‘Elisapeti Makoni Lavakei’aho Langi was sworn in as a Senior Magistrate on March 29, becoming only the second woman in this position in Tonga.

She was appointed by the King, after receiving advice from a Judicial Appointments and Discipline Panel and sworn in today before Lord Chancellor Harry Waalkens (via Skype).

‘Elisapeti joins as the eighth Magistrate and will preside over hearings at the Magistrate's Court.

“I am honoured and extremely humbled to be given the opportunity to serve as a Magistrate,” she said. "I am passionate about promoting justice and the effective administration of the judicial system and will strive to demonstrate these passions throughout my tenure in the Magistrate's Court of Tonga."

‘Elisapeti was an Assistant Senior Crown Counsel at the Attorney General’s Office.

The swearing-in was attended by Lord Dalgety, Lord Chief Justice O. G. Paulsen, Lord Privy Seal Viliami Malolo, Acting Attorney General ‘Aminiasi Kefu, Solicitor General Sione Sisifa, Chief Magistrate Folau Lokotui and other Magistrates, at the Attorney General's office in Nuku’alofa.

Previously, Vusenga Helu was the first woman in Tonga to have been appointed Magistrate.