Scoop Audio: Selwyn Manning At the
Tongan King's Funeral
Scoop Co-editor Selwyn Manning was up at an ungodly hour this morning in order that he could fly to Tonga with the Prime Minister and various media and farewell the recently departed King of Tonga, King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV. Mr Manning checked in briefly with Scoop Wellington in order that he could paint a verbal picture of the proceedings.
Among the pomp and circumstance of the King's funeral Mr Manning was impressed that various New Zealand media were attempting to fit in with Tongan protocol among those who had made a special effort was TVNZ's Mark Sainsbury.
Following the funeral Mr Manning will be attempting to gauge the feeling of some of the 90% of Tongan people who have very limited democratic rights in the South Pacific Kingdom. Pictures and a video of the funeral will follow the return of the NZ media contingent and PM later tonight.
Listen To a description of the Tongan King's funeral by Scoop Co-editor Selwyn Manning
ENDS