Construction Phase of Tonga’s New Parliament Building Officially Launched

The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga, Lord Fakafanua, delivered official remarks on behalf of the Members of Parliament to mark the commencement of the construction phase for Tonga’s new Parliament House — Fale Alea ‘o Tonga.

In his speech, Lord Fakafanua acknowledged the significance of the moment, noting the long journey since the loss of the original Parliament building:

“This day has been a long time coming. Since the destruction of our former Chambers and Secretariat buildings in 2018, we have awaited this milestone with hope and determination. The Fale Alea ‘oku Tu‘uloa, by both name and purpose, represents an enduring Parliament — one that is not only structurally resilient, but unwavering in its mission. Rooted in our Tongan identity and inspired by the architectural legacy of our ancestors, this new House will serve not only as the seat of our legislature, but as a living symbol of our sovereignty, heritage, and resilience.”

Lord Fakafanua expressed deep gratitude to His Majesty for the generous provision of the construction site at Talangaholo, and extended thanks to the Governments of Australia and New Zealand for their steadfast support.

“Their significant financial and technical contributions reflect a sincere respect for Tonga’s self-determination and democratic governance. The values guiding this project — local empowerment, environmental stewardship, and cultural integrity — strongly resonate with our national vision.”

The launch event was attended by key stakeholders, including H.E. Mr. Brek Batley, Australian High Commissioner to Tonga; a representative from the New Zealand High Commission; representatives from Westland Construction and Ca’Bella Pacific Construction Tonga — the firms responsible for the build — as well as officials from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and other relevant agencies.

The primary aim of the launch was to bring all project stakeholders together for the first time, establishing a unified and collaborative foundation for the successful delivery of this landmark national project.