Mrs Petunia Tupou KC will be sworn in as a new judge of the Supreme Court of Tonga on 1 August, following the retirement of Hon. Mr Justice Laki Niu. 

The Lord Chancellor Tu’inukutavake Barron Afeaki said today, that her appointment was approved by His Majesty in Council, after being recommended by a Judicial Appointments and Discipline Panel. This was after receiving and considering expressions of interest and a full evaluative process, including interviews with all the candidates, he said.

The panel had called for expressions of interest from suitably qualified members of the Tongan legal profession, in accordance with clauses 83C and 86 of the Constitution.

Mrs Tupou is a respected and long-standing lawyer and has served the legal profession and community with distinction and integrity for many years. 

She will be sworn in on Monday, 1 August before the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Lord Chief Justice Whitten will also welcome her in a special sitting at the Nuku’alofa Supreme Court.

Meanwhile, Hon Mr Justice Niu’s four-year appointment as Supreme Court judge ended on 30 June.

"His Majesty, his panel and government are most grateful for his service to Tonga, and thank him, and wish he and his family well in his retirement."

The new judge joins Lord Chief Justice Whitten and Hon. Mr Justice Cooper at the Supreme Court.