Nuku’alofa – July 2024.The Hon Consul General of Tonga Anthony Bailey visited New Zealand High Commission in Nuku’alofa and met with the High Commissioner His Excellency Matthew Howell to discuss Tongan-New Zealand ties. New Zealand has had a resident diplomatic mission in Tonga since 1976.
Tonga and New Zealand share a close relationship built on historical, cultural, and familial ties. New Zealand supports Tonga through development assistance, educational scholarships, economic partnerships, and disaster relief, particularly in response to events like the 2022 volcanic eruption and tsunami. High-level visits have taken place between New Zealand’s governors-general and prime minister and Tongan royalty, such as His Majesty King Tupou VI, further strengthening diplomatic and cultural ties. The countries collaborate on various issues, including climate change and trade.
The Hon Consul General also met with the Australian High Commissioner to Tonga, His Excellency Brek Batley at the Queen Salote Memorial Hall. Tonga and Australia have are celebrating in 2025 55 years of a strong and enduring partnership. Australia is also the largest development donor in Tonga supporting substantial financial and technical assistance in areas like health, education, disaster resilience, infrastructure, and the economy.
Mr Bailey also met with the British High Commissioner to Tonga, His Excellency Philip Malone who was appointed in 2024. The United Kingdom provides significant support to Tonga across various sectors, focusing on development aid, disaster relief, climate change, and education. The UK contributes to Tonga’s economic growth by funding infrastructure projects like roads and schools and enhancing governance and institutional capacity. This aid is often delivered through direct assistance and multilateral organisations such as the Commonwealth and the United Nations. In times of crisis, particularly after the 2022 volcanic eruption and tsunami, the UK has been quick to respond with humanitarian aid, sending relief teams, medical supplies, and financial assistance to help with recovery and rebuilding efforts.
The UK also plays a vital role in supporting Tonga’s fight against climate change. As a vulnerable island nation, Tonga faces significant threats from rising sea levels and extreme weather. The UK helps Tonga adapt to and mitigate these impacts by funding resilience-building projects and offering expertise in climate policy. Furthermore, the UK provides scholarships and educational opportunities for Tongans to study in the UK, fostering long-term development by creating a skilled workforce.
The close relationship between the Tongan and British royal families further strengthens ties. King Tupou VI of Tonga attended the coronation of King Charles III in 2023, and the British royal family have made several visits to Tonga, symbolising the enduring diplomatic and cultural bond between the two nations. The Prince and Princess of Wales (as Duke and Duchess of Cambridge), the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester are among the most recent visitors to Tonga, confirming the warmest of relations between both royal families.
Tonga maintains a High Commission in the United Kingdom currently headed by Her Excellency The Hon Titilupe Fanetupouvava’u Tuita-Tupou Tu’ivakano who has served as High Commissioner since 2018 and is non resident Ambassador to the Kingdom of The Netherlands and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
