Tangaroa College deputy principal Faleata Ualesi remembered as dedicated teacher and friend

Tangaroa College deputy principal Faleata Ualesi (inset) and one of his artworks exhibited in the Auckland CBD in 2023.

An Auckland school community is in mourning after the sudden death of a popular deputy principal.

Tangaroa College has paid tribute to its senior staff member Faleata Ualesi, following his death on Saturday.

“It is with heavy hearts and deep love that we prepare to say goodbye to our beloved colleague, mentor, and friend, Mr. Faleata Ualesi,” the school wrote on its Facebook page.

“For 18 years, Faleata served Tangaroa College with pride and unwavering commitment. A hard-working man, gifted artist, a dedicated teacher and a true servant of God, he shaped the lives of countless young people in Ōtara.”

The school also acknowledged Ualesi’s wife and daughter.

Students pay tribute: ‘You saw the potential in me’

Ualesi was the school’s longtime Head of English, and had recently been promoted to the role of deputy principal.

Faleata Ualesi was a proud son of Ōtara, South Auckland. Photo / Supplied

Many of his students, both current and former, have shared their memories of a teacher who could be stern - and also funny and relatable.

“Gone too soon, sir. You were always such a loving and respectful teacher and role model to your students,” one wrote online.

Another shared: “I know I wasn’t the best student and always gave you trouble. But I’m grateful that you saw the potential in me when I didn’t see it myself. Always love and respect, sir.”

A flag outside the school flew at half-mast this week, acknowledging the community’s grief at Ualesi’s death.

A rising Samoan contemporary artist

As well as being a dedicated educator, Ualesi was also an accomplished artist whose vibrant works were inspired by his Samoan roots.

Members of the Pacific art world have paid tribute to the emerging contemporary Samoan artist whose inspirations came from traditional Samoan siapo (tapa cloth) and tatau (tattoo) patterns.

Faleata Ualesi's Luggage Tags Triptych, pictured in October 2023 on Auckland's High Street. Photo / Michael Craig

Ualesi’s art has been shown in a number of exhibitions including at Ōtara’s Fresh Gallery, and in the Auckland CBD two years ago as part of The Heart of the City’s ArtWeek.

Ualesi’s striking work - dubbed Tribute: Luggage Tags Triptych - was a nod to the migration journey of people from the Pacific.

Ualesi’s parents - who hail from Vavau and Tulaele in Puipa’a on Samoa’s main island of Upolu - migrated to New Zealand in the 1960s.

His works are also evident at Tangaroa College in colourful murals around the school.

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Raised in Ōtara, South Auckland, Ualesi is also remembered by the wider South Auckland community; with many community members paying tribute online.

The Ōtara Scorpions Rugby League Club, which Ualesi was involved with, has shared a heartfelt post about him.

“Faleata will be missed by his Silverback Masters team mates. But his memory will also live on through the artwork he painted in our netball room.

“We send our love to his family and are here for you. Alofa tele atu, uso. Manuia lou malaga. (Big love to you, brother. Safe journey home).”

A celebration of Ualesi’s life will be held at Tangaroa College over the weekend and his funeral service will be held on Monday.

Vaimoana Mase is the Pasifika editor for the Herald’s Talanoa section, sharing stories from the Pacific community. She won junior reporter of the year at the then Qantas Media Awards in 2010 and won the best opinion writing award at the 2023 Voyager Media Awards.