Prime Minister Feleti Teo (OC 1982) Returns to the College

On Wednesday 25 March, St Andrew’s College had the honour of welcoming back one of its most distinguished Old Collegians, The Honourable Feleti Teo OBE (OC 1982), Prime Minister of Tuvalu, as part of his official state visit to New Zealand. Accompanied by his wife, Madame Tausaga Teo, and members of his delegation, the Prime Minister was welcomed by College leadership, former classmates, past staff, and students for a morning rich in ceremony, reflection, and shared history.

The visit began with a formal arrival through the Papanui Road gates, led by Pipe Major Sam Foote (Year 13). For several members of the Tuvaluan delegation, it was the first time they had ever heard bagpipes. As the cars moved slowly up the driveway, windows were quietly lowered, the music clearly striking a chord.

Prime Minister Teo was welcomed at Strowan House to the stirring sounds of The St Andrew’s March performed by the Pipe Band. The Tuvaluan flag‑raising by the Head Students followed, setting a tone that reflected both cultural pride and enduring College values. Prime Minister Teo was visibly moved as he greeted his classmates for the first time in many years and was brought to tears upon seeing his “New Zealand parents,” former housemaster John Irving and his wife Jill.

Students played a central role throughout the morning. The Pasifika Group welcomed the delegation in song creating a moment of real stillness, followed by the Middle School’s haka as they approached the Centennial Chapel, grounding the welcome in strength, unity, and respect. The Prep School Kapa Haka Group performed as Prime Minister and Madame Teo took their seats on the stage inside the Chapel.

In his address, Prime Minister Teo reflected warmly on his years at St Andrew’s College. He spoke of the values instilled during his time at the College and how they shaped his life and leadership. He also addressed the realities of climate change and its profound impact on Tuvalu, engaging thoughtfully with Pasifika students during a question-and-answer session.

The service concluded with the presentation of gifts, including a painting of Strowan House by Old Collegian Kelvin McMillan (OC 1977). The visit ended with time for Prime Minister Teo to reconnect privately with members of the Class of 1982, past staff, and former football coach Michael Glubb. Classmates, including Head Boy of 1982 Craig Dowling, had travelled from around the country to see him and spent time reminiscing. Known to many simply as “Fred,” the reunion was full of warmth and shared history, lingering longer than the schedule allowed.

Prime Minister Teo arrived at St Andrew’s from Tuvalu in 1981 to complete his final two years of schooling, graduating as Dux, a school prefect, and the top goal scorer for the 1st XI football team. He went on to the University of Canterbury, graduating with a Bachelor of Laws, and in 1986, became the first Tuvaluan to be admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand. An illustrious career followed across Pacific‑wide organisations, including serving as Tuvalu’s first Attorney General and Head of Legal and Judicial Services from 1991 to 2000.

Feleti Teo became Prime Minister of Tuvalu in 2024 and follows in the footsteps of other notable Pacific leaders educated at St Andrew’s: Sir Toaripi Lauti (OC 1951), the first Prime Minister of Tuvalu, and Sir Ieremia Tabai (OC 1969), the first President of Kiribati.

This visit was a poignant reminder of the global impact of a St Andrew’s education and a proud homecoming for a College son whose leadership continues to resonate far beyond our grounds.