27 Oct 2021

Tongan olympians finally heading home from New Zealand

From , 6:00 am on 27 October 2021

Tongan Olympians, stranded in New Zealand since August because of the delta outbreak will finally be heading home

They will be boarding a special repatriation flight which departs from Christchurch for Nukualofa on Wednesday afternoon with about 200 passengers including RSE workers.

Secretary General for the Tonga Olympic Committee, Takitoa Taumoepeau, says five of the Olympians will be onboard the flight but one Olympian is stranded in Auckland and won't be able to fly home yet.

Kuinini Manumua is the first woman to represent Tonga in the sport at the Olympic Games.

Kuinini Manumua is the first woman to represent Tonga in the sport at the Olympic Games. Photo: International Weightlifting Federation