Unitec whānau honour the life and mourn the sad passing of Lance Laulala

It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the passing of our much-loved and respected colleague, Lance Laulala, on Friday, 4 July 2025.

The Academic Development Lecturer is remembered as a man of humility, kindness, and generosity, who loved his job. Lance made a difference in the lives of many ākonga and kaimahi over his more than 22 years of service to Unitec.

His legacy is evident in the many heartfelt and touching tributes and stories that have been shared by the wider Unitec whānau over the past few days.

“There are very few people who are as remarkable as Lance Laulala. Unassuming, a bit of a rebel, clever beyond belief, cool guy, so kind, generous, funny and all-round great human,” says Annette Pitovao, Director Student Success.

“Many of us have amazing stories and experiences that confirm these attributes and more. I truly believe we are better humans thanks to Lance. His expertise for Maths support was phenomenally student-centred including working on a Sunday before a big exam because the students asked for Lance’s help just a few weeks ago.

“We will miss his cheeky smile, quiet chuckle, and kind help in so many ways. Rest in love and respect Lance from your whole Unitec aiga.”

Mr Laulala was educated in Samoa attending Sapapal’i Primary, Mata-ae-Vave Intermediate, Samoa College and in New Zealand at Waitaki Boys’​ High, and University of Canterbury. He was also a former teacher at Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate in Ōtara.

Lance started at Unitec on 9 September 2002, moving into a permanent fulltime role on 3 February 2003.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife Marie and aiga (family).

Rest in Peace Lance. Manuia lau malaga.

*******************

To honour Lance’s wishes a simple farewell service will be held for him on Tuesday, 8 July 2025 at Te Noho Kotahitanga Marae. All kaimahi are invited to attend.

Service for Lance Laulala

Te Noho Kotahitanga Marae, Ngākau Mahaki

Tuesday, 8 July 2025

10:30am – Kaimahi arrive

10:50am – Lance’s Whānau arrive

11:00am – Pōwhiri/Whakatau begins

11:20am – Papa Hohepa Renata handover to Rev. Talia Tapaleao & Pr. Stephen Mata’ia to begin formal proceedings.

11:25am – Tatalo (Karakia/Prayer)

11:35am – Bible Reading and Homily

11:50am – Eulogies/Tributes

12:50pm – Refreshments

1:45pm – Waiata

1:55pm – Upu Fai’u/Final Words/End of Service

  • If you wish to contribute a meaalofa (koha) to honour Lance’s memory, please deposit to the account below and leave your name as a reference: Account details: Rokosiga Morrison 01-0071-0307229-00

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *