To view more images, click here
The King of Tonga, His Majesty King Tupou VI, will make his first state visit to New Zealand next week.
Governor-General, Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae, welcomed the visit of King Tupou to New Zealand.
“There are special bonds of friendship and community between Tonga and New Zealand and the King’s visit marks a new chapter in the close relationship between our two countries. We look forward in the coming years to strengthening the ties between us, which are underpinned by our shared Polynesian heritage, and a range of bilateral links in the arts, sport, education, trade and defence.”
The State Visit begins in Wellington on Monday 25 February and concludes in Auckland on Wednesday 27 February. The King will be accompanied by Her Majesty Queen Nanasipau’u.
As a part of his visit, the King will receive a formal State Welcome at Government House in Wellington on 25 February, followed by a State Dinner that evening. The King will also lay a wreath at the National War Memorial in Wellington before heading to Auckland to meet education providers.
Media wishing to attend the State Welcome ceremony must contact Antony Paltridge, Public Affairs Manager, Government House on (021) 470 583.
A full media advisory for the visit will be issued later today. For information about other aspects of the State Visit, please contact Shawn Hollister, Senior Communications Adviser, Department of Internal Affairs, on (021) 2457865