Auckland community leader Pakilau Manase Lua says 51-year old Sovaleni has the right package of skills for the job.
"He comes from great stock, a well-educated man, a lot of credibility in terms of his knowledge of how the machinery of government works.
“He's got the academic skill and knowledge to perform his task, so I'm sure he'll do well."
Sovaleni, a former deputy to 'Akilisi Pohiva, won 16 votes in the secret ballot among the 26 MPs, and will serve as prime minister for the next four years.
