Tonga – and then Rarotonga today

TONGA – New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern touched down in Tonga yesterday afternoon on the third leg of her Pacific Mission.

Ardern and a delegation of politicians, charity representatives and Pacific community leaders arrived in Nuku‘alofa, ahead of a day packed with diplomatic talks and visits to storm-hit areas.

The visit included a Women’s Leadership breakfast, followed by a meeting with her Tongan counterpart and an official visit to Fasi moe Afi Government Primary School and the village of Pili to witness the damage caused by Gita.

“There will be other themes on the agenda, but when you’re surrounded by that level of devastation – and I’ve seen aerial footage of it – it will no doubt be a huge focus,” Ardern told reporters ahead of her arrival.

It was Adern’s first official visit to Tonga since taking office.

Jacinda Ardern and her delegation were to depart Tonga for the Cook Islands this morning.

This year’s annual Pacific Mission comes as the government tries to “reset” New Zealand’s strategy towards its neighbours amid anxiety over growing interest in the region from countries with deeper pockets.

- PNC