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Aupito William Sio
Wellington, December 28, 2017
I offer my sincere condolences and sympathies to the family of Tony Johns who has passed away.
Tony was the first Director of the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs.
He played a significant role in the establishment of the Ministry and was a huge advocate for Pacific communities as well as a mentor for many Pacific public servants and community leaders in New Zealand.
Tony had a close relationship with Tokelau, Niue and the Marshall Islands with his work on their constitutions and governance.
He also has left his mark in health, justice and the development of public good programmes like COGS, GELS and CEG through his leadership.
He was a strong advocate of indigenous languages too with his work with Literacy Aotearoa.
His funeral will be held tomorrow (December 29, 2017) at 11 am at the Pipitea Marae, Thorndon Quay, Wellington.
Aupito William Sio is elected Member of Parliament from Mangere (Auckland) and Minister of Pacific People of New Zealand
