6 February 2023

Nuku’alofa – The annual celebration of the Waitangi Day brings the Government of Tonga and New Zealand together, strengthening relationships between the two Pacific neighbours.

This evening’s celebrations at the New Zealand High Commission residence in Ma’ufanga saw His Royal Highness Crown Prince Tupouto’a ʻUlukalala and Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Sinaitakala Tuku’aho hosted as Chief Guests at the event.

New Zealand High Commissioner His Excellency Matthew Howell said the Waitangi Day celebrations is a good time for New Zealand and Tonga to celebrate their partnerships.

He offered a toast to His Majesty King Tupou VI, after thanking Tonga for assisting New Zealand’s development by contributing personnel who made it into different sectors in New Zealand, including the All Blacks.

The Honourable Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku thanked New Zealand for all the assistance over the years, especially in the last two years when Tonga faced the challenges of the Hunga Tonga – Hunga Ha’apai volcano and tsunami and the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic.

He also offered a toast to His Majesty King Charles III and the government of Prime Minister Chris Hipkins.

The Hon Prime Minister also congratulated and acknowledged the appointment of the first Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand with Tongan descent, Hon Carmel Sepuloni and thanked the Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern for her leadership role in strengthening the Tonga/New Zealand relations.

Waitangi Day was celebrated in New Zealand this morning.

Waitangi Day, the national day of New Zealand, marks the anniversary of the initial signing—on 6 February 1840—of the Treaty of Waitangi.

This evening’s celebration here was attended by Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, members of the Diplomatic Corps, government officials and invited guests.