Tonga harbour in Nuku'alofa Photo: RNZ
Tonga's infrastructure minister, Etuate Lavulavu, has issued a public apology for picking up rubbish on a Sunday.
In a statement, Mr Lavulavu says he had no intention to breach the Sunday law by picking up the rubbish, and was trying to ensure that Tonga was kept clean.
He says he deeply regrets his actions, and is grateful to everyone who contributed to keeping Tonga clean and beautiful.
Mr Lavulavu has asked the public to pick up their rubbish after events on Saturdays so that public places will continue to be clean on Sunday.