Rt Hon Helen Clark
Prime Minister of New Zealand

13 September 2006 Media Statement

Prime Minister to attend funeral in Tonga

Prime Minister Helen Clark today confirmed she would attend the funeral of His Majesty King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV of Tonga, in Nuku’alofa on Tuesday 19 September.

"A Royal New Zealand Air Force Boeing 757 will depart Auckland early on Tuesday morning, and return the same day," Helen Clark said.

"The Governor General, the Honourable Anand Satyanand will travel on the flight, as will government ministers, MPs, heads of diplomatic missions based in Wellington, a delegation from the Tongan community and other community leaders, and members of the news media.

Flags on government buildings in New Zealand will be flown at half mast on the day of the funeral.

ENDS

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