One of the king of Tonga’s leading matāpule who held the title Motuʻapuaka died in the United States this morning, his matāpule Mafi-E-Vaohēhea has confirmed.
He said Motuʻapuaka suffered an illness before he died.
Motuʻapuaka is one of the king’s heralds who inherited and held lands in Tonga such as His Majesty’s nobles.
His estate is Teʻekiu in Tongatapu.
Motuʻapuaka’s roles included taking care of and making decision during any royal kava ceremony the king attended.
Right now Kaniva News provides a free, politically independent, bilingual news service for readers around the world that is absolutely unique. We are the largest New Zealand-based Tongan news service, and our stories reach Tongans wherever they are round the world. But as we grow, there are increased demands on Kaniva News for translation into Tongan on our social media accounts and for the costs associated with expansion. We believe it is important for Tongans to have their own voice and for Tongans to preserve their language, customs and heritage. That is something to which we are strongly committed. That’s why we are asking you to consider sponsoring our work and helping to preserve a uniquely Tongan point of view for our readers and listeners.
