Protesters back at Tongan King's residence

Tongan protesters were back outside their King's Auckland residence today in support of a month-long public service strike in Tonga.

The protesters, who numbered about 100 and included women and children, sought a meeting with King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV, who is in Auckland.

They wanted the King to hear personally their views on the Tongan Government's refusal to give civil servants significant pay rises.

With about a dozen police officers at hand, they were met outside the Epsom property by the King's secretary, Ma'afu Tukuiaulahi, who said he was prepared to have a formal meeting with them tomorrow.

"I said, come back tomorrow tell me what you are angry about and we will sort it out in a peaceful way," he told NZPA.

"They will come back and sit down with me and I will hear exactly what they are protesting about."

Asked about the prospects of a meeting between the protesters and the King, he said that would be "the next step".

The protest today, while noisy at times, was peaceful.

In a similar action yesterday the Tongan flag was burned and a lock on the gates was smashed.

Protest leader Alani Taione said those present today still had respect for the King.

"At the end of the day, we need to express our concerns about what is happening in Tonga."

Mr Taione said he was confident a meeting with the King would be arranged.

- NZPA