Late High Commissioner Johnson Naviti

The late diplomat and long-time civil servant was described as a role model civil servant who always placed Vanuatu’s development at heart.

A State Funeral for Mr Naviti was held at the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs in Port Vila today.

Mr Naviti passed away in Wellington where he was based at the Vanuatu High Commission.

The families of the Shepherds Islands where Mr Naviti hails from were acknowledged for raising and supporting such a leader like him.

Prior to the repatriation, a funeral service for His Excellency was held at St. Ninian's Parish in Wellington on Monday 10 August 2020.

The service was attended by the family of the Late High Commissioner, members of the Diplomatic Corps, New Zealand Government Officials and other dignitaries.

“Our hearts are saddened to farewell our esteemed colleague and friend, the late His Excellency Johnson M.Naviti. Our prayers are with the Naviti family as they return home to Port Vila today,” the Vanuatu High Commission said on social media today.