ASB Polyfest Director, Seiuli Leo Mauu and advocate for Samoan culture Toesulu Fa'alogo Brown have paid a heartfelt tribute to Fuatino Melegalenu'u To'alepaiali'i Ah Sam for her invaluable contributions.

Mrs. Ah Sam's contribution was not just limited to the ASB Polyfest but to the wider Samoan community over the years. She passed away peacefully on Monday at her New Zealand home and will be buried in Vaimoso next week.

Seiuli spoke fondly of her close relationship with Fuatino, who served as the primal stage coordinator for one of the festival's biggest stages, the Samoan stage.

"The Samoan stage is where it is now because of Melegalenu’u and, of course, Sulu Brown. They've really taken that stage to the next level, and if it weren't for their persistence and advocating for Samoa at the Polyfest table, it wouldn't be where it is today," she said.

Seiuli went on to highlight Fuatino's immense impact on the South Auckland community, especially her service at Mangere College. 

"She always likes to say that Hillary College may have been where it started (Polyfest) but it was Mangere College that won that first one," Seiuli reminisced.

Seiuli’s most recent memories of Fuatino were from the 2024 Polyfest, where she announced the results at the Samoan stage on the final day.

"I think what I'm going to miss the most is her voice," she said. 

"She was always quick-witted and unapologetic about fighting for the Samoan language. She was a very good friend and a very good mentor who always had time for you," said Seiuli. 

Toesulu Brown is also mourning the loss of her dear friend.

The two women had worked together for many years as coordinators of the Polyfest Samoan stage in Auckland, New Zealand, and had developed a close bond over their shared passion for Samoan language and culture. 

In an emotional interview, Toesulu Brown reflected on her friendship with "Mele" and the impact that she had on the Samoan community in New Zealand. 

Toesulu went on to describe the important role that Polyfest played in promoting the Samoan language and culture in New Zealand. 

"We have put Samoan on the map for university subjects. And that's part of our work. And that's part of Mele's achievements as well," said Toesulu," said Toesulu.

"So, Mele and I believed that knowing the language and the Samoan culture has helped them (students) along their academic work as well." 

Toesulu also shared her connection with Fuatino, describing her as a sister. 

"Even though she was 10 years younger than me, she would call me mother one day and sister another day," said Toesulu. 

"She looked after me like a mother, like a sister. She always was there for me. And that's why it's really hard to know that she's not going to be here." 

The loss of Fuatino is deeply felt by the Samoan community in South Auckland and beyond through the many social media posts. Toesulu added that Fuatino's legacy will live on through the countless lives that she touched and the impact that she had on promoting the Samoan language and culture.

“Manuia lou malaga Mele,” said Toesulu Brown.