Former deputy prime minister Carmel Sepuloni has been eliminated from Celebrity Treasure Island and was given a moving sendoff by her teammates, who thanked her for her contribution to Pasifika people.
The politician was eliminated on last night’s episode of the show after losing a challenge to former rugby league player and sports commentator Wairangi Koopu.
“I’ve had such a good time, and I’ve learnt so much about myself and everyone else that’s been on our team,” she said.
Sepuloni said she was “really hopeful” that the younger competitors made it to the end.
Before leaving, fellow competitors Bubbah and Gaby Solomona sang her a song in Samoan.
“What she’s done for Pasifika people here in Aotearoa, being in the job that she’s in, it was such an honour to be able to have sung to her a very special Samoan song,” Solomona said.
“It was us saying thank you, we respect you, we honour you, go in peace.”
Sepuloni said she was “very humbled” by the way she was sent off.
After tears and hugs were shared by all the players, Sepuloni said: “I’m gonna go and have a margarita now.”
You can watch Celebrity Treasure Island on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 7.30pm on TVNZ 2 and TVNZ+