Maposua Rudolf Keil

Maposua Rudolf Keil, who was also a renowned businessman, died in Samoa on Sunday, aged 83.

The New Zealand Minister for Pacific Peoples, Aupito William Sio said his friendship with Maposua Rudolf Keil began back in Samoa, during a time of political protest.

He said it was a huge loss for not only family, but the Samoan community as well.

Maposua was the first to establish a commercial privately owned radio station, introducing the FM frequency in Samoa in the 1990s.

This followed a decision by the then Prime Minister, Tofilau Eti Alesana, to amend the broadcasting act to open the airwaves to radio stations other than the government's 2AP.

Last month, Radio Polynesia, which is owned by Maposua and his family, bought the commercial TV3 station in a joint venture with a local business partner.

Photo Facebook. Caption: Maposua Rudolf Keil