16 April 2024

A farewell reception was held at the Australian Residence in Nuku’alofa for the outgoing High Commissioner of Australia to Tonga, Her Excellency, Rachael Moore on Thursday 4 April, 2024.

The Hon Hu’akavameiliku, Prime Minister of Tonga on his farewell remarks conveyed the utmost acknowledgement and gratitude to Her Excellency for her exemplary diplomatic duties over the last several years.

Her Excellency arrived in Tonga and faced the Hunga-Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcanic eruption and ensuing tsunami in early 2022, she still choose to stay in Tonga during the time of loss of lives, local communities wiped out and global Covid-19 pandemic immediately causing havoc, internet breakdown with outside world, Hon Hu’akavameiliku told guests.

“It was an unforeseen diplomatic hardship posting, but your excellency chose to stay with your precious family, despite your Mirrabooka Residence under siege with the rest of Tonga”, Hon Hu’akavameiliku said.

He thanks her excellency for her manifold and exemplary diplomatic skills that all Tongans will always be grateful for all generations.

“Your great influence to enhance Tonga’s sustainable development diplomacy, education and health, economic recovery, aviation, security and people to people links, we thank you.”

Australian main project in Tonga include Tonga’s Parliament House to tune of AUD$16 million, which co financed with New Zealand. There is also Australian’s support to the Women’s Affairs Division at the Ministry of Internal Affairs with the Tonga Police Development; the Family Free of Violence project; the Tonga Health Sector Support Programme; Tonga’s Safer School Project; and the co-financing Nuku’alofa Network Upgrade Project of AUD$5.3 million.