Hon Alfred Ngaro
Minister for Pacific Peoples
21 February 2016
Minister expresses condolences to Tongan Royal Family and community
Pacific Peoples Minister Alfred Ngaro has expressed his condolences to the Tongan Royal Family today following the
passing of Queen Mother Halaevalu Mata’aho.
“Oku mau fie kaungā mamahi moe Fale ‘o Tupou mo Ha’a Moheofo pehe ki he hou’eiki mo e kainga Tonga kotoa pe, ‘i he
po’uli kuo tō ‘i Tonga kotoa ‘a e hala ‘a e Ta’ahine Kuini Fehuhu, Kuini Halaevalu Mata’aho, ko e fehuhu ‘ofeina ‘o
Tonga. Tauange ke ne toka ‘i he nonga mo e fiemalie ‘a e ‘Otua,” says Mr Ngaro.
“The Queen Mother worked tirelessly in the background leading negotiations with her late husband and her sons. Her work
behind the scenes is more visible in the support for the three Kings; Tupou IV (her husband), Tupou V (her son) and
Tupou VI (her son) and this speaks volumes about her dedication and love for her people.
“The Queen Mother had a strong connection with Tongan community groups and families here in New Zealand.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Tongan Royal Family, nobles, the people of Tonga and the members of the
Tuingapapai, Free Wesley Church of Tonga in Māngere, where she was a member.”
ends