Tonga

New Zealand and Tonga share a close and enduring relationship, built on historical ties, geographic proximity, shared values, and strong people-to-people connections (whanaungatanga / nofo ‘a kāinga). Formal diplomatic relations were established in 1970.

Tonga is the only Pacific nation with a constitutional monarchy and is officially known as the Kingdom of Tonga. In 2010, Tonga undertook a significant democratic reform, transitioning from an executive monarchy to a modern parliamentary democracy, and held its first fully democratic elections in November of that year.

In 2019, New Zealand and Tonga signed a Statement of Partnership, reaffirming a relationship based on sovereign equality and close friendship. The statement outlines shared commitments to democracy, human rights, gender equality, effective governance, the rule of law, environmental stewardship, and strong regional and international cooperation. Priority areas for joint action include climate change, stability and security, people-to-people connections, and shared prosperity. The Statement of Partnership(external link) was renewed in 2024.

Development cooperation and sustainability

New Zealand is a trusted development partner to Tonga, working together to deliver support in priority areas identified by the Government of Tonga. These include strengthening governance and public service performance, supporting parliamentary development, enhancing communications infrastructure resilience, and providing budget support linked to financial and economic reform.

We also partner with Tonga to build climate resilience and improve disaster preparedness and response. As one of the most natural disaster-prone countries in the world, Tonga continues to prioritise climate change adaptation and mitigation, and New Zealand remains committed to supporting these efforts.

Our regional governance support includes initiatives to strengthen parliamentary oversight, improve legislative drafting, enhance audit standards, assist the Office of the Ombudsman, and expand access to justice.

New Zealand has a long-standing commitment to Tonga’s education sector, supporting improved learning outcomes and workforce readiness. Our bilateral, regional, and multilateral investments aim to enhance access, quality, and equity across all levels of education.

Tongan scholars are eligible for the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships Programme(external link) which offers undergraduate and postgraduate tertiary scholarships, thematic short-term training, and vocational/professional short-term training. More information, including availability and application processes, are available here(external link).

The New Zealand High Commission Fund – Tonga supports small-scale, short-term community projects that contribute to local development and wellbeing. 

For detailed information on New Zealand’s development cooperation with Tonga—including project descriptions, timeframes, sectoral focus, and expenditure—visit DevData(external link).

Trade and investment

New Zealand is Tonga’s primary source of imports, while Tonga’s export economy is small and focused on fish and agricultural products. New Zealand supports initiatives that help grow Tonga’s export potential and build local expertise. Programmes such as the Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market Access Programme (PHAMA Plus) aim to improve productivity, support growers and exporters, and diversify market opportunities.

Both countries are parties to the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations(external link) (PACER Plus), a regional trade and development agreement that entered into force on 13 December 2020. PACER Plus supports sustainable economic growth and deeper regional integration.

For the latest information on New Zealand’s trade with Tonga, visit the New Zealand Trade Dashboard(external link).

People and culture

New Zealand and Tonga enjoy a warm and enduring relationship, underpinned by shared values, strong cultural and sporting links, and close people-to-people connections (whanaungatanga / nofo ‘a kāinga). Nearly 98,000 people of Tongan heritage live in New Zealand, contributing across all areas of society—including the arts, sports, business, politics, media, and academia.

Education is a key pillar of our relationship. Pathways to New Zealand residency are available through education, employment, and the Pacific Access Category visa(external link), which provides opportunities for Tongan citizens to settle in New Zealand each year.

Economic ties between our countries are strong. Tongan workers participate in the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme(external link), supporting New Zealand’s horticulture sector while delivering income and skills that benefit families and communities in Tonga. Remittances from the Tongan community in New Zealand also play a vital role in supporting Tonga’s economic resilience.

Defence

New Zealand’s defence relationship with Tonga is one of the longest-standing pillars of our bilateral partnership, built on deep historical ties. Members of the Tongan Armed Forces served alongside New Zealand troops—including Māori and regular battalions—during both World Wars. Until the 1970s, a New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) officer held the position of Commander of the Tongan Defence Forces.

Today, defence cooperation includes annual bilateral talks, training for His Majesty’s Armed Forces (HMAF), maritime surveillance, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, search and rescue operations, and a broad range of joint defence exercises. A New Zealand Defence Advisor is based in Tonga to support ongoing engagement.

New Zealand also maintains close security ties with Tonga through collaborative police, customs, and immigration initiatives, contributing to regional stability, resilience, and shared security goals.

Follow us

Facebook | New Zealand High Commission in Nuku'alofa(external link)