Trade Delegation pays respects to Princess Ashika victims

Manukau mayor Len Brown has paid his respects to the victims of the Princess Ashika tragedy in Nukuálofa.

Mr Brown, who is jointly leading a trade delegation to the Pacific with the New Zealand Pacific Business Council, attended a service for the victims with members of the delegation in the weekend.

“This is a tragedy for Tonga and especially for the families of those affected and our deepest condolences go out to everyone who has been touched by this terrible incident,” says Mr Brown.

The 35-strong trade delegation is on a week-long visit to Tonga, Samoa and American Samoa, with the aim to foster greater trade and investment relationships with Pacific neighbours.

The delegation includes councillors, business leaders and council officers.

The delegation’s visit is an extension of the goodwill visit of New Zealand Prime Minister John Key to Tonga last month.

“Manukau has strong historical, community and political links to the Pacific and this relationship is very important. We want to strengthen relationships with our Pacific neighbours and we are keen to encourage greater two-way trade,” says Mr Brown.

The delegation will visit Samoa and American Samoa later this week.