Maatia Toafa
Maatia Toafa | |
|---|---|
Toafa in 2016 | |
| Deputy Prime Minister of Tuvalu | |
| In office 10 April 2015 – 9 September 2019 | |
| Prime Minister | Enele Sopoaga |
| Preceded by | Vete Sakaio |
| Succeeded by | Minute Alapati Taupo |
| Minister of Finance | |
| In office 5 August 2013 – 9 September 2019 | |
| Prime Minister | Enele Sopoaga |
| Preceded by | Lotoala Metia |
| Succeeded by | Seve Paeniu |
| 9th Prime Minister of Tuvalu | |
| In office 29 September 2010 – 24 December 2010 | |
| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Governor General | Iakoba Italeli |
| Preceded by | Apisai Ielemia |
| Succeeded by | Willy Telavi |
| In office 11 October 2004 – 14 August 2006 Acting: 27 August 2004 – 11 October 2004 | |
| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Governor General | Faimalaga Luka |
| Preceded by | Saufatu Sopoanga |
| Succeeded by | Apisai Ielemia |
| Member of Parliament | |
| In office 25 July 2002 – 9 September 2019 | |
| Preceded by | Kokea Malua Lagitupu Tuilimu |
| Constituency | Nanumea |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1 May 1954 |
| Died | 13 November 2024 (age 70) |
| Political party | Independent |
| Spouse | Pulafagu Toafa |
Maatia Toafa (1 May 1954–13 November 2024) was a Tuvaluan politician, representing Nanumea, who served two non-consecutive terms as Prime Minister of Tuvalu. He first served as prime minister, and foreign minister, from 2004 to 2006, from the resignation of his predecessor, Saufatu Sopoanga, until the defeat of his Cabinet in the 2006 general election. From 2004 to 2006 he also held the role of foreign minister.
He was re-elected to parliament in the 2010 general election; and regained the premiership on 29 September 2010; however he lost the support of the parliament following a motion of confidence on 21 December of the same year. On 5 August 2013 Toafa became the Minister of Finance and Economic Development in the government of Prime Minister Enele Sopoaga. He was appointed as deputy prime minister following the 2015 Tuvaluan general election. He was not re-elected in the 2019 general election.
Prior to entering domestic Tuvaluan politics, Toafa worked for the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat in Suva, Fiji.
Toafa died on 13 November 2024, at the age of 70.