King Tupou VI appoints church minister and former government Minister to Privy Council

Tonga’s King Tupou VI has appointed the Free Wesleyan General Secretary and a former government minister to His Privy Council.

Rev Dr. Tevita Koloaʻia Havea and Lord Tangi of Vaonukonuka were commissioned into the Council last week.

Rev Dr. Havea told Kaniva News their roles are to advise the king.

“Our supports are needed”, Dr Havea said in Tongan.

The new appointees have joined seven members of the Judicial Appointments and Discipline Panel which were led by Lord Chancellor Harry Waalkens Esquire QC.

Lord Tangi, a surgeon specialist and was appointed Health Minister in 1999 ran as candidate for Parliament in the 2010 election but he was unsuccessful.

The king has the constitutional power to appoint members of the Privy Council.