Tributes pour in for ‘Queen of Māngere College’ Melegalenu’u Ah Sam

A pioneer of the Samoan language in education is being remembered for her services to education and the community.

Fuatino Melegalenu'u To’alepaiali’i Ah Sam died peacefully on Monday morning, just days short of her 76th birthday, surrounded by loved ones.

Ah Sam established Gagana Samoa teaching at Māngere College in the early nineties, and was the acting principal when she died.

In a social media post Māngere College says she was known lovingly as ‘Mele'.

“Mele was a cornerstone of the Māngere College community, dedicating over 30 years to nurturing the growth and development of both students and staff.

“Mele served as Deputy Principal and as Acting Principal of Māngere College and was a pioneer in the establishment of a languages block in 2012, aimed at enriching Māori and Pacific learning.

“Our thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathies are with Mele’s family, friends, and all who knew her in the Māngere College and wider Pasifika communities. She will be profoundly missed and forever remembered for her dedication and love.”

Ah Sam was also known to thousands of students who performed on the Samoan stage at ASB Polyfest, where she’d worked as the lead coordinator since 1993.

PMN Cook Islands radio host and former Māngere College student Ernestina Bonsu Maro called her the “Queen of Māngere College” and says Mrs Ah Sam will be sorely missed by the community.

“The amount of times this Aunty of ours used to growl me in school for being so loud or telling me why I dye my hair or wearing the incorrect uniform, I realised she just loved all of us like her kids.

“The last event I saw her at was at the beginning of this year for our Māngere College students and still remember your words ‘I am proud of you Tina, keep serving your people’.”

Another student, Tuaine, says Ah Sam encouraged her to be proud of her name.

“She once told me "stop calling yourself Tee to cater to the minority that can't pronounce Tuaine.”

Others describe Mrs Ah Sam's nature as fair but firm, and one remembers her standing at the school gate, growling everyone who missed the first bell.

Melegalenu'u Ah Sam (left) with other Pacific leaders at ASB Polyfest. Photo/ASB Polyfest

In 2022, Ah Sam was recognised as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Pacific language education.

Ah Sam was also a deacon of the EFKS New Vision Church and served as the treasurer for many years.

Several memorial events will be held on Thursday, before Ah Sam's remains will be taken to Samoa at the weekend. A final service will be held at 10am on Monday 22 April at EFKS Vaimoso, before burial at the nearby family cemetery.

Auckland memorial events on Thursday 18th April:

• Māngere College will be open to staff past and present from 9.00am

• College will be open to students and whanau past and present from 10.00am

• Mele is going to be driven through Māngere College from 11.00am

• Memorial service for Mele at Malaeola, at 5.00pm on Thursday 18th April

• (16 Waokauri Place, Māngere, Auckland 2022).