The International Day of Families on 15 May was marked in Nuku'alofa with a family fun walk led by young Prince Taufa‘āhau Manumataongo and his mother Crown Princess Sinaitakala Tuku‘aho.

The theme 'Family is the basis and most important unit of the society' was taken from the first guiding principles in Tonga’s Revised National Policy on Gender and Development, “which reflects the kind of society Tonga maintains”, a statement from the Ministry of Internal Affairs said.

“While the policy highlights advancements for Tongan women, it also emphasises the role that the family plays as a key institution in Tongan society. The month of May is the family month for Tonga with the first three consecutive Sundays celebrating Children’s Day, Mother’s day and Father’s day."

The fun walk from the Basilica to the waterfront on Vuna Road was led by the Tonga Police Band joined by the Speaker of Parliament Lord Tu’ivakano and his grandchildren Simon and Michaela Kaho, Deputy Prime Minister Hon Siaosi Sovaleni, the Minister of Internal Affairs Hon Fe'ao Vakata and the Australian High Commmissioner, HE Mr Brett Aldam .

Members of various NGOs included the Women and Children Crisis Centre, the National Centre for Women and Children, Messengers of Peace and the Fili Tonu Youth Group.

The event was organised by the Ministry of Internal Affairs with an International Family Day Planning Committee, and assistance from the Tongan Government and UN Women.

Hon Fea'ao Vakata said, “Although the International Day of Families has (internationally) been observed for 21 years today, this is the first national event Tonga has hosted, and this is because the government, the country, together with the international communities, wishes to acknowledge the integral role and responsibilities families in Tonga play.” The Minister also mentioned domestic violence cases and violence amongst the youth in recent school fights where he acknowledged that parents, families and all members of society need to act together in trying to eliminate these forms of violence.