Maʻafu Tukuiʻaulahi facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Lord Maʻafu of Vaini and Tokomololo
Deputy Prime Minister of Tonga
In office 16 December 2020 – 12 December 2021
Prime Minister	Pōhiva Tuʻiʻonetoa
Preceded by	Sione Vuna Fa'otusia
Succeeded by	Poasi Tei
Minister for Lands, Survey, Natural Resources
In office 4 January 2011 – 12 December 2021
Prime Minister	Lord Tuʻivakanō ʻAkilisi Pōhiva Pohiva Tuʻiʻonetoa
Preceded by	Lord Tuita
Minister for the Environment and Climate Change
In office July 2009 – 30 December 2014
Prime Minister	Feleti Sevele Lord Tuʻivakanō
Succeeded by	Siaosi Sovaleni
Member of Parliament for Tongatapu
In office 23 April 2008 – 12 December 2021
Personal details
Born	Siosaʻia Lausiʻi 1 July 1955 Tonga
Died	12 December 2021(2021-12-12) (aged 66) Auckland, New Zealand
Spouses	Princess Lavinia Mataʻotahone Tukuʻaho
Children	Hon. Tevita ʻUnga Hon. Lavinia Fangaʻaka
Parents	Hon. Tevita ʻUngamotangitau Lausiʻi Hon. Peti Lausiʻi

Siosaʻia Lausiʻi, Lord Maʻafu Tukuiʻaulahi, often known simply as Lord Maʻafu, was an important person from Tonga. He was born on July 1, 1955, and passed away on December 12, 2021. Lord Maʻafu was a politician, a military officer, and a member of the Tongan nobility. He held several key roles in the Tongan government, including Deputy Prime Minister of Tonga.

About Lord Maʻafu's Life

Siosaʻia Lausiʻi was born in Tonga on July 1, 1955. His father was Lord Ma’afu Tukui’aulahi, Tevita ‘Unga Tangitau. His mother was Hon. Peti Ma’afu.

Military Career

Lord Maʻafu joined the Tonga Defence Services on March 3, 1975. In the same year, he became a leader in the Tonga Royal Guards. He rose through the ranks, becoming the Commanding Officer of the Land Force in 2000. From 2001 to 2006, he served as a personal assistant to King Taufaʻahau Tupou IV.

Family Life

He married Princess Lavinia Mata-‘o-Tāone, who was a niece of the king. They had two children together: Hon. Tevita ʻUnga and Hon. Lavinia Fangaʻaka. After his father passed away, Siosaʻia Lausiʻi became the new Lord Ma’afu. This title means he was the Lord of Vaini and Tokomololo. The full title Maʻafu Tukuʻiʻaulahi means "Maʻafu put in the strong current."

Entering Politics

Lord Maʻafu decided to enter politics in April 2008. He was elected to the Legislative Assembly, which is like Tonga's parliament. He represented the nobles from Tongatapu, receiving ten votes from other nobles.

Government Roles

In July 2009, he was appointed as the Minister for the Environment and Climate Change. This was under Prime Minister Feleti Sevele.

He was re-elected in November 2010. After this, he became the Minister for Lands, Survey, Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change. This was in Prime Minister Lord Tuʻivakanō's government. A rule made in 2010 said that only a noble's representative could be the Minister for Lands.

After the 2014 election, Lord Maʻafu continued as Minister of Lands. He was the only noble representative in the government of ʻAkilisi Pōhiva. In September 2017, he was appointed Deputy Prime Minister of Tonga. He rejoined the government after the 2017 election but resigned in March 2018. He then rejoined the government again in May with the same roles.

In October 2019, Lord Maʻafu was appointed Minister for Lands and Natural Resources. He also became Minister for His Majesty’s Armed Forces. This was in the government led by Pohiva Tuʻiʻonetoa. In December 2020, he was appointed as the new Deputy Prime Minister. This happened after the previous Deputy Prime Minister resigned.

Later Life and Passing

In 2021, Lord Maʻafu traveled to New Zealand for medical treatment. He was still in New Zealand during the 2021 elections and was not re-elected to his seat in parliament. He passed away in Auckland, New Zealand, on December 12, 2021. His son, Tevita ‘Unga Tangitau, became the next Lord Maʻafu.

Honours and Awards

Lord Maʻafu received several special awards and honours during his life. These awards recognized his service to Tonga and other countries.

National Honours

• Order of the Crown of Tonga, Commander (received on July 31, 2008).
• King Taufaʻahau Silver Jubilee Medal (received on July 4, 1992).
• Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.
• General Service Medal (for service in Bougainville).

Foreign Honours

• The US Army Commendation Medal.