New NZ High Commissioner presents credentials to King [1]
Wednesday, June 29, 2022 - 10:21. Updated on Thursday, June 30, 2022 - 01:22.
The New Zealand High Commissioner to Tonga, H.E Matt Howell presented his credentials to King Tupou VI on 28 June, at the Royal Palace in Nuku’alofa.
He was accompanied by his partner Jenny McGregor at the presentation.
The High Commissioner said it was an honour to meet the King.
“I am excited to be here and I am looking forward to continuing Aotearoa New Zealand’s partnership with the Kingdom of Tonga."
Since, arriving in May, the new High Commissioner met with members of government, civil society, the diplomatic corps, development partners and international agencies.
“These engagements have highlighted the many links between Tonga and Aotearoa New Zealand.
“The connections between our countries are wide and deep. Our whanaungatanga (close connection between people) joins Aotearoa New Zealand and Tonga. We share geography in the Blue Ocean Continent, whakapapa and culture, history, close economic and sporting ties,” he said.
Meanwhile, New Zealand continues to support Tonga as it manages the response to both COVID-19 and the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai eruption, with a focus on recovery and long-term resilience.