Misa Telefoni Retzlaff facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Misa Telefoni Retzlaff
Deputy Prime Minister of Samoa
In office 19 March 2001 – 20 March 2011
Prime Minister	Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi
Preceded by	Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi (1998)
Succeeded by	Fonotoe Pierre Lauofo
Additional cabinet positions Minister of Trade, Commerce, Industry and Labour In office 24 April 2006 – 20 March 2011 Preceded by Hans Joachim Keil III Succeeded by Fonotoe Pierre Lauofo Minister of Tourism In office 24 April 2006 – 20 March 2011 Preceded by Hans Joachim Keil III Succeeded by Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi Minister of Finance In office 20 March 2001 – 19 March 2006 Succeeded by Tapunuu Niko Lee Hang Minister of Health In office 26 April 1996 – 20 March 2001 Preceded by Sala Vaimili Uili II Succeeded by Mulitalo Siafausa Vui
Member of the Samoan Parliament for Falelatai & Samatau
In office 26 February 1988 – 4 March 2011
Preceded by	Lupematasila Fa'amalaga
Succeeded by	Lemi Taefu
Personal details
Born	Hermann Theodor Retzlaff (1952-05-21) 21 May 1952 (age 73) Apia, Western Samoa Trust Territory (Now Samoa)
Nationality	Samoan
Political party	Human Rights Protection Party
Spouse	Sarah Pulepule Young
Alma mater	University of Auckland

Misa Telefoni Retzlaff, born Hermann Theodor Retzlaff on May 21, 1952, is a Samoan author and former politician. He served as the Deputy Prime Minister of Samoa from 2001 to 2011. He was also a key member of the Human Rights Protection Party. From 2006 to 2011, Retzlaff held the important role of Minister of Finance.

About Misa Telefoni Retzlaff

Misa Telefoni Retzlaff has a diverse background. His family heritage includes German, Swedish, and Samoan roots. His German ancestry comes from his grandfather. The name "Telefoni" was given to his grandfather by the Samoan community. This happened in the early 1900s when his grandfather arrived in Samoa as a public servant. He was there to introduce the telephone system to the country.

His Education and Early Career

Misa Telefoni Retzlaff attended Marist Brothers school in Apia, Samoa. He then studied at King's College in Auckland, New Zealand. He went on to study law at the University of Auckland, finishing his degree in 1974.

After returning to Samoa, he continued his studies. In 1977, he became a Certified Public Accountant. He then began working as a lawyer. In 1986, he was appointed as the Attorney-General of Samoa. This is a top legal position in the government. Interestingly, his oldest son, Lemalu Herman Retzlaff, also served as Attorney General of Samoa in 2016.

His Political Journey

Misa Telefoni Retzlaff began his political career in 1988. He resigned from his role as Attorney-General to run for election. He successfully won the seat for the Falelatai & Samatau area.

Key Government Roles

Initially, he was part of the opposition party. However, in 1991, he joined the government led by Tofilau Eti Alesana. He became the Minister of Agriculture, Forests, Fisheries, and Shipping.

In 1996, he took on the role of Minister of Health. Then, in 2001, he was appointed to two very important positions: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. In 2006, his responsibilities expanded further. He became the Minister of Tourism, Trade, Labor, and Commerce.

Misa Telefoni Retzlaff decided to retire from politics before the 2011 general election.