Princess Latufuipeka. 15 July 2012. Photo by Paula Moimoi Latu.

Two women have become heads of Tonga's overseas missions, with HRH Princess Latufuipeka appointed as Tonga's new High Commissioner to Australia, while Tania Tupou becomes Tonga's first Ambassador to Japan.

Princess Latufuipeka (29) is Tonga's second High Commissioner to Australia, effective last week when she left for Australia.

Dr T. Suka Mangisi, the Deputy Secretary for Foreign Affairs (Policy/Legal), said the princess was scheduled to present her Letter of Credentials to the Governor General of Australia on August 22.

Princess Latufuipeka, takes over the posting in Canberra from her father King Tupou VI, formerly HRH Crown Prince Tupouto'a Lavaka, who was Tonga's first High Commissioner to Australia appointed in July 2008.

The princess graduated last year with a second Master of Business degree from the Australian National University College of Business & Economics in Canberra. She had previously attained a Master's degree in Management from the ANU in 2010, and has a Bachelor of Business Administration from the International University in Geneva, Switzerland.

Japan

Meanwhile, Tania Tupou will become Tonga's Ambassador to Japan to be based in Tokyo, on a date to be confirmed.

Tania has a wealth of experience in diplomatic relations having worked in some of Tonga overseas missions, including Tonga's Consul General's office in San Fransisco. She was a Manager at the Joint Office for Commonwealth Permanent Missions to the United Nations, in New York. She was also a Deputy Secretary at the Palace office, in Nuku'alofa.

Parliament recently approved the budget of over $5.7 million for running Tonga's nine overseas missions, including the new embassy in Tokyo.

Tania Tupou. July 2012.