30 Jun 2015

Tonga launches new currency to mark Coronation

10:00 am on 30 June 2015

The King of Tonga has launched the country's new currency with his image on the notes and coins.

The new prints are a part of Tonga's coronation currency series marking this week's crowning of King Tupou VI and his wife Queen Nanasipau'u.

New Zealand Tongan MP Jenny Salesa at the launch of the new currency for the Tongan coronation.

New Zealand Tongan MP Jenny Salesa at the launch of the new currency for the Tongan coronation. Photo: supplied

The 1 pa'anga note will features the late King George Tupou V, while the rest of the currency has a portrait of the new king.

Tonga's Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva, says the new notes will be more durable and practical.

Radio Tonga says other changes include discontinuing the use of the one and two seniti pieces.

Meanwhile China has gifted Tonga 30 new vehicles to help with the coronation celebrations.

The gift includes 10 cars, 15 SUVs and 5 buses.