Rt Hon Helen Clark
Prime Minister of New Zealand
11 September 2006 Media Statement
King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV
Prime Minister Helen Clark today extended her condolences and sympathies to the people of Tonga at the loss of their Head of State, His Majesty King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV.
King Tupou IV died overnight in Auckland, aged 88 years, after a long period of poor health.
Helen Clark also extended the New Zealand Government’s sincerest condolences to Her Majesty Queen Halaevalu Mata’aho on
the death of her husband.
"Since assuming the throne in 1965 after the death of his mother, Queen Salote Tupou III, His Majesty presided over
Tonga’s transformation into a fully fledged member of the Commonwealth and the United Nations as an independent
sovereign state.
"King Tupou IV followed a path of peace and stability for his country. While retaining the important cultural heritage
and institutions of Tonga, he also sought to place Tonga in a position to take advantage of the benefits of economic
globalisation.
"Achieving this difficult balance will be perhaps the King’s greatest legacy for Tonga. The people of Tonga revered King
Tupou IV throughout his reign.
"As a sign of respect, flags on government buildings in New Zealand will fly at half-mast today and on the day of the
funeral," Helen Clark said.
Details of the State Funeral for King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV, which will be held in Nuku’alofa, are not yet available.
ENDS
ALSO:Tongan Palace Office - The King of Tonga at peaceNZ Govt - Peters expresses sadness at death of Tongan KingNZ Govt - Goff, Laban Offer Condolences to Tonga, NZ TongansNational - National sends condolences to Tongan Royal FamilyThe Maori Party - The Sun has SetGreen Party - Condolences to Tongan peopleUnited Future - Dunne on death of King of TongaSu'a William Sio - Tribute to King & People of Tonga
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