The Tongan government is to appoint a New Zealander to head the police force.
Tonga has been without a permanent police commander since December 2006 when Sinilau Kolokihakaufisi resigned a few weeks after the riots which destroyed much of the centre of Nuku'alofa.
There had been widespread criticism of the police's inability to quell the rioters.
The post was advertised early this year but the Matangi Tonga website reports the Minister of Police, Siaosi 'Aho, as saying none of the seven candidates was suitable.
He says this prompted a request for an officer from the New Zealand Police.
The website also says the Australian Federal Police, the New Zealand police and the aid agencies of both countries will shortly commit to a development programme for the Kingdom's force.
