Spacifix member Metui Finau mourned

Well-known member of Auckland's Tongan community and accomplished musician Metui Finau has died.

Mr Finau's sudden death this week has triggered an outpouring of grief and condolences on social media for the member of Kiwi band Spacifix.

Believed to be aged in his late 20s, Mr Finau grew up in West Auckland and went to Kelston Boys' High School.

He was one of seven members of Spacifix, a Pacific group that had a 2006 hit with Sunshine Day. It peaked at No11 in the New Zealand charts.

The group appeared on several TV shows and their mix of funk, soul, blues, R'n'B and reggae was lauded by critics.

Spacifix member Metui Finau at Porirua's Creekfest in 2007. Photo / Andrew Bonallack

Dozens of posts on social media remember a cheeky and talented man, who will be dearly missed.

John Soqeta, Willie Manukia, Isi Filisione, Rudy Matamu, Tau Manukia, Metui Finau, Vita Manukia, Tonga Vaea and Stephen Thomas (aka Spacifix) at the Pacific Music Awards.

"Heart goes out to a Kelston brother Metui Finau. Always the clown of them all. Always had a nice big bright smile on when he walked past us. He was awesome in every way and had a heart of gold," wrote Colleen Tuafoe.

"I am always saddened by the death of a good person. It is from this sadness that a feeling of gratitude emerges. I feel honoured to have known you Metui and blessed that your passing serves as a reminder to me that my time on this beautiful earth is limited and that I should seize the opportunity I have to forgive, share, explore, and love," wrote Pryncess Hopjomanik Havili.