Samiu Vaipulu facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Samiu Vaipulu
Vaipulu in 2022
Acting Prime Minister of Tonga
In office 9 December 2024 – 22 January 2025
Monarch	Tupou VI
Preceded by	Siaosi Sovaleni
Succeeded by	ʻAisake Eke
Minister for Justice and Prisons
In office 25 January 2021 – 28 January 2025
Prime Minister	Pohiva Tuʻiʻonetoa Siaosi Sovaleni
Preceded by	Sione Vuna Fa'otusia
Succeeded by	ʻAisake Eke (Prisons) Moʻale Finau (Justice)
Minister for Trade and Economic Development
In office 10 October 2019 – 25 January 2021
Prime Minister	Pohiva Tuʻiʻonetoa
Preceded by	Tevita Tu'i Uata
Succeeded by	Tatafu Moeaki
Deputy Prime Minister of Tonga
In office 5 January 2011 – 30 December 2014
Prime Minister	Sialeʻataongo Tuʻivakanō
Preceded by	Viliami Tangi
Succeeded by	Siaosi Sovaleni
Minister for Infrastructure
In office 7 January 2013 – 30 December 2014
Preceded by	himself (as Minister for Transport and Works)
Succeeded by	‘Etuate Lavulavu
Minister for Justice
In office 10 November 2009 – 1 September 2011
Prime Minister	Sialeʻataongo Tuʻivakanō Feleti Sevele
Succeeded by	Clive Edwards
Member of Parliament for Vavaʻu 15
Incumbent
Assumed office 26 November 2010
Preceded by	none (constituency established)
Personal details
Born	(1952-12-24) 24 December 1952 (age 72)
Political party	Independent

Samiu Kuita Vaipulu was born on December 24, 1952. He is a well-known politician from Tonga. He has served in important government roles. He was the Deputy Prime Minister from 2010 to 2014. He also held positions as a Cabinet Minister. From December 2024 to January 2025, he served as the Acting Prime Minister of Tonga.

About Samiu Vaipulu

Early Life and Education

Samiu Vaipulu comes from the island of Ovaka in Tonga. Before becoming a politician, he worked in tourism. He also managed the Shipping Corporation of Polynesia.

He furthered his education in 1989. He studied at the University of the South Pacific. There, he earned a Diploma in Legal Studies. He still helps with tourism on his home island of Vava'u.

His Political Journey

Samiu Vaipulu first became a Member of Parliament in 1987. He lost his seat in the 1990 election. However, he was re-elected in 1993. He served until 2002.

He returned to Parliament after the 2005 election. He was elected for his sixth term in 2008. During his time in Parliament, he was the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole House.

Becoming a Cabinet Minister

In November 2009, Vaipulu was appointed as the Minister for Justice. This was a new step in his career. Unlike some past appointments, he did not have to give up his seat in Parliament. He continued to represent the people.

After the 2010 election, he was re-elected. He then became the Deputy Prime Minister. He also served as Minister of Justice and Minister for Transport and Works. These roles were part of the Cabinet led by Lord Tuʻivakanō. In September 2011, the Justice role was given to Clive Edwards. Vaipulu kept his other ministerial duties.

Roles in Recent Governments

After the 2014 election, Vaipulu ran for Prime Minister. He was not successful, losing by a few votes. In 2019, after the passing of ʻAkilisi Pōhiva, he joined the Cabinet of Pohiva Tuʻiʻonetoa. He was appointed as the Minister for Trade and Economic Development.

On January 25, 2021, he took on new responsibilities. He became the Minister of Justice and Prisons. He replaced Sione Vuna Fa'otusia in this role.

He was re-elected in the 2021 election. On December 28, 2021, he was appointed to the Cabinet of Siaosi Sovaleni. He continued to serve as the Minister for Justice and Prisons. When Sovaleni resigned as Prime Minister in December 2024, Samiu Vaipulu became the acting Prime Minister for a short period.

Honours and Awards

Samiu Vaipulu has received national recognition for his service.

• He was made a Member of the Order of Queen Sālote Tupou III. This honor was given to him on July 31, 2008.

See also

In Spanish: Samiu Vaipulu para niños