The ha'amo or the presenting of food to HM King George Tupou V is currently being held in Nuku'alofa for ten days by the Tongan nobles and the people of their estates.

The ha'amo began on September 20 following the State burial of His Late Majesty King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV at the Royal Tombs, Mala'’ekula on Tuesday September 19.

Suka ‘Otukolo, the Principal Assistant Secretary of the Palace Office, Nuku‘’alofa, said today that the ha‘’amo is carried out daily until the tenth day of the funeral and nobles have divided themselves into a group of about three to four in presenting foods to HM King George V at his royal residence, The Villa each day.

Suka said that the ha‘’amo also includes presenting food to the Nima Tapu or the Royal Undertakers at Mapu ‘a Fuiva where they are residing and to the Royal Palace, Nuku‘alofa.

The ha‘’amo began on September 20 and was firstly carried out by nobles Tangipa, Lavaka and Ata followed by nobles Ma'afu, Tu'iha'ateiho and Veikune today September 21.

On September 22 the presenting of food will be carried out by nobles Ve'ehala, Fusitu'a and Tu'ivakano followed by Fotofili, Fakafanua and Luani on September 23, Lasike, Fotu and Fohe on September 24 followed by Nuku, Niukapu, 'Ahome'e and Vaha'i on September 25, Tu'ilakepa, Vaea and Fielakepa will follow on September 26 with Malupo, Tu'iha‘angana and Tu'i'afitu on September 27 followed by 'Akau'ola, Tuita, Fakatulolo and Motu'apuaka on September 28.

On the tenth day and last day of the ha'amo which is Friday September 29 the nobles Lavaka, Ma'afu, Luani and Veikune will conclude the presentation of the food.