Nuku’alofa, Tonga – Tonga’s new parliamentary complex, the Fale Alea, is set to become a beacon of democracy and human rights in the Pacific, thanks to a NZ$60 million funding partnership between New Zealand and Australia.
A document released by New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs last week confirms the final cost, with New Zealand contributing NZ$41.5 million and Australia providing NZ$18.5 million.
The project, initially estimated at NZ$41 million in November 2021, faced delays after the catastrophic Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcanic eruption in January 2022 triggered a tsunami that destroyed the original parliament site.
Reconstruction was paused until September 2023 while the Tongan government secured a new location.
Following the site selection, New Zealand approved an additional NZ$19.25 million, drawn from its existing International Development Cooperation budget, bringing its total contribution to NZ$41.5 million.
Boosting Democracy and Media Freedom
The new Fale Alea has been designed with a strong emphasis on human rights and accessibility.
It states that it follows the Universal Design Guidelines to ensure the building is fully accessible for people with disabilities, while procurement processes require supplier compliance with international human rights standards.
“Both the process and outcome of this Activity will contribute to the positive realisation of human rights for Tongans; through improved parliamentary and democratic processes, enhanced political participation and promotion of cultural identity”, the document says.
“Further, an education centre is included in the design to support the promotion of the Fale Alea as a site for civic engagement, particularly for youth and under-represented groups such as women.
The Fale Alea will feature a public gallery and media facilities to promote civic engagement. New Zealand’s support for this Activity will further facilitate our continuing conversations with Tonga on human rights issues.”
The new parliamentary complex will rise on the Lakalakaimonu Estate within the Tufumahina Royal Estate on Tongatapu, with completion expected in 2027.
