The Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry Viliami Manuopangai Hingano has died in Auckland, New Zealand after an illness.
Manuopangai died today Friday 10 while with his wife and family.
His death has been confirmed by the Minister for Internal Affairs Hon Sangster Saulala.
“Brother Hon Manuopangai no words can describe how sorry we are for your loss in Auckland,” Saulala wrote in Tongan on Facebook about an hour ago.
Hingano’s death came after Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku said he had visited him during his recent trip to Auckland and Hingano was receiving medical assistance.
According to Hon Hu’akavameiliku at the time, Hingano was in a good condition. We understand Hingano was initially in a serious condition.
According to the law a by-election will be called to elect a new MP for Ha’apai 12.
