Sam Lotu-Iiga

Peseta Samuelu Masunu "Sam" Lotu-Iiga (born 2 November 1970) is the member of the New Zealand Parliament for the Maungakiekie electorate having been elected in the 2008 election. Lotu-Iiga is one of two National Party Pacific Island MPs. Lotu-Iiga holds the Samoan high chiefly title of Peseta.

Early life

Lotu-Iiga was born in Apia, Samoa, and moved to New Zealand as a child. He grew up in South Auckland, attending Mangere Central Primary School. He then attended Auckland Grammar School and the University of Auckland, where he earned an MCom(Hons) and a BCom/LLB.

Professional career

While studying, Lotu-Iiga worked as an intern at the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, but declined an offer to continue after graduation, instead joining Russell McVeagh McKenzie Bartleet in Auckland as a solicitor.

Lotu-Iiga travelled to Britain, where he worked for Bankers Trust as a financial analyst. While in Britain he earned his MBA from the University of Cambridge (Queens' College). While at Cambridge Lotu-Iiga played rugby for the New Zealand Barbarians.