7 Mar 2018

New Zealand PM in Tonga

8:49 am on 7 March 2018

The New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is in Tonga today on the third leg of her Pacific Mission.

Jacinda Ardern and her partner, Clarke Gayford, are welcomed after landing in Tonga.

Jacinda Ardern and her partner, Clarke Gayford, are welcomed after landing in Tonga. Photo: Pool photo / Michael Craig / New Zealand Herald

Tonga's prime minister Akilisi Pohiva welcomed Ms Ardern on her arrival in the kingdom yesterday afternoon conveying his gratitude for New Zealand's assistance with the recovery from Cyclone Gita.

Ms Ardern has been accompanied by the deputy prime minister Winston Peters and other members of her cabinet as well as a 60 strong cross-party delegation.

The Tongan Broadcasting Commission reported that today's visit will include a Women's Leadership Breakfast, followed by a meeting with her Tongan counterpart and an official visit to Fasi moe Afi Government Primary School and the village of Pili to witness the damage caused by Gita.

It is Ms Adern's first official visit to Tonga since taking office.

Yesterday the prime minister was in Niue, which followed a visit to Samoa earlier in the week.

Jacinda Ardern and her delegation will depart Tonga for the Cook Islands tomorrow afternoon.

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