The Samoan community in New Zealand and Samoa are mourning the incredibly painful loss of Michael Mataese ‘Mt Mack’ Taulolo, a beloved son, grandson, brother, uncle and friend.
New Zealand Police announced that a person died after falling from rocks into the water at Muriwai on Auckland’s west coast on Saturday.
Police said emergency services were called to Otakamiro Point at about 1pm on Saturday following reports that a person had fallen from the rocks into the sea.
Surf Life Saving crews and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter responded to the incident and located Mr Taulolo in the water a short time later but authorities say, sadly he could not be saved.
Mr Taulolo is a citizen of New Zealand and resides in Aotearoa. He is understood to have family roots from the Fa’asaleleaga 4 district in Savai’i. While his family awaits a full report on the circumstances surrounding the incident, they have asked for privacy during this difficult time.
“I lenei taimi o le fa’anoanoa, matou te talosaga atu ma le fa’aaloalo ina ia fa’amamaluina mana’oga o le aiga, ia tu’uina atu i ona aiga le avanoa ma le taimi latou te mana’omia e mafaufau ai i manatuaga fa’apelepele.”
Michael’s family confirmed his passing on social media yesterday, describing him as their guardian angel.
Michael Mataese ‘Mt Mack’ Taulolo, a beloved son, grandson, brother, uncle and friend.
“On behalf of my sister and brother, SJ N Uah Taulolo, and our family, we announce the passing of our beloved brother, son, uncle, and grandson, Michael Mataese ‘Mt Mack’ Taulolo, which occurred on June 6, 2026. He is now our guardian angel…”
The family have also corrected local media reports from Talamua Media and Radio Polynesia, both miseporting that Mr Taulolo was a seasonal worker.
“We would also like to clarify that our brother was not working under the RSE Scheme..
“He was a New Zealand citizen and we respectfully ask that accurate information be shared when reporting on this difficult time..”
Our thoughts and prayers are with family and friends of Michael Taulolo at this time of loss and mourning.
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