A Tongan church leader in Auckland said today he did not want his organisation involved in partisan politics.
Secretary of the Tākanga ‘A e Kau Taki Lotu Tonga, Sione Tu’itahi was speaking ahead of today’s community meeting with visiting Tongan Prime Minister Pōhiva Tu’i’onetoa, at which supporters of the Tongan democratic movement are expected to protest.
Tu’itahi said his organisation did “not know much” about the discussions on social media about the protests.
“We’ll leave it to the police,” he said.
News media were invited to the meeting, Tu’itahi said.
In Tongan he said: ” ‘Oku ‘atā ki he ngaahi kautaha ongoongo’ ke nau ‘i he fakataha’ ‘o tānaki ha’anau ongoongo, ka ‘oku ‘ikai ha taimi mavahe ‘o e Palēmia ke fakataha mo e kau faiongoongo’ pe konifelenisi ongoongo.”
The planned protest has led to heated exchanges with political rivals.
As Kaniva news reported last night, former Tongan policeman Kelekolio Tapueluelu threatened to disrupt the demonstration.
Tu’itahi said the Prime Minister’s office in Tonga had asked his organisation to work with the Tongan consulate at ‘Atalanga to organise a meeting.
It is being held at the United Church of Tonga Taufa’ahau Tupou IV at Grey Street, Mangere.
“This meeting was not a meeting for political parties,” he said.
“The Takanga ‘a e Kau Taki Lotu Tonga wants to remain apolitical.”
Tu’itahi said he felt the meeting with Hon. Tu’i’onetoa would be safe.
“We have made contact with police and they will be there to keep the peace.
“We respect the rights of the people to protest according to the law, but we do not want people to protest on church property.”
He said the Tākanga ‘a e kau Taki Lotu Tonga had twice asked the public in radio broadcasts to keep the peace.
“We trust the police will make sure everyone abides by the law.”
The main points
- A Tongan church leader in Auckland said today he did not want his organisation involved in partisan politics.
- Secretary of the Tākanga ‘a e kau Taki Lotu Tonga, Sione Tu’itah,i was speaking ahead of today’s community meeting with visiting Tongan Prime Minister Pōhiva Tu’i’onetoa, at which supporters of the Tongan democratic movement are expected to protest.
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