King Tupou VI

Kaniva News reports photos uploaded to Facebook showed the king apparently checking out some goods in a shop.

One of the photos showed he was standing by the counter of a shop and was apparently talking to a shop keeper.

Kaniva News understands the 57 year-old monarch was in Auckland last week on his way to Singapore with his wife, Queen Nanasipau’u.

Reports on social media said a Tongan woman called Loumoli was shopping at one of the stores in the suburb when she was surprised to see the king.

The Health Minister Saia Piukala and the Director of Health, Siale 'Akauola, are part of the delegation, which wants training to help staff confront the surge in non-communicable diseases and public health issues.

Radio Tonga reports that Singapore's healthcare system has been rated one of the world's best by the World Health Organisation.

Photo: Massey University

The country held days of festivities and celebrations in July to mark the coronation of King Tupou VI, which was attended by heads of state, dignitaries and royal guests from around the world.

Massive clean up programmes were also held around the capital, Nuku'alofa.

The government had budgeted US$2.4 million for the logistical and ceremonial preparations, but it says it managed to save money through effective collaboration measures.

The St George Palace will be a four-storey office block, housing the Prime Minister's Office, the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, and the office of Trade and Foreign Affairs.

Radio Tonga reports that in his remarks at the building's beginning, the Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva, said the initiative was a vision of the late King George Tupou V.

China is providing a grant of US$11 million dollars to pay for the construction, to be done by Shanghai Construction Group.

The people in the outer islands showed they are recovering from the devastation left by Tropical Cyclone Ian in January last year through their food crops, fish, seafood and handicrafts on show. Last year they were not able to take part.

King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u opened the Ha’apai Show at the Lea’aetohi grounds in Pangai where colourful traditional dance performances were held.

The Royal Tour of the national shows will conclude in Tongatapu this week on August 21-22.