Maiava Iulai Blakelock-Toma, Samoa’s former Ombudsman and one of its longest-serving public servants, was laid to rest on Tuesday following a distinguished career in public service and diplomacy spanning several decades.
Maiava died August 22 in New Zealand, at age 86. He is survived by his wife, June Carruthers Toma, and their children.
Maiava served as Samoa’s third Ombudsman for 26 years, from 1994 until his retirement in 2020. During that tenure, he chaired the National Public Inquiry into Family Violence and supported efforts to restore New Zealand citizenship to Samoans affected by the Citizenship (Western Samoa) Act 1982.
Earlier in his career, Maiava held several senior government and diplomatic posts, including Secretary to Government and chief executive of the Department of the Prime Minister, Foreign Affairs and Cabinet. He also served as Samoa’s permanent representative to the United Nations, ambassador to the United States, and high commissioner to Canada.
