By Matangi Tonga
The funeral proceedings for Tonga's former deputy prime minister Lord Ma'afu are taking place in the Kingdom.
Lord Ma'afu died on December 12 at Auckland City Hospital after a long illness.
Mourners gather along Taufa'ahau Road at Vaini, Tongatapu, waiting for the funeral procession of Lord Ma'âfu to pass by. Photo: Eleanor Gee / Matangi Tonga
His remains were repatriated to Tonga on an Air New Zealand flight which arrived on Thursday.
The arrival was observed by Queen Nanasipau'u, the Prime Minister, members of parliament, foreign diplomats and other VIPs who were at a marquee at Fua'amotu Airport.
The funeral procession for Lord Ma'afu travelled from the airport, and passed through the estate of Vaini, where mourners wearing funeral mats sat on the roadside to pay their respects. Photo: Matangi Online
The funeral procession travelled from the airport, and passed through the estate of Vaini, where mourners wearing funeral mats sat on the roadside to pay their respects.
The funeral in Tonga was postponed after the cancellation of two Air New Zealand flights to Tonga on 21 and 28 December, due to volcanic activity at Hunga Ha'apai.
The casket was taken to Vaiola Hospital Mortuary, to be quarantined until Monday.
Mourners in Tonga wearing funeral mats sat on the roadside to pay their respects. Photo: Eleanor Gee / Matangi Tonga
Meanwhile traditional presentations will be made over the next few days at the Ongokie Residence (at Hofoa).
The funeral service on Monday will be conducted by Pastor Fanueli Mataele, the President of the Seventh Day Adventist Church.
Lord Ma'afu will be buried with his first wife Princess Lavinia Mata-o-Taone who passed away on 22 June 2018. They were married in 1980 and had two children Lavinia Fangaake Hoamofaleono Veikune and Tevita 'Unga Tangitau Ma'afu, and eight grandchildren.
Lord Ma'afu later married 'Uluakimata Tupou, and they had two daughters Charisse Ikafililava and Mele Seini 'Alalate.