Governor-General to attend King of Tongas' Coronation

The Governor-General, Hon Anand Satyanand, is to attend the Coronation of the King of Tonga this week.

The Governor-General and Mrs Satyanand will leave New Zealand on Wednesday 30 July 2008 and return on Saturday 2 August.

They will attend the Coronation of King George Tupou V at the Centennial Church in Nukua'lofa on Friday 1 August 2008 and other celebrations associated with the Coronation.  The Governor-General will also meet with other Pacific Heads of State and Governors-General whilst he is in Tonga.

The visit will be the Governor-Generals' second official visit to Tonga, having led the New Zealand delegation that attended the funeral of the late King HM Taufaa'hau Tupou IV in September 2006.

The Governor-General said New Zealand had a long and historic relationship with Tonga.

"This visit will reinforce the special ties that exist between New Zealand and Tonga.  It will also emphasise the importance of the people-to-people links between Tonga and the Tongan community in New Zealand, which is the home to more than 50,000 New Zealanders of Tongan descent."

The Governor-General and Mrs Satyanand will be accompanied by the Official Secretary at Government House, an Aide-de-Camp and personnel from the New Zealand Police.

During the Governor-Generals' absence from New Zealand, the Chief Justice, Rt Hon Dame Sian Elias, will act as Administrator of the Government.

For further enquiries contact: Antony Paltridge, Government House on 04-382-0827 or 021 470 583