4 Jun 2014

Sport: Tonga's national stadium gets funding boost

4:48 pm on 4 June 2014

The New Zealand Government will spend US$1.69 million on upgrading Tonga's national stadium in Nuku'alofa ahead of the 2019 Pacific Games.

The announcement was made by the Prime Minister John Key in Tonga this morning.

School children from Tonga's Nuku'alofa Primary School.

School children from Tonga's Nuku'alofa Primary School. Photo: RNZ / Jane Patterson

The first step in the upgrade work will be a New Zealand-funded feasibility study and design, and technical support for the Tongan Government.

Mr Key says Teufaiva Stadium is already an important site for domestic rugby, athletics and community events and would be a great venue for the Pacific Games.