Takelesi Lagaluga

Takelesi (Douglas) Lagaluga. JP. (10 June 1924 – 30 March 2009) was a

Niue Niue (, ; niu, Niuē) is an island country in the South Pacific Ocean, northeast of New Zealand. Niue's land area is about and its population, predominantly Polynesian, was about 1,600 in 2016. Niue is located in a triangle between Tong ...

an administrator, politician, and respected elder from the village of

Avatele Avatele, formerly known as Oneonepata Matavaihala, is one of the fourteen villages of Niue, located on the southwest coast, with a population of 143 residents as of 2017. Geography Avatele Beach, the village's main sea track, stretches along the ...

. Lagaluga served the Government of Niue for 40 years, first as a Clerk to the Resident Commissioner then redeployed to the island's multi-functional Post Office (Bank & Telephone Exchange) rising to the position of Chief Postmaster in 1956. Upon his appointment as Chief Postmaster, Lagaluga became the first native Niuean to lead a government department in the colonial administration. He retired in 1980 and served one term in Parliament as a Common Roll member. Lagaluga was a keen and avid planter, hunter, and fisherman. He served in various capacities in the Village Council including as its Chairman for several terms and also served as the village Harbormaster for many years. He was a Deacon of Ekalesia Avatele (Congregational Presbyterian) for 43 years and Head Elder (Deputy Pastor) for 24 years retiring from this post in 2006 at the age of 82. He was married to Iola Lohana Ikimotu (1924–1998) for 55 years and had 8 children. Lagaluga received a state funeral and memorial services were held in New Zealand & Australia. The Premier of Niue, Hon. Toke Tufukia Talagi said of his death, ''"Another of our mighty ovava, a benevolent man, an extraordinary citizen and a respected tupuna, has fallen. We shall remember him in our hearts and in our prayers."'' Takelesi Lagaluga is the son of Lagaluga and Tikatupe (née Hakeagaiki) of Anafonua & Liolau,

. {{DEFAULTSORT:Lagaluga, Takelesi 1924 births 2009 deaths Niuean politicians