Pacific Games legal action

Lōpeti Senituli did not give further details about the claim by the Council yesterday that the government did not file its defence in time.

Acting Attorney General ‘Aminiasi Kefu said his “Office is not handling this matter for Government.”

“The Prime Minister’s Office has engaged outside counsel,” he said.

Pacific Games Council’s Chief Executive, Andrew Minogue reportedly said the council would call for a legal judgement to be made in their favour.

The Council and Tonga's Olympic Committee began the action against the government in May for damages incurred due to the belated withdrawal from hosting the 2019 Games.

RNZ Pacific understands that once the Summons of Writ was issued, the government had 28 days to respond.

The lawyer for the plaintiffs, William Edwards, said he filed the claim on May 25 and the government's representative indicated a response would be made by July 6.