The security boost for the king comes after Tongan protesters stormed the king's Epsom residence last weekend, breaking through the gate and burning the Tongan flag in support of the ongoing strike of civil servants in Tonga.

Assistant Police Commander ‘Unga Fa‘aoa said today thast the police officers were sent to Auckland to step up the security at the royal residence, ‘Atalanga, in Epsom.

‘Unga said that the Ministry of Police decided that after the ugly incidences there was a need for Tonga's own police officers to be sent there to the king until he returned home to Tonga.

The police officers are led by Deputy Police Commander, Taniela Faletau.