The King of Tonga will visit New Zealand next week for his first official state visit. He will be accompanied by wife, Queen Nanasipau'u.
As a part of his trip, the King will receive a formal State Welcome at Government House in Wellington on 25 February, followed by a State Dinner that evening. The King will also lay a wreath at the National War Memorial in Wellington before heading to Auckland to meet education providers.
King Tupou VI took over the reign after his brother, George Tupou V, died in Hong Kong last March.
Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae is looking forward to his visit.
"There are special bonds of friendship and community between Tonga and New Zealand and the King's visit marks a new chapter in the close relationship between our two countries," Mateparae said.
"We look forward in the coming years to strengthening the ties between us, which are underpinned by our shared Polynesian heritage, and a range of bilateral links in the arts, sport, education, trade and defence."
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