Nations rally to help Tonga’s parliament

TONGA – Parliaments throughout the Pacific, including Australia and New Zealand with support from the United Nations, have rallied behind Tonga to ensure the March sitting of the nation’s Parliament.

The 100-year-old chamber of Tonga’s Legislative Assembly was destroyed by Tropical Cyclone Gita last month, forcing parliament to sit in the National Cultural Centre.

Tonga’s speaker Lord Fatafehi Fakafanua said he was relieved and thankful for the overwhelming support from his regional counterparts. Lord Fakafanua said it was crucial the Assembly continues to function at this difficult time for Tonga.

“I am honoured and overwhelmed at the same time with the responses that we have received to date from parliaments in Australia, New Zealand and Fiji and UNDP for their swift and kind assistance in our time of need.” - RNZI