Tongans burn flag in Auckland [1]
Saturday, August 20, 2005 - 16:00. Updated on Friday, September 6, 2013 - 13:44.
A noisy crowd of about 50 Tongans who live in Auckland had intended to storm the Epsom grounds but were kept at bay by police. Three van loads of police officers were called to the St Andrews Ave property where the King is staying, but the protesters decided not to try and force their way in.
Protest leader Alan Taione wanted to meet King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV, who is in Auckland, to listen to their complaints over the civil servants pay rises. Mr Taione also said that people wanted a new and fully democratic election.
A protester, who did not want to be named, said she wanted to show support to her relatives back in Tonga.
The king's Auckland chief of security, Soaki Motuapuaka, said he was trying to resolve the situation on the behalf of police. He said he did not have the authority to speak for the King but suggested Mr Taione return on Monday to discuss his concerns.
Council of Trade Unions
Meanwhile, the Council of Trade Unions have sent financial support to Tonga for the striking workers and their families.
CTU president Ross Wilson met on Friday with Fred Sevele, Tonga's minister for labour, commerce and industries. The two discussed a process for the resolving the wage dispute.
The South Pacific and Oceania Council of Trade Unions (SPOCTU), of which the CTU is a member, will provide technical assistance to the new civil service union in Tonga.
In Tonga on Friday, Green MP Keith Locke said the month-long strike was relatively peaceful and optimistic. Mr Locke went to Nuku'alofa on a two-day visit to offer support to the strikers and the democracy movement.