NZ Women’s Weekly
Jenny Forsyth, August 2006
“Auckland heart surgery survivor, Ta’afuli Andrew Fiu has survived five operations. His secret? Strong women – including his “female” heart. Andrew Fiu has achieved a world record he never hoped to hold: surviving the most open heart surgeries. And after being cut open and sewn up again five times, he is adamant his still-beating heart is a woman’s.” (more…)
TVNZ Breakfast
Kay Gregory, 31 July 2006
Kay Gregory spoke to author Ta’afuli Andrew Fiu about his book Purple Heart. The veteran of five open-heart surgeries, his first book chronicles a life spent both in the melting pot of Auckland’s inner city suburbs, and in the city’s hospitals. Speaking on air, Kay said “I think every New Zealander should read this book. It’s a tale of a Samoan coming to New Zealand. It’s a tale of someone suffering through great adversity health- wise, surviving it, the people you met. It’s brilliant.”
The Aucklander
Sharu Delikan, 2 August 2006
“After five open heart surgeries due to a misdiagnosis more than 25 years ago, Andrew Fiu has decided to share his journey in his first book. The book injects humour and … although it’s only been three years since Mr Fiu’s last operation, he is optimistic his plight can only improve with the miracles of modern science.” (more…)
Radio Australia
Isabelle Genoux, 7 August 2006
Isabelle Genoux spoke to New Zealand Samoan author Andrew Fiu about his book which tells his story of migration, endurance and unbroken spirit.
National Radio
Kathryn Ryan, 9 August 2006
Kathryn Ryan spoke to Ta’afuli Andrew Fiu about his life, his autobiography and his ongoing cardiac illness.
Tangata Pasifika – TVNZ
Aaron Taouma, 17 August 2006
Aaron Taouma spoke to Samoan author Ta’afuli Andrew Fiu about his recently released autobiography and his five open heart surgeries.
The Sunday News
Mere Mulu, 30 July 2006
“I spent three and a half years in hospital, most of it lying flat on my back. I was the only brown kid in a ward where the average age was 50. It was interesting because I was learning from their stories.” Dad-of-four Andrew, who has three heriditary matai (chief) titles – says he has learned to turn negative experiences into positives. (more…)