A statement from the Coronation Media Committee said that TVNZ will be providing live coverage both to audiences in New Zealand and to other Pacific islands, including Tonga.

'Alifeleti Soakai from the government's Coronation Media Committee said that the exclusive right granted to David Marks Productions meant that no other television and video photographers would be allowed into the church during the event. He said that the exclusive right to film in the church was necessary because of a lack space inside the Methodist Centenary Church where the crowning of the new king will take place.

The Tonga Broadcasting Commission and Tonfon will pick up the TVNZ Pacific Service freely from TVNZ with live broadcasting of the event for the local Tongan audiences, he said.

The TBC and Tonfon will not be permitted to record their own footage in the church during the crowning.

'Alifeleti said that a procedure to allow in still photographers to photograph the crowning of the new king was still being worked out.

Celebrations will begin in mid-July and end on 2 August 2008.