The New Zealand government is launching its own investigation after claims aid money administered by the Tongan Prime Minister's office has gone missing.
The Tongan auditor general has released a report to the New Zealand High Commission that says some of the funds donated by New Zealand to help with Tonga's transition to democracy have not been accounted for.
The Foreign Affairs minister, Murray McCully says the money went to a project administered by the Tongan Prime Minister's office.
He says New Zealand is appointing an independent auditor immediately to look into the claims.
Mr McCully says it is not yet clear whether the issue is poor accounting or a more serious problem.
The New Zealand Aid Programme administers aid around the world on behalf of the government.
