A ground breaking ceremony of the Lakalaka-‘i-monū development site, marked the beginning of construction of Tonga’s new Parliament House on Friday, 1 September, at Talangaholo, Tufumahina Royal estate.

King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u Tuku’aho were the guests of honour at the ground breaking ceremony, with Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala and Crown Princess Sinaitakala Tuku’aho.

A new building for parliament will be constructed under a project jointly funded by the Governments of Australia and New Zealand.

Also attending the were members of the Diplomatic Corps, HSH Prince Kalaniuvalu Lord Fotofili and nobles of the realm; the Prime Minister Hon. Hu'akavameiliku and Cabinet Ministers; the Speaker and Members of Parliament and guests.