Don Brash MP
National Party Leader
11 September 2006

National sends condolences to Tongan Royal Family

National Party Leader Don Brash has expressed his condolences to the Tongan Royal Family and the people of Tonga following the death of His Majesty King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV.

"The King was the fourth in a lineage that began in 1845, but a Royal family had been in place in Tonga for more than 1,000 years," says Dr Brash.

"His passing represents a loss for all Tongan people no matter where they live.

"The King was loved by his people for his wise and benevolent stewardship of Tonga's affairs.

"His greatest legacy may well be the widespread introduction of education, which has resulted in Tongan people being among the best educated in the Pacific region. His rule was also characterised by stability.

"As a lay preacher he supported the church, one of the foundations of Tongan society.

"This is a great loss to the Tongan people on the islands, and those Tongans living in New Zealand and elsewhere in the world."

ENDS

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