(Day 4 - am)

In accordance with traditional protocols, presentations will be made by groups and organizations to His Majesty King Siaosi Tupou V.  These presentations will be made at the Villa Royal Residence in Mata ki ‘Eua.

The emphasis is not on what is given, but the act of giving.  In particular, the time that has been spent preparing the gifts and presentations is of significance.  Giving of gifts during a bereavement period is not only a ritual associated with the Royal family.  This is a practice that is customary among all Tongans.   

Staff of the Ministry of Finance during the presentation of their "holos" (gifts)

The presentations require elaborate co-ordination of fine mats, ngatu, beautiful fabrics, food, bouquets of flowers and money.  This arranging will usually be done by the matriarch of the family or village.  The gifts presented are called ‘koloa’ which can be translated to mean treasure or wealth. 

Staff of the Ministry of Finance - present Kava and other gifts

The giving and exchange of gifts is an ancient Tonga tradition.  For Tongans, such presentations are the physical manifestation of love, loyalty, respect; and adhere to principles of reciprocity and sharing the burden of costs during important family occasions. 

The koloa that is presented to the Royal family will be redistributed.  In accordance with protocol, Tongan traditional gifting is cyclical.  One does not simply ‘receive’ and retain such presentations.  This wealth is redistributed according to custom.  Women are always responsible for the collecting, preparing and redistributing of koloa.     

Thursday 14th  

2pm   Ministry of Education

Friday 15th

2pm   Tonga National Youth Congress

4.30pm   MBF Bank

Saturday

9.00am   Catholic Church

9.30am   Anglican Church

10.00am   Ministry of Agriculture, Food, Forestry and Fisheries

10.15am  Tonga Visitors Bureau

10.30am  Ministry of Works

11.00am  Tonga College Old Boys Association

2.00pm   Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

2.15pm   Ministry of Finance

2.30pm   University of the South Pacific

3.15pm   Kolomotu’a District

5.00pm   Lord Ve’ehala

Monday 18th

10.00am  Ministry of Health

11.00am  Tonga Water Board

11.30am  Lord Kalaniuvalu

1.30pm   Ratu Laiseni Qarase

   Ratu Jone Madraiwiwi

   Fijian Community

3.00pm   Chruch of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints

5.00pm   Niuatoputapu

   Niua Fo’ou