By Matangi Tonga
A traditional funeral with military honours was held for Tonga's former deputy prime minister Lord Ma'afu Tukui'aulahi on Monday at the Huelo 'o Hangai Tomb, Tokomololo in Tongatapu.
Hundreds of people attended the burial ceremony at the tombs, where marquees were erected for the outdoor service. It was a public holiday in the Kingdom for the New Year and the funeral was the focus of activity on Tongatapu, the main island.
Funeral of Rt. Hon. Col.,Lord Ma'afu Tukui'aulahi at the Mala'e ko Huelo 'o Hangai (tombs) Tokomololo, Tongatapu on 3 January 2022. Photo: Pesi Fonua / Matangi Tonga
King Tupou VI comforts the family of the late Lord Ma'afu, Huelo 'o Hangai Tomb, Tokomololo, Photo: Pesi Fonua / Matangi Tonga
King Tupou VI, Queen Nanasipau'u and members of the Royal Family attended the traditional funeral.
Family members of Tonga's former deputy prime minister Lord Ma'afu Tukui'aulahi Photo: Pesi Fonua / Matangi Tonga
The funeral procession was led by the Royal Corps of Musicians with HMAF platoons. Joining the procession were HRH Prince Ata, Tongan nobles, the former Prime Minister, the Prime Minister and members of Cabinet and the family of the late nobleman.
People wearing black and funeral mats sat by the roadside at Tokomololo to pay their respects as the funeral cortége passed by.
Funeral of Rt. Hon. Col.,Lord Ma'afu Tukui'aulahi at the Mala'e ko Huelo 'o Hangai (tombs) Tokomololo, Tongatapu on 3 January 2022. Photo: Pesi Fonua / Matangi Tonga
At the tombs, King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau'u sat with members of the royal family, including HRH Princess Pilolevu.
The service was led by Pastor Fanueli Mataele of the Seventh Day Adventist Church.
The traditional interment rites were led by the Ha'a Tufunga.
Funeral of Rt. Hon. Col.,Lord Ma'afu Tukui'aulahi at the Mala'e ko Huelo 'o Hangai (tombs) Tokomololo, Tongatapu on 3 January 2022. The Prime Minister Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni (centre front) and VIPS. Photo: Eleanor Gee / Matangi Tonga
Choir at the Funeral of Rt. Hon. Col., Lord Ma'afu Tukui'aulahi at the Mala'e ko Huelo 'o Hangai (tombs) Tokomololo, Tongatapu on 3 January 2022. Photo: Eleanor Gee / Matangi Tonga
King Tupou VI laid a wreath at the tomb.
Heads of diplomatic missions, and defence attachés also paid their respects with the laying of wreaths.
Lord Ma'afu died on 12 December at Auckland City Hospital after a long illness.
