Tongan Consulate Declines Honorary Gesture Proposed by New Zealand MPs of Tongan Heritage for the Late Princess Siu’ilikutapu
The Independent has reliably learned that members of the New Zealand Parliament of Tongan heritage approached the Tongan Consulate with a proposal. The proposal intended to request the New Zealand Government to provide military honour guards and an aircraft to transport the cortege of the late Her Serene Highness Siu’ilikutapu Kalaniuvalu Fotofili. However, the Tongan Consulate in New Zealand respectfully declined this proposal, citing that such honours are traditionally reserved for the Monarch and Head of State, as per protocol.
Further specifics concerning this protocol are currently uncertain. The Independent, in pursuit of clarity, has reached out to the Consulate and Consul Mr. Sitafooti ‘Aho, though an official response is yet to be received.
It is with deep sorrow that we acknowledge the passing of the Crown Prince of Constitutional Tonga while in New Zealand. A significant gesture of respect was extended by the Imperial German government and navy, which kindly offered to transport the Prince to Tonga for his royal burial.
Melino Maka, Chair of the Tonga Advisory Council in Auckland, emphasized the critical role of the Consulate in representing Tonga. This representation extends to both the Tongan community in New Zealand and to managing relationships with the New Zealand government and other entities. Maka warned, “When representation fails to align with expectations, the cultural and diplomatic ties that have been carefully nurtured over time can be compromised.”
In recent years, the late Princess made meaningful contributions to strengthening relationships between the Tongan diaspora and the New Zealand government. A prominent aspect of her efforts was her role in facilitating reconciliation and acceptance of the New Zealand government’s Dawn Raids Apology. This marked the government’s recognition of past unjust treatments of Tongans and other Pacific Islanders, including individuals of Asian origin who had overstayed or were illegally residing in the country.
The late Princess was acknowledged for her significant role in advocating for Pacific nations, a task she accomplished with effective political and diplomatic conciliation. This achievement elicited deep gratitude from the New Zealand government and its people, contributing to New Zealand’s international standing in promoting indigenous rights and racial harmony.
Regrettably, the Tongan Consulate declined a further request for the Deputy Prime Minister and her colleagues to pay their respects to Her Royal Highness Princess Mele Siu’ilikutapu’s sister, Princess Ofeina Fakafanua. This was due to the Deputy Prime Minister’s impending departure for a regional meeting in Samoa on the following Tuesday morning.
Her Royal Highness Siu’ilikutapu was renowned and revered, both in Tonga and internationally. Her legacy coincided with the historic appointment of New Zealand’s first female Deputy Prime Minister of Pacific Island heritage, Hon. Carmel Sepuloni, who herself was acknowledged in Tonga.
Unfortunately, the denial of these requests has resulted in missed opportunities to honour the late Princess’s legacy and deepen Tonga-New Zealand relations.
Maka pointed out the necessity of finding the right individual for such significant diplomatic roles. “In light of these events, it’s crucial to contemplate who is most suited to this significant role,” he stated. “The individual must possess a comprehensive understanding of both Tongan and New Zealand cultures, traditions, and diplomatic protocols, enabling them to make informed decisions that respect the interests and values of both nations. As Chair of the Tongan Advisory Council, I recommend a thorough review of this situation and a subsequent search for an individual capable of meeting the expectations and responsibilities of this vital role.”
