Waka of Kiingi Tuheitia salutes King Tupou VI [1]
Friday, July 5, 2019 - 22:58. Updated on Friday, July 5, 2019 - 23:01.
Photos by Pesi Fonua.
The sunshine came out this morning in Nuku'alofa, and King Tupou VI was treated to a special visit of the Waka of Kiingi Tuheitia to Tonga, with the Taatahiora Regatta and Salute at the Domestic Wharf.
The event was originally planned for Vuna Wharf on July 3, as part of the King of Tonga's 60th birthday celebrations, but was postponed due to bad weather.
King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau'u sat with Kiingi Tuheitia and Maka Ariki Atawhai and their family from Ngaaruwahia in the Waikato, New Zealand, to watch the waka approach in the harbour. After a salute the waka performed a haka on the King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV Domestic Wharf.
The people of Kanokupolu then performed the Fola'osi lakalaka.
Several lakalaka groups were originally scheduled to be performed at the Royal Palace on July 4 but were cancelled due to the wet weather.