Tonga lashes out at 'vile threats' from NZ MPs

By SCOTT MacLEOD

The Tongan Government has reacted angrily to comments from two New Zealand MPs, saying it rejects their "vile threats".

Relations appeared to grow even more fraught yesterday when Tonga's acting Prime Minister, Clive Edwards, called the New Zealand High Commissioner to an urgent meeting.

He gave Warwick Hawker a ticking-off about comments by Act MP Ken Shirley and United Future leader Peter Dunne, and sought an assurance that the statements did not reflect the views of the New Zealand Government. That assurance was apparently given.

Mr Shirley had said on Tuesday that Tonga's governance and society was the antithesis of classical liberalism, and "represents the worst of two conflicting cultures".

New Zealand had "much more to do" to fix the situation, he said.

Mr Edwards said the statement carried what was effectively a threat, which Tonga strongly rejected.

"Mr Shirley could spend his time addressing some of the issues in New Zealand rather than seeking cheap publicity on making outrageous statements about a non-existent issue ... Tonga is sick and tired of politicians like Mr Shirley."

He then turned his attention to Mr Dunne, who has been calling for a tough line on Tonga for at least six months. Mr Edwards accused Mr Dunne of trying to bully Pacific states and said he should "concern himself with the affairs of his own country". The flare-up came amid growing unease at Tonga's actions, which many see as undemocratic.

Tonga's constitution was rewritten to stop courts from reviewing the King's actions and to curb press freedom.

Mr Dunne chairs the foreign affairs, defence and trade select committee which is examining New Zealand's relationship with Tonga, including the human rights in the kingdom.

Foreign Minister Phil Goff's office last night confirmed that there had been a meeting between the high commissioner and a Tongan politician.

A spokesman said Mr Goff met a senior Tongan minister on Wednesday, during which the relationship between the countries was discussed.

Mr Goff had "met the concerns" of the Tongans about views expressed by MPs and the select committee.

Mr Goff had pointed out that similar committees had examined New Zealand's relationships with the United States and Australia this year, the spokesman said.

Mr Dunne last night said the committee was "not a witch-hunt", and his comments were never intended as a threat.

Mr Shirley could not be contacted.

Tongans who spoke to Radio New Zealand this week were divided on whether New Zealand should push for change in their homeland.