Tonga's Police Commissioner Chris Kelley is still considering a possible return to Tonga following government's move not to renew his contract, which prompted him to take his leave on August 6, before his contract ends on September 22.

Speaking to Matangi Tonga Online from chilly Dunedin on August 16, Commissioner Kelley said his three years contract with the Tongan government is due to expire on September 22 but effectively he left on August 5.

"I would seriously consider returning to Tonga to continue with our reform, however, that decision is with the Tongan Government and any jurisdiction asked to assist in any selection process."

Kelley who was in Auckland before going to Dunedin this week was due to leave for England on a family vacation on, August 18. He returns to New Zealand at the end of September.

Meanwhile in Tonga, the Acting Police Commissioner is the Deputy Commander Taniela Faletau until September 22.

Cabinet

The Cabinet, without consulting the king, had not renewed the Police Commissioner's contract, and had formed a committee to amend the Police Act 2010 to give Cabinet the power to appoint Police Commissioners.

In a Letter to the Editor [2] of the Matangi Tonga Online, on August 3 2011, the Lord Privy Seal, Vainga Tone, stated that the King in Council had not been consulted by the Police Minister or the Prime Minister "in regard to their decision to act independently of the provisions of the law by not renewing the contract of the Police Commissioner Commander Kelley."

The Government in a press statement on August 6 announced that the police commissioner's post would be advertised both locally and abroad, and stated that Kelley will be given due consideration due to his exemplary record with the Tonga Police, if he chose to reapply with other applicants.

Prime Minister

Meanwhile, the Tongan Prime Minister Lord Tu'ivakano has completed a four days State Visit to New Zealand last week.

He told New Zealand media that his government wanted the next head of the Tonga Police from outside Tonga. He was reported to have said that he had asked both New Zealand and Australia to help fill the top spot.