Tonga's Deputy Prime Minister Lord Ma’afu (66) passed away early Sunday morning, December 12 at Auckland City Hospital in New Zealand.

The Prime Minister’s Office said today that details of the funeral program will be announced in due course.

Lord Ma'afu was a Minister in four consecutive governments, and his public and military service spanned 40 years. In recent years he served as a Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, and Minister responsible for His Majesty’s Armed Forces (HMAF).

He was born Siosaia Lausi'i and inherited the noble title Ma'afu from his father, Hon. Ma'afu Tukui'aulahi. His estates include Vaini and Tokomololo in Tongatapu.

As a Tongatapu Noble's Representative, he was first elected to Tonga's Legislative Assembly in 2008-10. He was appointed the first Minister for Environment and Climate Change in 2009. He was re-elected as a Noble's Representative in 2010, 2014 and 2017.

Before he entered parliament, Lord Ma'afu was a Private Secretary to the Late King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV from 2001-06.

He began his career as a Commissioned Officer of HMAF, serving for over 20-years, reaching the rank of Colonel.

He was married to the late Princess Lavinia-Mata-‘o Taone, a first cousin of King Tupou VI. They have two children Hon. Tevita 'Unga and Hon Fangaake Veikune.

Due to his failing health, he travelled to New Zealand for medical treatment this year. One of his last public appearances was the opening of the Tonga Police College training block on March 23, 2021.