TVNZ broadcaster Daniel Faitaua mourns father’s death in Christchurch

Daniel Faitaua says his father died in Christchurch after a long battle with Parkinson's disease, and recently suffered a stroke and pneumonia. Photo / Jason Delaveau

Longtime TVNZ broadcaster Daniel Faitaua is mourning the death of his father after the 78-year-old died over King’s Birthday weekend.

Faitaua snr died at Christchurch Hospital after a “decades-long battle” with Parkinson’s disease, and most recently having suffered a stroke and pneumonia, Faitaua wrote on his Instagram this afternoon.

“Your battle is now over; no more tears flowing down your cheek, no more pain, no more suffering.”

The post, which included several photos of Samoan-born Faitaua snr, began with his son writing: “Another part of me has died.

“On Wednesday I buried my dad after a beautiful send-off surrounded by his three loves – family, faith and golf.”

In 2020, the then TVNZ Europe correspondent Faitaua wrote online of his heartbreak at not being able to get back to New Zealand when his brother Anthony died of cancer early in the Covid-19 pandemic.

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He was grateful to have been with his father “for his final days”, the Seven Sharp reporter and producer – and former Breakfast presenter – wrote in his Instagram post today.

“My father was the kindest, most selfless person I know, who adored his grandchildren. Dad, ia manuia lou malaga. I love you.”

Many replied to show their support for the bereaved dad of three.

“I’m sorry for your loss,” wrote chef, restaurateur and The Great Kiwi Bake Off judge Peter Gordon.

“Losing a parent is heartbreaking.”