Tonga’s long-awaited new Parliament complex is set to begin construction in September 2025, with completion expected by 2027.
Members of Parliament were briefed on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) consultation, led by New Zealand’s Tonkin and Taylor Group. Discussions covered traffic concerns, potential effects on the lagoon, and long-term maintenance.
The NZD $32 million project, funded by Australia and New Zealand, will replace the original Parliament House, which was destroyed by Tropical Cyclone Gita in 2018.
After initial plans to rebuild on the Nuku’alofa waterfront were abandoned due to tsunami risks, the government selected a new site further inland at Pea on the Tufumahina Royal Estate.
The new complex will include meeting rooms, a media space, a throne room for the King and Royal Family, a library, and a kitchen. The design also incorporates 84 car parking spaces and Tongan cultural elements.
Built to withstand Category 5 cyclones, the structure is expected to last 100 years, with maintenance required after 30 to 40 years.
