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MP Saddened At King Of Tonga’s Passing
Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga
MP for Maungakiekie
19
March 2012
MP Saddened At King Of
Tonga’s Passing
Maungakiekie MP, Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga is saddened to hear the news that King George Tupou V died in Hong Kong last night.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the Tongan Royal family and the people of Tonga at this very difficult time,” says Mr Lotu-Iiga.
“New Zealand has a close and familial bond with Tonga. In Maungakiekie, we have a strong and passionate Tongan community who have a deep and abiding love of their homeland.
“The Late King’s residence in New Zealand, ‘Atalanga House, is located in my electorate suburb of Epsom South.
“King George Tupou V championed a more open system of government in Tonga and favoured a more representative and democratic parliament. In doing so, he transformed Tonga into a modern constitutional monarchy.
“My thoughts are also with the new King, His Majesty King 'Aho'eitu 'Unuaki'otonga Tuku'aho who has succeeded to the throne and takes up a great mantle of responsibility. I wish him well in the service of his people.
ENDS
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