From Matangi Tonga Magazine Vol. 15, no. 1, March 2000.

The Prince Regent, Prince Ulkalala Lavaka Ata, pictured above, with his wife Princess Nanasipau‘u,  officially opened the Pasifiki 2000 Trade Fair at Queen Salote Memorial Hall, March 30.

Lt. Col. Tau‘aika ‘Uta‘atu took over as the new Commander of the Tongan Defence Services on April 1.

Steve McDowall leads a haka by the Classic  All Blacks, at the Billfish Bar, Nuku‘alofa.

Looking for sites in Vava‘u to film a new 3D Imax movie were Liz Butler, film Producer, left, and Janet McIver Consultant from the Mullion Creek Productions of Brisbane, Australia, and Stan Wolfgramm, their Cultural Consultant.

The sun had just set, the foreshore of Nuku‘alofa was lighting up, and partying on deck of the ‘Oleanda was Coral Island Cruises director Brian Welch and Sinia Mo‘ungaloa of Kolovai, pictured at right.

They were among the dozens of guests enjoying a private dinner cruise on March 25 before the ‘Oleanda departed for Vava‘u. A small cruise ship with 19 cabins, it is the first and the only one of its kind that is offering services throughout the Tongan islands.

The ‘Oleanda belongs to a local company, the Coral Island Cruises Ltd., and was stationed in Nuku’alofa to provide additional accommodation that was needed in during the Millennium celebrations.

Also enjoying romantic setting was Semisi Taumoepeau, the director of tourism and his wife Ofo, who were celebrating their 21st wedding anniversary, pictured left, with host Ross Chapman, of Coral Island Cruises, and the Captain’s wife Mrs Tukia Tatafu .