It is with sadness that I inform you of the death of Su’a Malaeloa Vili, retired Lay Minister and 50 years as a lay preacher, at the Middlemore Hospital on Sunday 23rd February 2025.
Su’a Malaeloa Vili was appointed Lay preacher on the 12th of June 1970 in the Methodist Church of Samoa. He arrived in Aotearoa New Zealand on the 15th of October 1972. He was a member of the Methodist Church of New Zealand /Te Haahi Weteriana O Aotearoa Ponsonby from 1973- 1977, Onehunga 1978-1983, and Mangere Central, Bader Drive from 1984 to the time of his death.
He was appointed and served as Lay Minister from 2000 until his retirement in 2020.
Su’a Malaeloa Vili is survived by his wife Faimanifo Vili, seven children (5 girls and 2 boys) as well as twenty-two (22) grandchildren.
Su’a Malaeloa Vili’s long and faithful service as a Lay Preacher and Lay Minister was a blessing to many. His leadership and dedication to the church spanned over 50 years, leaving a lasting impact on the communities he served.