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There was surreal quietness and sadness at the Fua'amotu International Airport and in Nuku'alofa, after the RNAF Hercules touched down at about 1:05 pm this afternoon, carrying the casket of the late Queen Mother Halaevalu Mata’aho (90) from Auckland. By Linny Folau.

Traditional presentations were made to the Royal Family today, from people honouring the late Queen Mother Halaevalu Mata’aho, ahead of the expected arrival of the funeral cortege tomorrow, Tuesday. Photos by Linny Folau and Peter Poulsen.

A 2016 report published by New Zealand Statistics, has revealed that Tongans have the lowest home ownership in New Zealand compared to other Pacific Islander groups, Europeans and Maori. Home ownership rates among Asians and other groups were not compared in the report.

Creative black and purple bunting tied in knots, bows, rosettes and crinkles, and wrapped on anything that can be wrapped, is emerging in Nuku'alofa and surrounding areas today as an expression of mourning for the late Queen Mother Halaevalu Mata'aho who passed away in Auckland on Sunday. Photos by Linny Folau

The Tongan community in Utah is mourning for the Queen Mother Halaevalu Mata’aho passed away on Sunday in New Zealand at the age of 90.

The funeral cortege for Tonga's Queen Mother Halaevalu Mata'aho (90) will arrive in Tonga on Tuesday 28 February before the Queen Mother is laid to rest at the Royal Tombs, Mala’ekula on Wednesday, March 1.

Tonga’s Queen Mother Halaevalu Mata’aho will be sorely missed by two organisations whose cause was close to her heart. Leaders of the Tonga Red Cross Society Inc. and the Alonga Centre expressed their sorrow at her passing but remembered the Queen Mother's legacy of love, to help and support the elderly and people living with disabilities throughout Tonga.

Tonga's Queen Mother Halaevalu Mata'aho, has passed away in an Auckland Hospital, at the age of 90 years. In Tonga's parliament this morning, Monday February 20, the Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni is leading a prayer in respect of her passing.

"Respecting humanity and their dignity," has been a guiding principle for Kato Kakala Latavao (72) through over four decades of service with the Tonga Red Cross Society who recognised her today as the South Pacific region's longest serving staff member.