Former Premier Hon. Sani Elia Lagigietama Lakatani passed away in Wellington, New Zealand on the 17th of January and on Friday last week he was laid to rest in his village of Tuapa Uhomotu.
Hon. Sani Lakatani was one of the most interesting politicians in Niue’s journey of self-government. In his youth Lakatani joined the New Zealand Army and served in the Vietnam War.
He returned to Niue and was elected as a common roll member to the Niue Assembly in 1990.
He was appointed briefly to the Cabinet of former Premier Sir Robert Rex and in 1993 was appointed as a minister under the leadership of Premier Frank Fakaotimanava-Lui. He lost his ministerial seat in November 1994. He continued as a common roll member and in opposition until he was elected as Premier in 1999 until 2002.
In 2002, Hon.Young Vivian became Premier and Sani Lakatani was a minister in his Cabinet until he resigned in November 2004. According to Fono Ekepule records, his resignation was submitted on the 14th of January 2005 ending his 15 years as a member of the Niue Assembly.
The state funeral for Hon. Sani Lakatani was held at the Tuapa Uhomotu church which was packed to capacity as mourners gathered to pay their final respects to the former premier. A leader who is remembered for his passion and tenacity to push the boundaries when it comes to Niue and self-determination.
As was his wishes, he was laid to rest with his tupunas, metres from the Tuapa Uhomotu church. For his family, it was an end to a long journey to bring him back home. From Wellington where he passed away on the 17th to Auckland and then to Niue where he was finally laid to rest on the 30th.
Rest in Peace Hon. Sani Lakatani. You have served your country well. Fano A mo e Mafola ke he Kautu he Atua.
