The Deputy Prime Minister highlights economic reform and labour mobility during visit to New Zealand ahead of national elections.
Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Taniela Fusimalohi is in New Zealand this week to strengthen ties with the Tongan diaspora and address key economic issues including labour mobility and public sector reform.
In an interview with PMN Tonga, Fusimalohi said the visit was part of efforts to connect with Tongans abroad, who contribute an estimated one billion pa’anga annually to Tonga’s economy.
“We want to acknowledge the value of our people overseas,” he said, noting that nearly 98,000 Tongans now live in New Zealand, with most based in Auckland.
Fusimalohi is joined by HRH Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala, who also serves as Minister for Foreign Affairs. The visit coincides with preparations for Tonga’s 150th Constitution anniversary in November. Fusimalohi confirmed an ‘International Day’ will be marked on 3 November to honour the diaspora.
He acknowledged a drop in Tonga’s Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme numbers, which have fallen from 2400 pre-COVID to around 1000, citing increased automation in agriculture.
To counter this, government is shifting focus to sectors like construction. “We’ve sent 54 workers and their families to New Zealand on three-year contracts, with 40 more set to leave soon,” he said.
Fusimalohi also raised concerns over the emigration of professionals such as doctors and teachers, which has strained the health and education services.
With elections set for late November, Fusimalohi expressed confidence that voters will be pleased with the government’s progress, despite their limited time in office. He Fusimalohi highlights government’s recent Budget savings of 30 million pa’anga, which have been redirected to help small businesses.
Further reforms, including reducing Tonga’s 5000-strong public sector, which Fusimalohi says is too big for an economy as small as Tonga’s, remain key priorities.
