The delegation from New Zealand was the largest group to attend the funeral of the late King.  The delegation arrived on a Royal New Zealand Air Force Boeing 757 carrying the Prime Minister’s Party, the Governor General’s Party, New Zealand Ministers, Pacific Island representatives and Senior Maori delegation including Te Ariki Tumu Te Heuheu, Paramount Chief of Ngati Tuwharetoa and Dr Apirana Mahuika, Chairman, Te Runanga o Ngati Porou.  The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat also travelled on this flight.

Dr Melenaite Taumoefolau, Frank Koloi, Uata Vea,Ngalu Mafi

New Zealand Members of Parliament were included in the delegation, representing most political parties.  Diplomatic Missions Accredited to Tonga in Wellington travelled on this flight, including Ambassadors and High Commissioners from across the world, including the Phillipines (Ms Lolita Capco), Embassy of Italy (HE Dr Liana Marolla), and Russia (Mr Andrey Kornyukhin).

NZ dignitaries exit the Royal Air NZ Boeing 757 at Fua'amotu Airport

Officials from various Ministries were part of the delegation, New Zealand Defence Forces, New Zealand Police, Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs, New Zealand Immigration Services, Visits and Ceremonials Office, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Kalolo Fihaki - Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs (NZ), Tevita Finau, Hola Taue

The efforts of the New Zealand Government to bring such a large and important contingent shows a great commitment to Tonga and the close and special relationship between the two countries.

Hon Luamanuvao Winnie Laban, Dr 'Ana Koloto

New Zealand Tongan Community Delegation:

Mrs Hola Taue, Mr Viliami Langi, Mr David Finau, Dr Palatasa Havea, Mrs Sulia Nau, Dr Melenaite Taumoefolau, Dr David Finau, Mr Siaosi Niuhulu, Mr Paul Muller, Mr Ben Makisi, Mr Paea Wolfgramm, Mr Uatahausi Vea, Miss Ngaluha’amea Mafi, Rev Heamasi Finau, Miss Lavoni Matoto, Mr Viliami Tiseli, Fr Viliami’ita Koloamatangi, Rev Epeli Taungapeau, Mrs Seini Vaka, Mr Kalolo Fihaki, Mr Owen Pau’u, Mr Joel Fotu, Mr Frank Koloi, Mr Siale Faitotonu, Ms Lesieli Tongati’o, Mr Viliami Sevele, Mrs Sevele.