Tonga’s Deputy Prime Minister highlights key achievements ahead of upcoming election

Tonga’s Deputy Prime Minister, Taniela Fusimalohi, is visiting New Zealand to address challenges related to labour mobility, public services, and the economy.

In an interview on PMN Tonga, Fusimalohi says the visit is part of a broader effort to strengthen engagement with the Tongan diaspora, a community that contributes an estimated one billion Tongan pa’anga (NZ$700 million).

Fusimalohi is accompanied by the Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala, who is also the Foreign Affairs Minister.

According to the 2023 Census, close to 98,000 Tongans reside in New Zealand, with over 74 per cent living in Auckland.

Fusimalohi says in recognition of the 150th anniversary of Tonga’s constitution, celebrated on 4 November, the Kingdom will observe an ‘International Day’ on 3 November to honour the diaspora community.

He encourages Tongan communities overseas to organise events to celebrate the milestone.

Watch Taniela Fusimalohi's full interview on PMN Tonga

RSE numbers drop, focus shifts to construction

Fusimalohi acknowledges a major decline in the number of Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme workers from Tonga to New Zealand.

He says the numbers have dropped from about 2400 before Covid to around 1000 due to growing automation in agriculture, leading to reduced recruitment.

The Tongan government is now exploring options beyond agriculture for labour mobility.

RSE workers from Tonga recently departed NZ. Photo/South Pacific Seeds NZ

Fusimalohi points to the construction sector, where 54 workers and their families from Tonga are on three-year contracts in New Zealand, with 40 more expected to arrive soon.

While New Zealand’s intake has declined, Australia currently employs around 4000 Tongan workers under its own seasonal work programme.

Fusimalohi is concerned over the loss of skilled professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and teachers, to New Zealand, which has significantly affected their hospitals.

Elections ahead

With Tongan nationals preparing to vote later this year, Fusimalohi is optimistic that voters will be pleased with the government’s progress, despite their limited time in power.

The current government came into power on Christmas Eve following the unexpected resignation of former Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni shortly before a scheduled vote of no confidence.

Tonga Prime Minister Dr 'Aisake 'Eke came into power last Christmas Eve. Photo/PMN News/Joseph Safiti

Fusimalohi highlights their recent Budget savings of 30 million Tongan pa’anga (NZ$15m), which have been redirected to help small businesses.

The government is also working on public sector reform, noting that the Kingdom has an estimated 5000 public servants, which Fusimalohi says is too big for an economy as small as Tonga’s.

He also points to his government’s commitment to transparency and combating misinformation, which has resulted in more frequent and longer press conferences.

Tonga’s general elections will be held at the end of November.