Auckland remembers Tongan King

The Mayor, on behalf of Auckland Council and the Pacific Peoples Advisory Panel, has expressed his condolences to the people of Tonga in the wake of the death of King George Tupou V.

In a letter to the Tongan Prime Minister, Len Brown said the King's death is a major loss for the people of the kingdom. "The King had a short reign but it was significant for his leadership of democracy in Tonga," said Len Brown.

The Mayor's Office will be working with the leaders of Auckland's 40,000 strong Tongan community to decide the best way for the city to commemorate the King's life.

"The links between Auckland and Tonga are strong. We all remember of the sea of Tongan flags during the Rugby World Cup, and the strong presence of our Tongan community throughout the region, particularly at events like Pasifika and Polyfest."

"I know the king's death will be deeply felt by the Tongan community here. My thoughts and the wishes of the wider Auckland community are with them and Tongans everywhere at this time".