NZ's Pacific communities mourn leader 'Aunty Liz'

New Zealand's Pacific communities are mourning the loss of an inspirational leader many fondly call Aunty Liz.

Elizabeth Peivi Alice Lee-Lo Smith, ONZM, will be greatly missed, Pacific Island Affairs Minister Luamanuvao Winnie Laban said yesterday.

Tangi Tipene, national president of the Association of Staff in Tertiary Education, described Aunty Liz as an "inspirational, strategic, visionary and pivotal" leader in the Pacific community and a "mouthpiece" for those who were unable to speak for themselves.

She was an executive member of the Service and Food Workers Union and a founding member of the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Pacific committee.