11 September 2006

Green Party extends condolences to Tongan people

The Green Party is today expressing sadness at the passing of His Majesty King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV of Tonga, and sending condolences to his family and to the Tongan people, Green Party Co-Leader Jeanette Fitzsimons says.

"We join the Tongan Royal Family and the people of Tonga in their grief at the passing of their Head of State.

"During King Tupou IV's long reign Tonga became an independent sovereign state and joined the Commonwealth and the United Nations. It has been a time of much change, but also peace and stability for his country and he will be remembered for this," Ms Fitzsimons says.

Green Party Pacific Island Affairs Spokesperson Keith Locke says he looks forward to further progress for Tonga under King Tupou IV's successor, King Taufau'ahau Tupou V.

"The sad passing of King Tupou IV marks the beginning of a new era for Tonga. We hope New Zealand can help Tonga to confront the new challenges of the 21st Century," Mr Locke says.

ENDS

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