A new Queen Salote Memorial Hall Cultural Projects Committee, formed to assist in the preservation of Tonga's culture and heritage, had its first get-together at the hall on July 10.

Simote Po'uliuva'ati, the manager of the Queen Salote Memorial Hall is the chairman of the QSMH Cultural Projects Committee. Other officers are: Hakautapu Tonga, Secretary; Afuha'amango Taumoepeau (Mohulamu), Cultural Coordinator; Pasimata Taunisila, Cultural Consultant; Harvalene Sekona, Special Project designer; and Tevita Puloka, architect. Other members are Katri Po'uliva'ati, Manatu Vivili, and Mele Taumoepeau.

Simote said they were planning to host their first cultural event later in the year and it would include tau'olunga dance lessons, and lectures on the history of the Tupou I dynasty.

Simote said that other projects would include a Walking Tour of historical sites in Nuku'alofa such as the Royal Palace, Tongan Parliament House and the Royal Tombs.

Simote said that income from these projects would be used to maintain the Queen Salote Memorial Hall, "an important landmark in the capital."

He said the committee was self-funded but they would be tapping into donor agencies who were involved in preservation of culture and traditions.