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 is a well-known Samoan politician and author. He was born on May 21, 1952, with the name Hermann Theodor Retzlaff. Misa Telefoni served as the Deputy Prime Minister of Samoa. This is a very important leadership role in the government. He held this position from 2001 to 2011. He was also a leader in the Human Rights Protection Party.

About Misa Telefoni Retzlaff

Misa Telefoni Retzlaff has a mixed background. His family comes from German, Swedish, and Samoan roots. His German heritage comes from his grandfather.

The Name "Telefoni"

The name "Telefoni" has an interesting story. It was given to his grandfather by the Samoan community. This happened when his grandfather arrived in Samoa. He was a public servant working for the postal services. His job was to bring the telephone system to the country.

Education and Early Career

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

After returning to Samoa, he continued his studies. He became a Certified Public Accountant in 1977. Later, he worked as a lawyer. In 1986, he was chosen to be the Attorney-General of Samoa. This is a top legal advisor role for the government. His oldest son, Lemalu Herman Retzlaff, also became Attorney General of Samoa in 2016.

Misa Telefoni's Political Journey

Misa Telefoni Retzlaff had a long and important career in Samoan politics. He served the people of Samoa for many years.

Starting in Politics

In 1988, he left his job as Attorney-General. He decided to run for election. He won the seat for the area of Falelatai & Samatau. At first, he was part of the opposition party. This means his party was not in charge of the government.

Joining the Government

In 1991, he joined the government led by Tofilau Eti Alesana. He became the Minister of Agriculture, Forests, Fisheries and Shipping. This role involved looking after farming, forests, fishing, and sea transport.

Key Government Roles

• In 1996, he became the Minister of Health. In this role, he helped manage Samoa's healthcare system.
• In 2001, he took on two very important jobs. He became the Deputy Prime Minister. He also became the Minister of Finance. The Minister of Finance manages the country's money and economy.
• In 2006, he was appointed Minister of Tourism, Trade, Labor and Commerce. This role focused on growing tourism, trade, and helping workers.

Retirement from Politics

Misa Telefoni Retzlaff retired from politics in 2011. He did not run in the general election that year.