The late King of Tonga, King George Tupou V
has been laid to rest.
Dignitaries from around the world including our Governor General
Jerry Mateparae attended the funeral.
Tini Molyneux has the details.
From the Royal palace, this will be his final journey.
The route to the royal burial grounds is one kilometre long.
The streets were adorned with woven mats.
The honour-guard from the Tongan armed forces
slowly leads the platform through the people of Tonga.
Children and elders lined the streets
and bowed their heads in respect.
150 pallbearers took the coffin to Malaekula.
A number of officials attended
to bid farewell to King George Tupou V.
The dignitaries included NZ Governor General Jerry Mateparae,
the Deputy PM Bill English, the Maori Minister Pita Sharples
and the Minister of Pacific Island Affairs Hekia Parata
as well as other officials from around the world.
Wesleyan region lead the prayers.
Through songs, the loss of the people could be felt.
King George Tupou V died in Hong Kong last week
and return to Tonga yesterday afternoon.
The king laid in state for one day and it was expected
that he'd be buried tomorrow.
However, his brother Tupou VI changed these plans
to respect his late brothers wishes not to prolong the mourning.
Tini Molyneux, Te Karere.
The people of Tonga mourned the late king throughout NZ.
As Roihana Nuri reports
that the King touched all corners of society - young and old.
This isn't a normal school day for these students of Tangaroa College.
For the Tongan community, it's an emotional day.
Tama'a Taufa has Maori and Tonga heritage,
and is deeply saddened by the death of her king George Tupou V.
Nearly 20% of the Tangaroa student population is Tongan.
The Principal says there are many students in the school
that have both Maori and Tongan ancestry.
Only time will alleviate the loss felt by this community.
Roihana Nuri, Te Karere.
Co-leader of the Maori Party Pita Sharples is part of
the NZ delegation at the funeral.
We cross live to him now in Tonga.
Describe the mood in Tonga at the moment.
The sadness can be felt throughout Tonga.
The young and old are grieving.
On this beautiful day, they farewell their king.
What did you think about the funeral service?
It was overwhelming to see the Tongan people
as they wept for their king.
We're here to show our support and solidarity and there are
just so many people here.
Have you spoken with the new king?
I haven't had the privilege of meeting the new King.
I was fortunate enough to meet the fourth and fifth kings,
but I've yet to meet the new king.
Perhaps in time, we'll meet.
Although you have yet to meet the new king,what have you heard of him?
What is the new king like?
He's a former PM of Tonga and I hope he has the same wishes
as the late King.
The late King opened doors for his people
and gave parliamentary members authority for the country's benefit.
It's important that that work is continued.
What does a new king mean for Tonga?
Tonga is in a good place at the moment.
Without first-hand experience, it's hard to understand
the significance of the Tongan Monarchy.
Everybody in Tonga fully supports the monarchy.
They dedicate their lives to it.
In good times, hard times and even extremely difficult times,
the monarchy is very important to them and they'll remain committed.
Everyone is hopes that the new king will lead well.
Previously, the Maori Party had a good relationship with King Tupou V
- will you initiate the same type of relationship with the new king?
I knew the former kings Siaosi Tupou IV and George Tupou V.
I was fortunate to enough to dine and converse
with them here in Tonga.
I hope I get that same opportunity with the new king.
Back to the funeral today, what customs have you seen today
that are similar or different to Maori?
A king's funeral is very different.
Children have been sitting patiently in the sun all day
and no one is running around.
You can see the monarchy is very important to them.
I believe this country will do well under the guidance of the monarchy
because they've given authority to members of Parliament
and officially, they say they're a democratic society.
Pita Sharples, thank you for your time.