1/09/2006

‘ National Committee for Political Reform’ Report Presented to King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV of Tonga

The official report of the “Kingdom of Tonga National Committee for Political Reform” (NCPR) was presented to His Majesty King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV at Mercy Hospital yesterday evening. Her Royal Highness Princess Salote Pilolevu Tuita received the report on behalf of His Majesty the King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV.

The final report contains results and recommendations based on a nation-wide consultation process of ‘talanoa’ seeking the people’s views about political changes in Tonga. Public meetings were also held with Tongans living in New Zealand, Australia and the United States seeking their perspectives on political and constitutional reform.

The Vice-Chairman of the Committee, Dr Sitiveni Halapua presented the final report to the King. Dr Halapua is the Director of the Pacific Islands Development Programme at the East West Centre in Hawai'i and was responsible for drafting the report. In attendance, at Mercy Hospital in Epsom, were the Lord Chamberlain, Honourable Noble Fielakepa, the Master of the Royal Household, Hon Albert Tu’ivanuvou Vaea, and Deputy Private Secretary to His Majesty, Sateki ‘Ahio.

In Nuku’alofa, earlier in the day a copy of the report was delivered to the Crown Prince, the Prince Regent in Nuku’alofa by Samiu Vaipulu, People Representative from Vava’u members of the National Committee. The NCPR report will be tabled in Tongan Parliament for discussion.

Originally chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Tu’ipelehake and endorsed by the Tongan Government, the establishment and work of the Committee was viewed to be an important step towards promoting unity and progressing social and economic advancement of the Kingdom of Tonga.

ENDS

© Scoop Media