Families of the two RSE workers at at Le Maota Samoa in Auckland. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Grace Tinetali-Fiavaai
Over 250 people from the Samoan Community in Aotearoa gathered for the memorial service of the two RSE workers who died in a car crash on State Highway 1 in South Auckland on 26 August.
The melodious voices of sopranos, tenors, and bass filled the room at Le Maota Samoa on Sunday, as the Samoan community paid their respects at victims of the Ramarama tragedy.
The widow of Leauga Jerry Leauga, 37, expressed gratitude to the community and those abroad who showed their love throughout the difficult time for her family.
She requested prayers for her and her four sons, as one of them accompanied her to take her husband's body to Samoa, while the three are waiting back home.
"Your courage today gives me the courage to speak on behalf of my kids and all our families back home in Samoa," she said.
She also addressed the rumours and misunderstandings that have led to false accusations spreading on social media platforms.
"I have one request: please pray for me and my kids, there are a lot of rumours and misunderstandings that has led to false accusations spreading on social media and other platforms.
"I will stay strong if you give me your prayers."
The bodies of Leauga and Ta'avao Kelemete, (32) are set to return to Samoa on Tuesday.
One of the survivors who was present at the service, and is in stable condition, hopes to get clearance from doctors to fly out and take his brothers bodies back to Samoa as they prepare to lay them to rest.
The widow of Uili Fa'aofo, Nu'ulua, was also present. Uili was laid to rest on Friday.
Ta'avao Kelemete, Fa'aofo Uili Fa'aofo and Leauga Jerry Leauga. Photo: Supplied
'Tomorrow is not promised'
Labour's deputy leader Carmel Sepuloni, along with Lemauga Lydia Sosene, Jenny Salesa, and elected representatives of the local government Tauanu'u Nick Bakulich and Li'amanaia Lorenzo Kaisara, as well as members of the Labour Pacific Caucus, were in attendance.
"Thank you for choosing to work and serve Aotearoa. All our love and condolences to all your loved ones," Sepuloni said.
"This horrendous accident to the loss of the three Samoan men is a reminder that tomorrow is not promised."
Other dignitaries present included Samoa High Commission's head of mission Afamasaga Faamatalaupu Toleafoa and the consul general Afemata Palusalue Fa'apo II Lemalu.
Afamasaga is hopeful the Samoan community's response in dealing with the tragedy will be a learning moment on how to respond in a time of loss in the future.
"We're always going to have large numbers come over to work in this scheme, and this sets a precedent for how to deal with it.
"We have to make sure the families get the support that they need."
Over $59,000 raised
Otara-Papatoetoe local board representative Li'amanaia Lorenzo Kaisara had created a Givealittle fundraising page for the three families - raising over 1000 people donated close to NZ$60,000.
"The families spoke with me [Sunday] showing how grateful they are. They're thankful to everyone who donated.
"They can't thank you enough. On behalf of the families, my heartfelt thanks to you all."
