A New Zealand Barrister and mediator, James Christopher LaHatte, will be the first Anti-corruption Commissioner for Tonga. His appointment was approved by the King in Privy Council, the Prime Minister Hon. Hu'akavameiliku told the Legislative Assembly, yesterday 4 April, 2024.

The Anti-corruption Commissioner was offered a five-year contract effective on 1 July, 2024.

Hon. Hu'akavameiliku said this was a great milestone for Tonga, with the appointment of the first Anti-corruption Commissioner for the Kingdom.

He told a media briefing at St. George Government Building on 4 April, that the government will get an office and staff ready for the new Commissioner in July.

The Anti-Corruption Commission Act was enacted in Parliament in 2007, the position had never been filled.

Mr LaHatte holds an LLB, Master Management (Dispute Resolution), Post Graduate Certificate Restorative Justice, FAMINZ (Med/Arb), FCIArb, Member Resolution Institute, Member International Ombudsman Association, Member International Ombudsman Institute, Member Silicon Valley Arbitrators and Mediators.

He is also a part of the Arbitrators’ and Mediators’ Institute of New Zealand (AMINZ.