The oldest serving leader in the world, Samoa's head of state, has died at the age of 94 after leading the country for 45 years.
Malietoa Tanumafili II died in hospital where he was admitted about a week ago.
Malietoa became the joint head of state when Samoa gained independence in 1962. He strode the world stage but always saw himself as a servant of his people.
"We haven't any big problems under his watch...and I think that says a lot about him...gentle in his speech...gentle in demeanour...and the country loved him," says family elder Papali'i Pita Taouma.
New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark says Malietoa has been a father figure to his people and "there will be great sorrow in Samoa today". She says his legacy will mean the Samoan people will be mourning for a while to come.
National Party leader John Key says New Zealand and Samoa have continued to enjoy strong ties during Tanumafili's reign and he was no stranger to our shores. Key says the statesman visited many times, including at the invitation of the late Maori Queen, and his passing will be mourned throughout the Pacific.
A spokesman for Samoan Advisory Council, Tino Pareira, says his death is being felt in Samoan communities around the world and especially in new Zealand. Pareira says the Samoan government has 30 days to vote on his successor.
News of Malietoa's death came as a shock to many Samoans attending Sunday church services in Auckland.
Malietoa was well known as a follower of the Baha'i faith. He attended St Stephens and Wesley colleges in New Zealand.
Taouma says Malietoa's door was always open for the smallest child to the eldest person in Samoa. "He was able to relate to them in a simple, humble way."
Malietoa's death is another changing of the old guard in the Pacific.
Actor/writer Oscar Knightley says it's a huge passing on top of so many recent leaders such as the Maori Queen and the king of Tonga.
"We're losing that generation of leaders...it's a sad thing... a real passing of a generation."
