In honour the Coronation of HM King George Tupou V on August 1, the Westpac Bank has donated $6,500 pa'anga to the Vaiola Hospital in Nuku'alofa.

The bank also revealed they delivered a personal coronation gift to the king this week, which was a rare antique pocket watch over 100 years old especially bought in Sydney.

Jane Kittel the bank's General Manager for Pacific Banking, in handing over the donation of $6,500 to Principal Health Administrator Tu'akoi 'Ahio said their contribution to the hospital is in support of the coronation celebrations in Nuku'alofa.

"We thought it would be a wonderful idea to honour His Majesty's coronation by giving something back to the people of Tonga," she said.

Audience

The General Manager for the Westpac Tonga Branch Ashleigh Matheson said he had an audience with the king yesterday and the king was pleased when he was informed of the bank's donation to the hospital.

The bank did not identify any specific areas in the hospital for the donation to be used. Tu'akoi responded he would consult with the Minister of Health Hon. Dr Viliami Tangi and make recommendations to the bank on the areas in need of asistance in the hospital.