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An AIFFP grant is supporting the Government of Tonga, in partnership with the Government of New Zealand, to design and construct a new, climate-resilient parliamentary precinct following the destruction of Tonga’s Parliament by Tropical Cyclone Gita in 2018.

Rebuilding Tonga’s Parliament

Rebuilding Tonga’s Parliament

Nuku’alofa, Tonga

Signed and Announced

Type:
Transport and urban infrastructure
Investment:
AUD13 million grant
Project name:
Tonga Parliament Buildings Project

Delivery partners

Government of Tonga
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

We are proud to partner with the Governments of Tonga and New Zealand to restore Tonga’s seat of parliamentary democracy, strengthen regional cooperation, and deliver a resilient and culturally grounded public institution.

Australia is contributing a total of AUD18 million in grant funding, including AUD13 million through the AIFFP. The new facility will be a modern, fit-for-purpose complex that reflects Tonga’s cultural identity while providing functional and accessible spaces for lawmakers, staff, and the public.

Australia is providing support for the design and construction of Tonga’s new Parliament House and Office of the Legislative Assembly. The project is being delivered under a Delegated Cooperation Arrangement with New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), enabling close trilateral collaboration.

Over 7,700 households

contributed to the project’s design

70 per cent

local labour target

Over 7,700 households contributed to the project’s design through extensive community consultations, alongside input from government, cultural, and technical stakeholders. The precinct will feature:

  • A legislative chamber inspired by traditional Tongan Fale architectur
  • Committee and public engagement room
  • Administrative office
  • Educational and civic spaces

Located on the Talangaholo site on the outskirts of Nuku’alofa, the precinct will be sustainably built to withstand cyclones, storm surges, and seismic activity, and will use sources of renewable energy.

Construction of the precinct is expected to generate significant local employment, with a 70% local labour target. Once completed, the facility will be managed and maintained by the Government of Tonga.

AIFFP contribution

AUD13 million grant

Amount (AUD million)Fixed interest rateTenor
AUD13 millionn/an/a

DFAT is contributing an AUD5 million grant

Impact

The project will restore a central institution of governance in Tonga, support civic participation, and strengthen democratic processes. It also demonstrates Australia’s enduring commitment to climate-resilient infrastructure and effective partnerships in the Pacific.