23 Feb 2013

King of Tonga visiting New Zealand

10:38 pm on 23 February 2013

The King of Tonga arrived in New Zealand on Saturday on his first official state visit to the country.

As a part of his visit, His Majesty King Tupou VI will receive a state welcome at Government House in Wellington on Monday followed by a state dinner that evening.

The King will also lay a wreath at the National War Memorial in Wellington before heading to Auckland to meet education providers.

Governor-General Lieutenant General Sir Jerry Mateparae said the visit marks a new chapter in the close relationship between New Zealand and Tonga.