Andrew Leiataua service details: Remembering our great friend and colleague

More FM and the family of Andrew Leiataua would love to invite you to celebrate the wonderful life of our true local icon.

Andrew will be honoured this Saturday, October 17, at the Great Lake Centre, Taupō. Doors open at 12pm with a service commencing at 12.30pm.

If you're unable to make it in person, a live stream of the service will be accessible via our More FM Taupō 93.6 Facebook page.

On Sunday, October 11, we shared the heartbreaking news of Andrew’s sudden passing due to an unexpected medical condition. It came as a shock to the local community and those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Andrew has been with MediaWorks for 30 years, and our More FM breakfast host in Taupō for 20 years. He was a huge part of our community.

Memories and tributes remembering Andrew as a much-loved voice of More FM, who brought his humour, warmth and energy to everything he did, have been pouring in the days following the shock announcement.

“I am truly lost for words,” More FM announcer Jack Girling wrote in memory of his friend and co-worker. “Growing up in Taupō, I remember Mum turning on the radio and Andrew being there. Crazy to think he won’t be there anymore.”

“Andrew is, and will always be, the reason I wanted to get into radio. I feel truly privileged to have gotten to work with him over the last three years and learn from the best,” he added.

One Taupō local also left a heartfelt tribute to Andrew, writing: “For so many years, Andrew was more than just a familiar voice on the radio. He was part of our mornings, our community events, our stories and our lives.

“His warmth, humour and genuine support for Taupō came through in everything he did. He gave so much to this community, often simply by being himself: kind, approachable, generous and always ready with that unmistakable voice.”

Taupō has lost one of its great voices

"We are deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Andrew," McDonald's Taupō wrote in a Facebook post.

"Andrew, thank you for your incredible support, the laughter and the memories. You will be greatly missed by our team and the wider Taupō community."

You are welcome to leave your messages on the More FM Taupō Facebook page as we remember our local legend.