Parliament has not revealed how much it will allocate to spend on sending a 6-person delegation to Auckland to watch this weekend's Rugby League match.

In a statement issued by the Legislative Assembly today, the Speaker Lord Fakafanua confirmed that Parliament had accepted an invitation from the Tonga Rugby League for a delegation to show support to the national Mate Ma‘a Tonga team, who take on the Australian Kangaroos at Mt Smart Stadium on October 20.

“The invitation was adopted through circulation, by collective resolution of Parliament,” he said.

Lord Fakafanua will be part of the delegation of six people including three parliamentarians Lord Vaha‘i (Nobles’ Representative), Hon. Vātau Hui (People’s Representative) and the Speaker, along with the Chief Clerk and two supporting staff, who will travel to New Zealand “to show Parliament’s unwavering support for Mate Ma‘a Tonga”.

According to the statement, “Other parliamentarians who are currently on official parliamentary business overseas will join the delegation at Mt Smart Stadium, upon returning through Auckland from official duties.”

The statement from the Legislative Assembly today was intended to clarify the travel costs. However, while stating that, “the travel cost for the delegation is nowhere near TOP$80,000, let alone TOP$200,000,” it did not disclose the actual amount that the House will allocate for the trip.