The New Zealand Parliament was represented tonight during the fourth memorial service held in remembrance of the Tongan Queen Mother’s passing.
Labour Party MP Jenny Lātū Salesa was one of the speakers during the service.
She told mourners she wished to represent a symbol of love and sympathy as a Member of New Zealand Parliament.
“I am here this evening to send lots of love from the only Tongan-born and Tongan speaking representative in the New Zealand Parliament, and especially from the Labour Party”, she said.
The Government was represented by the Minister of Pacific Peoples, Hon Alfred Ngaro.
MP Sua William Sio was also in attendance.
Princess Pilolevu Tuita, Princess Lātūfuipeka Mataʻaho Jr and some members of the royalty attended the service.
Salesa was at the memorial service as a member of Lord Veikune’s clan.
She told the thousands who gathered inside the church of the time when the Queen Mother’s sisters took on the role of the fahu during her own grandfather’s funeral.
After the three-hour memorial program in the church, mourners proceeded to the Lesieli Tonga Auditorium for refreshments.
The food was prepared by the families of Lord Veikune, Lord ‘Akau’ola and Faletau as well as by members of the Tuingapapai Free Wesleyan church.
