New Tonga Parliament construction contract signed.

New Zealand has signed the construction contract with Westland Construction to deliver the new Fale Alea and Office of the Legislative Assembly, with Ca’Bella Pacific Construction Tonga engaged as the prime subcontractor.

This milestone for the Tonga Parliament Building project is the culmination of a strong partnership between the Governments of Tonga, Australia and New Zealand.

“The Tonga Parliament will be one of the most recognisable buildings in Tonga. It will be the place in which all of the most important decisions are made about the future of Tonga” said Olivia Philpott from the New Zealand High Commission in Nuku’alofa.

Resilience to the effects of climate change is a key feature of the design with all buildings built to withstand cyclones, storm surges, and earthquakes. Construction is also expected to generate significant local jobs, with a 70% local labour target.

“We are pleased that together with New Zealand and the Legislative Assembly, Australia through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific, is working to create a building that will not only be resilient to natural disasters, sustainable, and energy efficient, but also encompasses Tonga’s cultural values and heritage and provide local jobs to Tongans” said Australia’s High Commissioner to Tonga Mr. Brek Batley.

Over 7,700 households contributed to the Fale Alea design through extensive community consultations with a prominent feature being the Legislative Assembly chamber, inspired by the Tongan architectural Fale design.

“The new Fale Alea will be at the heart of good governance, and will be a place where laws will be shaped with wisdom and legislation crafted with foresight for now and for future generations” said Lord Fakafanua, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.

Westland Construction was selected to deliver the project following a thorough procurement process involving the governments of New Zealand, Australia and Tonga. Westland Construction bring extensive building experience in the Pacific with a number of large scale construction projects, including in Tonga. They will be led by a team based on the ground in Tonga.

Egis Group have also been contracted to be the Contract Administrator and will work alongside on the ground in Tonga with local counterparts.

Construction is planned to begin in late July 2025 at the Talangaholo site.
ENDS