His Majesty King George Tupou V's Coronation Preparations

Preparations for the August Coronation of His Majesty King George Tupou V have begun in Nuku'alofa. In April 2007, His Majesty approved through Cabinet, the establishment of the Cabinet Coronation Committee with the following members:

- Hon. Deputy Prime Minister (Chairman)

- Hon. Minister for Finance (Vice Chairman)

- Hon. Minister for Foreign Affairs

- Hon. Acting Minister for Defence

- Hon. Acting Governor for Vava'u

- Hon. Minister for Police Prison and Fire Services

- Hon. Minister for Works

- Hon. Minister for Labour, Commerce & Industries

- Lord Chamberlain

- Private Secretary to His Majesty

- Rev. Dr. 'Ahio

The Secretariat is being provided from the Prime Minister's Office.

Since the establishment of the Cabinet Coronation Committee, a number of Sub-Committees have also been established:

1. Coronation Service Sub-Committee
2. Traditional Dances Sub-Committee
3. Royal Feasts Sub-Committee
4. Tupakapakanava Sub-Committee
5. Sports Sub-Committee
6. Fireworks Sub-Committee
7. Medals, Gifts & Souvenirs Sub-Committee
8. Coronation Ball/Banquet Sub-Committee
9. Beautification Sub-Committee
10. Outer Islands Sub-Committee
11. Budget/Procurement Sub-Committee
12. Transport Sub-Committee
13. Accommodation Sub-Committee
14. Taumafakava Sub-Committee
15. Protocol Sub-Committee
16. Arches Sub-Committee
17. Royal Guests/Heads of State/Heads of Government Sub-Committee
18. Official Overseas Guests Sub-Committee
19. Liaison Officers/Ushers Sub-Committee
20. Media Sub-Committee
21. Security Sub-Committee

The Tonga Traditions Committee will be represented in the follow two Sub-Committees:

Traditional Dances Sub-Committee

The Traditional Dance Sub-Committee has been established to coordinate traditional dances to be performed at official functions during the Coronation Programme.

Chairperson: HRH Princess Salote Mafile'o Pilolevu Tuita

Vice Chairperson: Hon. Tu'ivakano

Hon. Fotofili

Hon. Luani

Hon. Nuku

Fuatakifolaha Veikune

Hon. Tu'ivanuavou Vaea

Mr. Tau'atevalu

Mr. Tamale

Mr. Kamoto

Mrs. Veiongo Lasike

Mrs. Pasemata Taunisila

Mrs. Tu'imala Kaho

Mr. Afuha'amango Taumoepeau

The Sub-Committee met on Tuesday 12^th February at the new Fa'onelua Convention Centre, Nuku'alofa. At the meeting, the Sub-Committee proposed several possible performance dates and key performers. However, the Sub-Committee will be working hard to gather and review further information prior to confirmation of the Faiva (dance) schedule for the coronation, which is hoped to be released in early May 2008.

A great deal of interest has been shown by the overseas Tongan community and others in the performance schedule of the upcoming coronation. The Sub-Committee understands that many overseas people would also like to partake in the celebrations and they are looking at ways to incorporate them into the program.

The Sub-Committee believe that the dances held during the coronation week, especially the Lakalaka, are of extreme importance to Tongan culture, as they highlight, encourage and pass-on knowledge to future generations.

Taumafa Kava Sub-Committee

To coordinate preparations for Taumafa Kava

Chairperson: HRH Princess Nanasipau'u Tuku'aho

Vice Chairperson: Rev. Dr. 'Ahio

Hon. Tu'ipelehake

Baron Vaea of Houma

Hon. Luani

Hon. Tu'iha'angana

Hon. Tu'ivanuavou Vaea

Hon. Tuita

Mr. Matai'ulua

Mr. Kapukava

Mr. Motu'apuaka

Mr. Lauki

Mr. Uhi

The Taumafa Kava is an extremely important kava circle which consummates the Tongan King in his traditional role as the sacred ruler of the Kingdom of Tonga. The seating order, speeches and ceremony of preparing the kava liquid are very ancient and rare events that are performed only at the death (Hala) or coronation (Hilifaki Kalauni) of a Tongan monarch.

The Taumafa Kava Sub-Committee met on Wednesday 13^th February at the new Fa'onelua Convention Centre, Nuku'alofa. With the assistance of the Nobles and Matapule (Talking Chiefs), the Taumafa kava circle is currently been reviewed and discussed for the coronation. With high numbers of Tongans currently living overseas, and their close economic ties to Tonga, the Matapule titles have increased and consequently remain Tongan in their identity.