Christmas came early to the settlement of Patangata in eastern Nuku'alofa when the 80 families there received four new fishing boats and 35 plastic rainwater tanks presented by the Australian Government on November 13.

Under the Tonga Community Development Scheme aimed at poverty alleviation, the gifts were valued at $261,000 pa'anga.

The presentation of four 24-ft boats with 35hp outboard motors, and 35 water tanks by the Acting Australian High Commissioner, Carole Gransbury, and Kirsten Hawke, the First Secretary was marked with prayers, singing, dancing and feasting.

Carole said that the objective of the project was to help communities development and she could see when she came through the village that it has a strong sense of community spirit.

"You have reinforced in us how valuable our projects can be, even if it's for simple things like these water tanks and I hope that the community will thrive and its economic basis grow," she said.

Tu'ifanga'otukia Tatafu the Patangata facilitator said the people who are now residents of the village came from the outer islands and rural areas seeking a better life in Nuku'alofa.

She said a village survey in 2004-05 identified that 95% of men, women and youths were engaged in coastal fishing for their livelihoods and that the need for clean and safe drinking water was also a village priority.

She said that the new fishing boats would enable residents to increase their income and improve their living standard.

Each of the 35 water tanks holds 10,000 litres water