Arrangements for the state funeral of the late Prime Minister Hon. 'Akilisi Pohiva who died in Auckland last week, are expected to be confirmed by the Prime Minister's Office on Monday 16 September.

A tentative programme released at the weekend stated that the funeral party will depart at 2:00pm on Tuesday from RNZAF Whenuapai Airport, with repatriation by the Royal New Zealand Airforce, arriving in Tonga at a time to be confirmed.

Vigil and Prayer Services are being held in Auckland until 16 September.

On Tuesday, 17 September, the procession of the Cortege departs from Davies Funeral Directors Funeral Parlour to Royal New Zealand Air Force Whenuapai Airport.

Several members of the Tongan government are in New Zealand to accompany the procession, including the Speaker Lord Fakafanua, Minister for Health (Hon. Dr. Saia Piukala), Minister for Education (Hon. Penisimani Fifita), Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forests (Hon. Losaline Ma’asi,  Minister for Police and Fire and Emergency Services and Minister for Revenue and Customs (Hon. Mateni Tapueluelu, son-in-law), Chief Secretary and Secretary to Cabinet (‘Edgar Cocker) Mr. Po’oi Pohiva (son), Mrs. Teisa Cokanasiga (daughter), and Dr. Lautoa Po’ese (Physician).

The Tonga Police will form a bearer party.

In Tonga, the receiving part at Fua’amotu International Airport will include Acting Prime Minister (Hon. Semisi Sika), MPs, nobles and the
Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Siaosi Pohiva (son)

Government Primary School students are expected to pay their respect along Taufa’ahau Road as the cortege departs the airport for St. George Building in Nuku'alofa.

Hon. Pohiva will lie in state at the  St George Building Chancery for two nights of vigil, congregational prayer services and public viewing.

A funeral service will be held at the FWCT Centenary Church (Saione) on the morning of Thursday 19 September before interment at Telekava Cemetery.