3 Aug 2012

Tonga to re-open diplomatic mission in NZ with new consular office in Auckland

10:29 am on 3 August 2012

The Tongan government says it intends to re-open a diplomatic mission in New Zealand by the end of the year.

Tonga's high commission in Wellington was closed last year to save money.

Community leaders have been lobbying the Tongan government to open a consular office in Auckland, home to most of the 80-thousand or so Tongans living in New Zealand.

Tonga's deputy prime minister, Samiu Vaipulu, says the budget and staffing have just been approved for a consulate at the Tongan royal residence in Epsom.

Mr Vaipulu says it should be open by the end of the year.