New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has extended New Zealand’s condolences following the death of Tonga’s Prime Minister, Hon. ‘Akilisi Pohiva, who passed away this morning in Auckland.

“We extend our condolences to his family and to the people of Tonga. Prime Minister Pohiva was an elder statesman of the Pacific and a great friend to New Zealand,” Jacinda Ardern said.

“He will be remembered for his lifelong commitment to championing democracy. He was also a powerful advocate for Pacific regionalism, demonstrated at the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Tuvalu where he advocated for climate change action and regional solidarity.

“Our thoughts are with the people of Tonga,” Jacinda Ardern said.

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters said Prime Minister Pohiva, who was also Tonga’s Foreign Minister, had made a significant contribution and was a stand-out figure in the Pacific. “Our thoughts are with the people of Tonga and the extended Pohiva family,” he said.