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New Zealand–Tonga relations

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New Zealand–Tonga relations
Map indicating locations of New Zealand and Tonga

New Zealand
Tonga

New Zealand–Tonga relations refers to the diplomatic relations between New Zealand and the Kingdom of Tonga. Both nations are members of the Commonwealth of Nations, Pacific Islands Forum and the United Nations.

History

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Pre-independence period

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Both New Zealand and Tonga belong to the Polynesian Triangle and the native Māori people of New Zealand share genetic and cultural similarities with the people of Tonga. In the nineteenth century, contact between the two countries was renewed after the British colonization of New Zealand, starting from the 1840s when there was correspondence between King George Tupou I and New Zealand Governor George Grey; seeking advice on law and government.[1] In 1918, a flu pandemic (also known as the Spanish flu) was brought to Tonga by a ship from New Zealand. The virus killed approximately 1,800 Tongans, reflecting a mortality rate of about eight percent.[2]

During World War I, Tongan soldiers served in the Māori and Regular Battalions in the New Zealand Army.[3] In 1947, with the Statute of Westminster Adoption Act, New Zealand in effect became an independent nation from the United Kingdom. In 1967, New Zealand Prime Minister Keith Holyoake visited Tonga for the coronation of Tongan King Tāufaʻāhau Tupou IV.[1]

Contemporary relations, 1970–present

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In June 1970, Tonga ceased to be a protected state by the United Kingdom. That same year, New Zealand and Tonga established diplomatic relations.[1] Initially, New Zealand was accredited to Tonga from its high commission in Apia, Samoa. In 1974, New Zealand opened a resident high commission in Nuku'alofa.[1] Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, bilateral relations between both nations have been steadily growing. In 2008, New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark attended the coronation of Tongan King George Tupou V.[4] In 2009, Tonga opened its first high commission in Wellington, however, the high commission was closed in 2012 due to financial reasons. Tonga later opened a consulate-general in Auckland.[5]

In March 2018, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Foreign Minister Winston Peters led a Pacific Mission to Tonga. While in Tonga the Prime Minister announced a $10 million recovery package for those affected by Cyclone Gita.[6] In March 2019, Tongan King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipauʻu Tukuʻaho visited New Zealand.[7]

In 2020, New Zealand and Tonga celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relations.[3]

In April 2025, New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters led a delegation to Tonga and met with Tongan Prime Minister ‘Aisake Valu Eke and his cabinet to reaffirm bilateral relations particularly in the areas of maritime safety, agricultural research, defence and law enforcement.[8] During the visit, Peters announced that New Zealand would grant multiple entry visas to visitors from Pacific Islands Forum countries including Tonga from July 2025. In addition, nationals from Forum countries on temporary Australian visas would be able to visit New Zealand for up to three months without requiring a visa.[9]

Migration and Transportation

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There is approximately a community of 60,000 Tongans living in New Zealand.[10] New Zealand has the largest community of Tongans outside of Tonga.

There are direct flights between both nations with Air New Zealand.

Trade

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New Zealand high commission in Nukuʻalofa

In 2023, trade between both nations totaled $66.77 million United States dollars. New Zealand's main exports to Tonga include: travel services, mechanical machinery, dairy products, wood and meat. Tonga's main exports to New Zealand include: travel services, vegetables, fruit and nuts.[11]

Resident diplomatic missions

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d "HE Bogle speaks to 'Atenisi Institute about New Zealand's Relations with Tonga". Tongan Ministry of Information & Communications. 1 September 2009. Archived from the original on 24 October 2017. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
  2. ^ Kohn, George C. (2008). Encyclopedia of plague and pestilence: from ancient times to the present. Infobase Publishing. p. 363. ISBN 978-0-8160-6935-4.
  3. ^ a b c d "Tonga". New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Relations. Archived from the original on 7 April 2025. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
  4. ^ New Zealand Government (29 July 2008). "New Zealand representation for Tongan Coronation". Scoop. Archived from the original on 20 November 2023. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
  5. ^ Lee, Julian (28 August 2012). "Tongan consulate plans on the table". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 21 January 2025. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
  6. ^ Heron, Mei (8 March 2018). "Damage to Tonga 'devastating', Ardern says". Radio New Zealand. Archived from the original on 2 March 2024. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
  7. ^ "Tonga's King Tupou VI in NZ for short visit". Radio New Zealand. 27 March 2019. Archived from the original on 25 May 2022. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
  8. ^ "Tonga-NZ relations strengthened". Beehive.govt.nz. 11 April 2025. Archived from the original on 13 April 2025. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
  9. ^ "NZ and Tonga boost ties recognising shared concerns". Matangi Tonga Online. 11 April 2025. Archived from the original on 13 April 2025. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
  10. ^ Taumoefolau, Melenaite (1 July 2024). "Tongans". Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
  11. ^ "New Zealand and Tonga Trade". Observatory of Economic Complexity. 2023. Archived from the original on 22 April 2023. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
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