Lupeti Finau (died 11 March 1979) was a Tongan civil servant and politician. He served as a member of the Legislative Assembly from 1978 until his death the following year.

Lupeti Finau
Member of the Legislative Assembly
In office
1978–1979
Succeeded byTomiteau Finau
ConstituencyTongatapu
Personal details
Died11 March 1979

Biography edit

Finau was one of the children of politician Molitoni Finau.[1] He won a government scholarship to study at Newington College in Sydney,[2] joining the school in 1933.[3] Like his father, he excelled at sport, representing the school in athletics, cricket and rugby,[3] and winning the school's 120 yard hurdles, high jump and shot put competitions in 1936.[4]

After returning to Tonga he joined the civil service, rising to become Taxation Commissioner,[5] and later Deputy Commissioner of the Inland Revenue.[6] He was also involved in rugby, coaching the Hihifo team to victory in the Hellaby Shield in 1951,[7] and later becoming president of the Tonga Rugby Union.[8]

He was elected to the Legislative Assembly in the 1978 elections,[6] but died in March 1979. His seat in the legislature was taken by his brother Tomiteau.[1]

References edit

  1. ^ a b Tomiteau Finau Pacific Islands Monthly, February 1985, p57
  2. ^ Cultured Boys From Tongan College Tour Australian In Choir. Pacific Islands Monthly, December 1932, p44
  3. ^ a b Background information on Tupou College Tupou College Sesquicentenary Tour
  4. ^ Lubeti Finau Pacific Islands Monthly, September 1936, p40
  5. ^ Old Boy Pacific Islands Monthly, August 1963, p27
  6. ^ a b People Pacific Islands Monthly, June 1978, p22
  7. ^ Tonga's Football Champions Pacific Islands Monthly, November 1951, p45
  8. ^ Tonga will play Rugby Pacific Islands Monthly, March 1971, p51