Mo'ale Finau is the new Governor of Ha'apai, the Acting Secretary to Cabinet, 'Aholotu Palu confirmed at noon today, 6 February.

'Aholotu said that the appointment of Mo'ale as the new Governor of Ha'apai has been backdated to January 29.

Mo'ale was the Ha'apai People's Representative for Constituent No. 12, but he lost his seat in the November 2014 election to Vili Hingano whoi won the Constituent No. 12 with 536 votes - four votes ahead of Mo'ale.

 Lord Tu'iha'angana, the previous Governor of Ha'apai is now a Ha‘apai Nobles' Representatives to parliament, after taking over the parliamentary seat from Lord Fakafanua, who did not run for election.

The two Ha'apai Nobles' Representatives, Lord Tu'iha'ateiho and Lord Tu'iha'angana were elected with four votes each.

'Aholotu also confirmed that Lord Fulivai will continue as the Governor of Vava'u.

The two outer islands Governors no longer have reserved seats in neither the Tongan Legislative Assembly nor the Privy Council,  and their appointment is no longer a prerogative of the king, they are now have to be nominated by the Prime Minister  then appointed by the King.