Auckland Tongans form action group

About 60 Auckland-based Tongans gathered in an Otahuhu church last night to form an action committee to support the Tongan people.

The committee, to be chaired by the Rev Inoke Masima, was formed in response to a personal plea for help from the Tongan pro-democracy MP 'Akilisi Pohiva.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Pohiva said the failure of Royal Tongan Airlines was the latest symptom of deep problems within the island kingdom.

"It is just another example of the complete failure of the existing system to hold the people of Tonga together.

"Now we need the support of our people in New Zealand, any kind.

"It is a very serious situation for us, but I trust they will know what to do."