Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Chief Magistrate, Mrs. Loupua Pahulu-Kuli. Nuku'alofa, Tonga. 4 April 2025. Photo: Matangi Tonga.
Mrs. Loupua Pahulu-Kuli, was appointed as the Chief Magistrate in Tonga, effective on Friday 28 March, becoming the first woman and the youngest appointee to hold the position.
She was appointed to the position with the consent of the King, upon recommendation from the Judicial Appointment and Disciplinary Panel.
Prior to her appointment, she served as a Senior Magistrate for five years. Her family comes from the villages of ‘Utulau, Lapaha, Houma Tongatapu and Ha’afeva-Ha’apai. She is contracted to hold the position for 22 years, until she is 72.
Chief Magistrate Pahulu-Kuli succeeds Mr. Sione Folau Lokotui who retired on 27 March, after 15 years service.
