory of a man loved by many!" - Phylesha Brown-Acton
"The head of an AMAZING family with a legacy so rich and vast he led with charm, ease and always with a heart of gold." - Nastassia Wolfgramm
"Been thinking a lot about uncle Papali'i Pita - a gentle loving "music man", with a generous spirit and selfless love of aiga. Rest in love." - Sina Wendt Moore
"What a contribution this man has made in the Pacific society, especially in the Samoan community. E le galo lenei tamali'i ma ana galuega matagofie. Faafetai Papaliitele. Thank you for everything." - Pulotu Canada Alofa McCarthy
"Papali'i was the head of the Malietoa Pouesi family in Aotearoa/Niu Sila. He was mostly well-known as a dentist as well as all his other fine attributes who served the community for many years, first in Samoa as the head of dentistry at the hospital in Matautu, Apia Samoa and then for many years as a dentist in Auckland New Zealand. Manuia lau malaga. - Fia’ailetoaKen Moala
Have some very clear memories of Pita being very much a strong part of our Pacific history here in Aotearoa, NZ.A leader and advocate for our future. Also, memories of sitting in PIPC Newton and of course his practice at Maota Samoa. Wishing you all and Jan, strength and alofa during this time. -Teokotai Paitai
"Ptia was such a great man that supported our love for the arts and always encouraged us to never be afraid to use our voices to tell our stories."
- Katerina Fatupaito
"A quiet and hardworking servant to his dental colleagures in the Apia Hospital as he was with the WS Softball Assn as many of those that knew him would accord him this testimony! Travel safe Papalii and have a peaceful reunion with your mates and loved ones gone before you!"
-Luma’ava Leaupepe-Timoteo
"A visionary, a man who gave so much of himself and our lives have been enriched on so many levels because of Pita."
-Justine Simei-Barton
‘And I said to the man who stood at the gate ‘Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown’. And he replied ‘Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God, that shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way’. By M. Louise Haskins which was quoted by King George Xmas eve 1939 – being of a world upheaval in our modern era.
Stephen Grellet writing about aspirations “I expect to pass through this world but once; any good thing therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now, let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again”.
Written in my father’s hand, on a note I found awhile ago in the inner pocket of his best dress shirt. I do not know for what reason he wrote these two quotes, but I found the note again in my room today. They filled me with tears and love for my father and if I could add anything to these words it would be “lay down your burden dad, let me carry you into the light, that you may finally rest in peace”.
With love, your son, whose heart is broken yet glad your struggle is finally over.
- Jason Taouma
