The large stump of a century-old Ngatae tree (Coral Tree) outside the Tonga Development Bank in central Nuku’alofa has been carved a local artist Sitiveni Fehoko, who was commissioned by the bank.

The tree was extensively damaged by a fire about two years ago, the bank stated. “Due to the Ngatae tree’s cultural significance, the Bank decided to preserve it.”

Ngatae trees are traditionally used as a living fence post to mark the boundaries of allotments and the tree has been a feature of the central Nuku'alofa landscape for several generations.

“By preserving the tree and carving it with symbols of the key economic sectors it assists, the Tonga Development Bank is honouring its commitment to ‘Tauhi Va’ in serving the people of Tonga”, stated the bank.

The impressive carving was  officially commissioned on Monday 22 December by Deputy Prime Minister, Samiu Vaipulu, when the TDB launched a new “Energy Efficiency Subsidy Loan”.

Energy efficiency

According to the TDB “The Energy Efficiency Subsidy Loan program provides an energy efficient home loan program with a subsidy scheme ... to support the Government’s initiative to increase use of solar energy and renewable resources to reduce dependence on imported fuel as well as lowering overall energy costs to households.”