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Tribute to King George Tupou V
Le’au Asenati Lole-Taylor
Spokesperson
for Pacific Island Affairs
21 March 2012
Tribute to King George Tupou V
With so many tributes pouring in over the last few days from all over the world, New Zealand First MP and Spokesperson for Pacific Island Affairs Le’au Asenati Lole-Taylor has expressed the party’s heartfelt condolences to the family of King Siaosi Tāufaāhau Manumataongo Tukuaho Tupou V - (King George Tupou V) and the people of Tonga.
“Our sincere sympathies go out to the King’s family at this time and there is no doubt about the instrumental role the King played to usher in the dawn of democracy in Tonga” said Mrs Lole-Taylor.
Mrs Lole-Taylor paid tribute to the
short but influential reign of King George Tupou V.
“We
remember the friendship which has always existed between New
Zealand and Tonga. This was greatly strengthened during the
illustrious reign of her late Majesty Queen Salote, who was
held in such high esteem and affection in this country.
“The very great impression of warmth and friendship on
Queen Salote's death was an occasion of great sadness to
very many people in all walks of life here. Queen Salote was
succeeded by her son, His Majesty King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV.
King Taufa'ahau Tupou has visted this country a number of
times. We remember how Tonga entered into a period of
further development and change throughout his reign.
“Like many of the other Island States in the
Pacific—Tonga in recent years has faced a number of
domestic problems, as well as natural disasters which so
often befall these Islands. I am very glad to say that Tonga
has been able to work through these difficult periods, due
in large part to the vision and intelligent assessment of
the way forward by His Majesty King George Tupou
V.
“During his short 4 year reign he guided Tonga
towards a more representative government by unselfishly
relinquishing many of his royal powers. His charming
eccentricities and his adherence to formal custom will be
long remembered by those who had the pleasure of his
company.”
New Zealand First leader Afioga Vaovasamanaia Rt Hon Winston Peters expressed his sympathy and support to the people of Tonga in Parliament yesterday.
“King Siaosi Tāufaāhau Manumataongo Tukuaho Tupou V will be forever remembered by his people and so many others for facilitating democratic change in Tonga,” said Mrs Lole-Taylor.
ENDS
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