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John Key with Tongan Prime Minister Feleti Sevele - Source: ONE News -
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The Prime Minister is pledging more financial support for Tonga, as it prepares for democratic elections and struggles to cope with the economic crisis.
John Key received a warm pacific welcome on his first Priministerial visit to Tonga but it was straight down to business with a meeting with the king of Tonga.
It was the serious issues that were the focus of the meeting, such Tonga's slow and tortuous transition from ruling monarchy to parliamentary democracy.
"Change is inevitable and I think we can manage it quite successfully," says Tongan Prime Minister Dr Feleti Sevele.
Three years ago, pro democracy supporters rioted through the streets of Tonga, destroying three quarters of the buildings. Eight people died, and hundreds were arrested. Tonga is still rebuilding.
New Zealand is helping with that, with Key announcing a boost in aid and funding for Tonga.
New Zealand has upped its aid to Tonga, from $12 million to $16 million over the next two years.
Some of the money will be spent on paving the road to democracy in the kingdom next year.
Two and a half million will go into strengthening the Tongan police force following the deadly 2006 pro-democracy riots which ransacked the capital.
Key says aid is vital to the developing country.
"We see that as an important step towards ensuring safety and security is paramount here," says Key.
Concerns about the economy are paramount among locals though.
The Prime Minister's confident there is a way out.
"We are affected rahter badly, but I think with a greater diligence and will greater prudent management we will be able to come out of it," says Sevele.
He is hoping to not only grow the small nation's economy, but to also ensure political change happens peacefully.
Key will visit Samoa before flying to Niue and the Cook Islands on Wednesday.
