Premier Dalton Tagelagi pays tribute to his predecessor and mentor Sir Toke Talagi

The Premier Dalton Tagelagi has paid tribute to his predecessor and mentor the former Premier Sir Toke Talagi.

Premier Dalton Tagelagi was a Minister in Sir Toke Talagi’s last two cabinets.

“Sir Toke was the Premier of Niue and my mentor. I was fortunate to have known and worked with him for the past 10years. The country mourns the loss of a great leader.

He will be missed by Niue. Condolences to the Family, especially to Lady Fifita & the Children at this time, my thought and prayers are with them.”

“It was his wish to return and spend his final days on his beloved island Niue Fekai. Sir Toke and Lady Fifita returned to Niue on Sunday 12th July 2020 after being medevaced to New Zealand on Tuesday 7th July 2020 due to ill health.”

The Premier says Sir Toke was a dedicated politician, diplomat, statesman as well as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

Sir Toke was first elected to the islands assembly in 1999 and first elected as the Premier of Niue in 2008, and up until May 2020.

He received his knighthood for his services to Niue in 2017 from the Governor General Dame Patsy Reddy who flew to Niue for his ceremony.

Sir Toke was a founding member of the Polynesian Leaders Group and prominent pacific island figure.

“The country mourns the loss of a cherished son and great leader. His legacy lives on with the work he has completed for our small island nation. He will be remembered for his dedication to Niue and his commitment to A prosperous Niue – Niue ke Monuina. His passion was the promotion of the Niuean language and education of our young people, the future leaders of Niue.

He will be missed by Niue.”

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, his funeral arrangements are currently being discussed.

“At this time we would appreciate if the public could please respect the family’s wishes and wait for further information from the Office of the Premier on additional arrangements.”