Photos by Eleanor Gee and Linny Folau

A massed military band marched through the Nuku'alofa Central Business District  this morning, July 4 to mark King Tupou VI’s 60th birthday.

Joining His Majesty’s Armed Forces (HMAF) were the Royal New Zealand Navy Band, Australia Army Band Corps and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Band.

The march livened up the town, after the King’s Birthday Church Service at the Centenary Church.

Locals and many visitors were out and about to watch the bands and a Heilala float parade later in the morning.

Bands Programme

The 25 members of the Royal New Zealand Navy Band played traditional and culturally significant pieces, including Hine e Hine and The Maori Battalion and will play more modern Kiwi-flavoured numbers throughout the rest of their time in Tonga.

The band will also play in a massed-bands public concert with bands from Fiji, Tonga and Australia on Friday evening.

Director of Music Lieutenant Commander Michael Dowrick said the band was extremely proud to be representing the NZDF and New Zealand at the birthday celebrations.

“This is a great privilege for the band and signifies the bond of friendship that exists between Tonga and New Zealand,” Lieutenant Commander Dowrick said.

“It is always so special to play in the Pacific and display the musicianship that the Royal New Zealand Navy Band has to offer.”