'Giant of the disability world': Pacific leader remembered for inspiring change

Tunumafono Fa’amoetauloa Avaula Colenso Fa’amoe MNZM is being remembered as a respected leader who fought to make lifejackets compulsory on boats around Auckland.

The former local board member and disability advocate died last week.

Lotu Fuli, Manukau ward councillor, says Tunumafono was “a giant in the disability world” whose influence extended across the region.

Tunumafono was also instrumental in lobbying for the lifejacket bylaw, which made it compulsory to wear lifejackets on small boats across Auckland.

“He took that upon himself when he was on the local board,” Fuli says. “He went to all 21 local boards across the city, advocating and lobbying for that bylaw to be passed, and it was.

"Even recently, when I was on the Regional Drowning Prevention Committee ... presenters from WaterSafe and Drowning Prevention Auckland mentioned him by name and thanked him for his advocacy.

Boaties on the Waitematā Harbour wearing lifejackets, underscoring the safety message behind Auckland’s compulsory lifejacket rule that Tunumafono Ava Fa’amoe helped champion. Photo/Auckland Council

"That shows the kind of impact he’s had.”

Tunumafono served on the inaugural Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board from 2010 to 2013 following Auckland’s supercity amalgamation, and championed inclusion for people with disabilities.

“I attended his funeral [this week], and so many of his friends and family from the disability community were there talking about all of the advocacy, the lobbying, and the amazing work that he championed,” Fuli says.

“He was a former chair of Vaka Tautua, and he founded the Tōfā Mamao Collective,” she says.

Tōfā Mamao is a collective for New Zealand Pacific disabled peoples, their families, and carers.

“I think anyone in the disability space, particularly Pasifika disability, knows the name Tunumafono Ava Fa’amoe," Fuli says. “What some people didn’t realise is that Ava was also a former local board member,” she says.

Manukau ward councillor Lotu Fuli says Tunumafono Ava Fa’amoe’s advocacy for lifejacket safety left a lasting legacy across Auckland. Photo/file.

Tunumafono also chaired the Ōtara Community Board under the former Manukau City Council.

“He had a long history of advocating not just for disability communities, not just for Pacific people, but for all our communities in South Auckland.”

Tunumafono held leadership roles across several organisations and played a key role in establishing Vaka Tautua and Taikura Trust, both of which continue to provide essential disability and community services.

Apulu Reece Autagavaia, Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board member, says Tunumafono’s determination and courage continue to inspire those in public service.

“He didn’t allow his disability to be limiting,” Apulu says. “He fought hard and advocated hard for not just the disability community, but for Ōtara in general, South Auckland and our Pacific communities.”

Apulu says his advocacy for the lifejacket bylaw reflected a deep sense of care for public safety.

“That kind of determination shows how deeply he cared for people’s safety and wellbeing,” he says.

Tunumafono’s advocacy also helped shape Auckland Council’s maritime safety policy.

In 2013, he presented to the Regulatory and Bylaws Committee alongside WaterSafe Auckland, urging stronger lifejacket rules.

His efforts led to the lifejacket consultation being separated from the wider Navigation Safety Bylaw review, giving communities a greater voice.

According to the 24 September 2013 committee minutes, his presentation influenced the citywide rule later backed by 18 of Auckland’s 21 local boards.

Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board member Apulu Reece Autagavaia, reflecting on Tunumafono Ava Fa’amoe’s decades of service to Ōtara and South Auckland. Photo/PMN News/Mary Afemata

WaterSafe Auckland publicly thanked him for driving the change, saying it allowed “a greater focus on such an important issue for our communities.”

At the time, Tunumafono said the move would “create opportunities for greater education and awareness around lifejacket use”, calling it urgent “to avoid further loss of lives on our waters.”

Auckland Council also acknowledged his contribution to local democracy.

Lou-Ann Ballantyne, General Manager Governance and Engagement, said Tunumafono Ava Fa’amoe was a highly regarded representative who was elected to the Ōtara Community Board in October 2007 and became chair in September 2008.

“He served on the Ōtara Community Board until the amalgamation of Auckland Council in October 2010, when he was elected to the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board and served on it as a member until October 2013.

Ōtara town centre, where Tunumafono Ava Fa’amoe once chaired the Ōtara Community Board and led local advocacy for safety and inclusion. Photo/file

“Despite having visual impairment challenges, he took on the opportunity of chairing the Ōtara Community Board with energy and courage.

"He was a person who impressed others with his positive outlook on life and desire to be of service to others.”

Fuli says his passing is a huge loss for South Auckland and the Labour movement.

“He made a huge impact in all our lives and across communities,” she says. “He was also a good friend and a mentor when we first ran for the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board in 2013.

"We’ve lost two giants, Fa’anānā and Ava, who both helped build our Ōtara community and Labour team.”

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.