HM King Tupou VI received a warm and ceremonial welcome upon his arrival in Rarotonga on Tuesday, 16 June 2026, during an official visit in his capacity as Chancellor of the University of the South Pacific (USP).
The King was received by the King's Representative, Sir Tom Marsters and Lady Tuaine Marsters, together with Tou Ariki, President of the House of Ariki, Tinomana Ariki, Vice President of the House of Ariki, Vaine “Mac” Mokoroa, Minister of Education, members of the Tongan community, officials and welcoming performers.
As part of the traditional welcome, King Tuppu VI was ceremonially elevated on a pa’ata by Tongan warriors.
During his visit, the King will preside over the USP Graduation Ceremony at the National Auditorium on Thursday, 18 June, where 73 graduands will be formally recognised for their academic achievements.
Tonga and the Cook Islands maintain close, warm diplomatic relations anchored in their shared Polynesian heritage, regional solidarity, and mutual membership in the Pacific Islands Forum. The two nations formalized their diplomatic ties in 2014.
