The National Reserve Bank of Tonga (NRBT) has been awarded the “Best New Banknote Series” at the High Security Printing (HSP) Asia 2024 Conference in Bangkok, Thailand.
The award recognizes NRBT’s innovative New Currency Series, launched on December 4, 2023, by HRH Prince Ata in Nuku’alofa.
The new series, designed and printed by De La Rue under the authority of Tonga’s Privy Council, features vibrant imagery celebrating Tonga’s culture, history, and aspirations.
Highlights include depictions of whale watching, the Ha’amonga ‘a Maui Trilithon, the Royal Palace, and the NRBT building. A portrait of His Majesty King Tupou VI is central to each banknote, symbolizing national pride and unity.
Deputy Governor ‘Ungatea Lātū and Head of Currency Chief Manager Viliami ‘Akau‘ola accepted the award on behalf of NRBT.
Governor Sione Ngongo‘o Moeaki said, “NRBT welcomes the HSP Asia 2024 Award in its 20th Year … The award recognizes the international standard achieved by Tonga’s currency series, its high-security technological features to reflect our history, values, and collective future.”
De La Rue Managing Director Ruth Euling congratulated NRBT, saying, “It has been an honour to be your chosen partner on this project.”
The series incorporates both paper and polymer materials, enhancing durability and security. Denominations of 5 and 10 Tongan Pa‘anga notes are printed on polymer, while others, including the 2, 20, 50, and 100 notes, feature micro-optic thread paper.
Tonga joins previous Pacific winners, including Fiji and New Zealand, in receiving this esteemed accolade.
