MPs clash in Tonga probe

By HELEN TUNNAH Deputy political editor

The political sensitivity of New Zealand's inquiry into Tonga became apparent yesterday as MPs argued over whether the Pacific state should be compared with Zimbabwe.

And one Tongan community leader told them they should stay out of the country's sovereign affairs.

The foreign affairs and defence select committee's inquiry into New Zealand's relationship with Tonga was expected to require delicate diplomacy, and the first day of hearings yesterday revealed why.

Progressive MP Matt Robson upset National MPs on the committee by comparing press freedom in Zimbabwe and Tonga.

He said he was not comparing Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe's atrocities to Tonga, but press freedom had been suppressed in both countries.

That brought a quick reaction from National MP Wayne Mapp.

"Myself and Georgina Te Heu Heu strongly disassociate ourselves from any kind of suggestion or statement from Mr Robson which compares Tonga anywhere near remotely with Zimbabwe," he said.

"Personally we find that quite offensive."

New Zealand First MP Dail Jones said he supported Mr Mapp's stand.

But Mr Robson said his comparison had been misinterpreted.

He said he was comparing press freedoms only.


Mr Robson asked for the inquiry last year. He is a long-time supporter of Tonga's pro-democracy movement, and has defended the right of a New Zealand parliamentary committee to inquire into government and democracy in the kingdom.

Tonga, governed under a constitutional monarchy, has been wracked by allegations of high-level corruption, including by members of the Royal Family.

Last year the constitution was changed to allow news organisations considered unsympathetic to the Government and those in power to be banned.

At yesterday's hearing, Hutt Valley Tongan leader Tevita Finau criticised New Zealand MPs who have publicly attacked Tonga and its king.

Mr Robson responded by asking why politicians should not seek the truth about a country.

"I believe your priority is New Zealand, not Tonga," Mr Finau replied.

"Tonga has every right to be a sovereign nation. Tonga has the same right to be respected and treated as its own sovereign nation."

Mr Finau earlier called for a boost to New Zealand's aid to Tonga.

He said tertiary fees cost about $1000 a year, and a poor family earned only $3000 a year.

The Hutt Valley Tongan Community was also concerned about the significant trade imbalance between the two countries.

New Zealand's exports to Tonga are worth more than $60 million a year, but Tonga exports just $1.6 million to New Zealand.

None of those making submissions yesterday wanted to explore Tonga's political situation in detail. But one woman giving evidence was moved to tears as she described the poor state of the country's hospital.

Registered nurse Nunia Fahamokioa said Tonga's main hospital had little equipment, and what there was might be obsolete.

It had trained and experienced medical staff, but their ability to provide care was limited.

"They're desperate," she said.

Ms Fahamokioa, vice-president of the Porirua Tongan Community Association, said one medical ward with 40 beds had only four power points.

What is happening

* Parliament's foreign affairs select committee is inquiring into New Zealand's relationship with Tonga.

* It will look at diplomatic relations, aid, defence and economic links.

* But it is also expected to hear from pro-democracy campaigners who will criticise a lack of democracy in Tonga and corruption among the elite.

* Tonga's Acting Prime Minister, Clive Edwards, has said the inquiry is patronising and a breach of sovereignty.