I'uogafa TUAGALU Obituary

I am still in shock regarding the loss of uncle I'u. Our thoughts and prayers are with our family at this time x Mum and i wish we could be there in person and super blessed we could stream all services online.

Talofa lava I'u. Only heard today of your passing. Shocked and saddened to hear. I look fondly on our conversations and enjoyed your cheeky humour. I admired your dedication to academia and especially from a Pasifika perspective. Aroha and deepest condolences and aroha to you whanau at this time.

I knew I'u as a young, charming, respectful and kind boy at King Street. I was married to Lylian (Toloa) at the time. He was easy to engage with and never had a temper or any angry trait that I knew of. He was very intelligent and was destined to excel in academia. He is a loss to his Family, that I know and he will always be fondly remembered by me. Arohanui.

I am the daughter of Tala Misiluti, and grandparents are Puau & Misiluti of Tauese Samoa.
I remember I'u as a young girl at King Street. He is a couple of years older so I always saw him as a cousin rather than Uncle... There were lots of games and chasing, playing tiggy.... And as I got older and heard my mum talk about him as a little brother with affection, I understood then too what my relationship was with him and gave due respect to him as Uncle despite only being 2 years older than me . Later we got to meet and greet him at other family events, and at aunty Rosa and uncle Peter's house in Waiuku when family from Samoa arrived. He was always the joker, muttering things that would get those in hearing proximity laughing while others knew it was something he had said lol. You will be sadly missed I'uogafa and my greatest regret was not visiting more often. Manuia lou malaga...

You're a huge loss not only for the AUT whanau but also for the community of Pacific scholars. Your commitment and dedication to the academic space is inspirational. We only met once at UniPrep 2025, but we graduated together two years ago when you received your doctorate and I my master's. You have influenced me in my journey, and I will strive to continue together with our AUT Pacific whanau to continue your legacy.

'Ofa atu moe tapuaki I'u

Talofa lava dear I´u, I´m shocked and saddened to hear of your sudden passing. It was an absolute pleasure and privilege to know you and work with you! I know many AUT staff and students from AUT have valued you advice, mentorship and friendship. May you now rest in love and peace. Sending condolences and much love to your aiga at this difficult time.

Surreal and heartbreaking news.

I was just attending one of I´u´s workshops last week - his warmth, generosity, and gentle spirit left a deep impression on so many of us. I´u had a rare gift for making students feel seen and supported, and his presence made AUT a kinder place.

Rest peacefully, I´u. You will be missed by AUT.

E hoa, you´ve taken your final hikoi, and it still doesn´t feel real. You were one of the good ones - sharp as a tack, kind as they come, and always carried yourself with quiet mana. You had that old skool charm - a gentleman with cheek, a thinker with heart. We´ll miss your laughs, your korero, and the way you made people feel seen. Moe mai ra, e te rangatira. Rest easy now, the world´s a little dimmer without you - but the heavens just got a real one. Haere ra, my friend - until we meet again.

RIP I'u. I met you once as a learning advisor and your humor took my stress away straight. I always remember you as a positive and jovial person who just gave a good push to students to get out from their learning struggles.May God give strength to your family in this difficult time. RIP :(...kind regards Preet (Ph.D candidate)